Facts About Anxiety That You May Not Know

While it's normal and functional to feel anxious in challenging situations, such as a first date or job interview, anxiety poses a problem when the endless baseless worrying and obsessive thoughts take over your life. If you suffer from anxiety, or know someone who does, then you know how overwhelming and burdensome the condition can be. Whether or not you're familiar with anxiety, here are some interesting facts about the mental illness that you may not know.

Anxiety is among the most common mental illnesses in the UK

If you suffer from anxiety, know that you are not alone. In fact, anxiety disorders are one of the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses in the UK.  A survey covering Great Britain found 1 in 6 adults had experienced some form of "neurotic health problem" in the previous week, with the most common being anxiety and depressive disorders. Research has also found more than 1 in 10 people are likely to suffer from a disabling anxiety disorder at some stage in their life, and about 13% of the adult population will develop a phobia at some time point (Source). 

More women have anxiety than men

While anxiety affects both men and women, most anxiety is more common in women. In England, women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders (Source). According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, women in the U.S. are twice as likely as men to have generalized anxiety disorder (GED), panic disorder, and specific phobias.

It's not all mental

Anxiety doesn't just mess with your thoughts; it presents a number of physical symptoms too. Those who suffer from anxiety may experience headaches, fatigue, insomnia, tremors, muscle tension, dizziness or upset stomach. Often times, anxiety patients mistake their physical anxiety symptoms for a medical illness.  

Many anxiety sufferers don't seek treatment

While anxiety disorders can be treated with medication and/or psychotherapy, many sufferers don't seek treatment. It's estimated that only one-third receive treatment for their anxiety.

Anxiety can be caused by life events and genetics

Some patients are surprised to find out they have anxiety when they haven't suffered a traumatic or stressful life event. According to Stuart MacFarlane, a leading psychotherapist, anxiety disorders are can arise from a variety of risk factors, including brain chemistry, genetics, and trauma. 

Mental Health 101: Signs Of Depression To Recognize

Everyone experiences a wide range of emotions on a daily basis and we all can feel sad or 'blue' from time to time. However, if the feelings of despair and emptiness have taken over your life and won't go away on their own, you might have depression. Depression can manifest itself a number of ways and it tends to make every day functions more difficult and less enjoyable. With that said, no matter how sad or hopeless you may feel, you can conquer depression to feel better. Let's go over the signs, symptoms, causes and treatment options so you can have a better understanding of it.

What Is Depression?

According to Stuart MacFarlane, an experienced psychotherapist, depression is an illness that impacts the brain, which can negatively affect the way an individual feels, thinks and behaves. It typically causes severe feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Depression can lead to a variety of physical and emotional problems that can lower the person's ability to function at work, at home and in social environments.

What Are The Signs & Symptom?

Depression can vary from person to person but there are a few common and recognizable signs. Some signs and symptoms include:

• Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and sadness.
• No longer interested in activities that were once enjoyable – hobbies, social activities, games, etc.
• Trouble concentrating, focusing or making decisions
• Body aches
• Change in sleep habits – experiencing insomnia or oversleeping
• Change in eating habits – significant weight gain or weight loss
• Feeling fatigued, sluggish or having no energy
• Erratic escapist behaviors like alcohol/drug abuse, gambling, shopping sprees, diving dangerously, etc.
• Feeling angry, irritable, short-tempered

What Are Treatment Options?

When someone is depressed, it's important that they seek professional help because it's a mental illness that's extremely hard to treat alone. A doctor or psychologist may use a combination of treatments that may include:

• Anti-depressant medication
• Psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy
• Lifestyle changes
• Exercise routine
• And other treatment options 

The majority of depressed individuals who seek treatment often see vast improvements, which is why it's extremely important to get help.