Mental health awareness: Anxiety and depression

Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health concerns, especially in the wake of today’s environment. Adults and children alike face these struggles every day, many not knowing they can get help.

Anxiety

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1%) have an anxiety disorder. Meanwhile, approximately 7% of children aged 3-17 experience issues with anxiety each year. Most people develop symptoms before age 21.

Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each having unique symptoms. However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening. People can experience symptoms such as feelings of apprehension or dread, tension, restlessness, irritability, pounding or racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, tremors, headaches, fatigue and upset stomach.

Depression

Depression affects millions of people every year. Occasionally feeling low or sad is a normal reaction to life’s challenges, but feeling helpless, hopeless or worthless for an extended period of time may be a sign of depression. People suffering from this condition often have difficulty performing day to day activities such as waking up, showering, eating meals, going to work or hanging out with friends.

The causes of depression can range from a chemical imbalance in the brain to a traumatizing experience. Symptoms of depression may include insomnia, oversleeping, fatigue, poor concentration, changes in appetite and irritability.

There is help and hope

Fortunately, there are many different treatment options available. Working with a mental health professional or a primary health care provider can help determine the best approach to combatting depression or anxiety and improving quality of life.

As always, the employee assistance program is available 24/7/365 to provide advocacy and resources to support a variety of mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, work-related pressures, relationship issues or substance abuse.

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