Anxiety and depression: the causes and treatments
Written by:Anxiety and depression are increasingly common mental health problems that can cause a lot of distress if they are not treated. In his latest article, Dr Ranjit Sagoo offers his expert insight into these conditions, and explains what causes them and how they can be managed.
What are anxiety and depression?
Anxiety and depression are mental health problems that are becoming increasingly common in today's society. Anxiety is a condition where we're in a persistent sort of stressed state. In normal circumstances, we should be experiencing just very short bursts of stress responses. However, the constant, persistent stress of today’s society is causing us to have elevated, long-term chronic stress responses, that become more pervasive and intrusive in our lives.
Both stress and anxiety can become overwhelming and difficult to control. If we are suffering from depression, symptoms can include a very low mood, difficulty concentrating, low self-esteem and motivation.
What causes anxiety and depression?
There can be numerous causes of anxiety and depression. This includes financial problems, work stress, difficulties at school, and problems with relationships.
Things like social isolation can be a big factor, as can our physical health. If we're dealing with chronic pain, and long-term health conditions, they can start to impact our mental health.
A combination of several of the above factors can also lead to anxiety or depression.
How are anxiety and depression treated and what can happen if they go untreated?
There are numerous different ways of treating anxiety and depression.
Medicine is one way, but there are multiple different non-pharmacological forms of treatment. Physical activity and exercise, mindfulness, counselling, and CBT coaching are commonly suggested. All these can all be really helpful in helping people, who are going through difficulties with stress, anxiety and depression.
How can people manage anxiety and depression?
There are many different things people can do themselves to help manage their symptoms. Exercise, physical activity and just getting out in nature can help put the mind at ease.
These activities can help calm anxiety, raise our mood, and help promote a healthy sleep routine. Sleep is important as it reduces the stress response inside the body. In addition to these activities, treatments such as psychotherapy, counselling, CBT coaching, as well as setting goals and action plans, can help to manage day-to-day stress and anxiety.
Dr Ranjit Sagoo is a leading health and wellbeing coach based in Birmingham, with more than 15 years of experience. If you would like to book a consultation with Dr Sagoo, you can do so today via his Top Doctors profile.
