When It's More Than Stress
Everyone feels stress. In small doses, stress may be good for you when it gives you a burst of energy. But too much stress or stress that lasts for a long time can take its toll on your body. Stress can make you feel run down, sad, nervous, angry or irritable. It can cause headaches, muscle tension, upset stomach, nausea, dizziness or feelings of despair, and may cause you to eat more or eat less than normal. In the long-term, stress can raise your risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and reproductive problems and weaken your body’s ability to fight disease. It can also raise your risk of depression and anxiety disorders.
Depression
Depression affects more people than any other mental health condition –more than 19 million Americans each year. Could it be affecting you? Everyone gets down from time to time, but sometimes it’s more than “the blues.” Clinical depression is a real illness that can be treated effectively. Unfortunately, fewer than half of the people who have depression seek treatment. Too many people believe that depression is a normal part of life’s ups and downs, rather than a real health problem. As a result, they may delay seeking help or not seek help at all.
Breaking Down the Myths About Depression (PDF)
Depression is Real Listen to the online audiocast talk show called "The Down and Up Show," from The Depression Is Real Coalition.
What Are The Signs Of Depression?
- Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
- Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping more than usual
- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
- Loss of pleasure and interest in once-enjoyable activities
- Restlessness, irritability
- Difficulty concentrating at work or at school, or difficulty remembering things or making decisions
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
- Thoughts of suicide or death
If you experience five or more of these symptoms for two weeks or longer, you may have depression. See a doctor or mental health professional for help right away. To find help or get more information about depression, contact your local Mental Health America affiliate or Mental Health America at 800-969-6642.
Anxiety Disorders
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 40 million American adults are affected by anxiety disorders each year. So how do you know when it’s more than just stress?
People with anxiety disorders may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Excessive (and often irrational) worry
- Tension and irritability
- Fear surrounding certain situations
- Physical symptoms, including headaches, digestive problems and muscle tension
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Increase in avoidant behaviors, like drinking or drug use, or social withdrawal
These disorders can arise suddenly, and the feelings of anxiety can happen over and over again. The good news is that treatment is available. The earlier you get help, the sooner you can get some relief. While there are a number of anxiety disorders; some of the more common disorders are described below.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is continual, extreme worry and tension. Usually this intense worry is accompanied by other symptoms, like fatigue, headaches and muscle tension. Sometimes the source of the worry is hard to identify specifically and instead takes the form of a constant feeling of dread.
Panic Disorder is when someone experiences repeated panic attacks. These attacks include feelings of terror combined with physical symptoms such as a pounding heart, chest pain, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, numbness and fear of dying. Panic attacks happen fast and appear out of the blue. There is usually no logical or visible cause for these attacks, although they can have certain triggers.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is marked by obsessions –repeated, upsetting thoughts and images –that a person cannot control. To combat these images and thoughts and ease anxiety, a person with OCD spends time in repetitive rituals, called compulsions, such as hand washing or checking and re-checking door locks. This complex disorder can take many forms.
Phobias occur when someone feels intense fear about a certain situation or event that is out of proportion to the actual harm possible. For example, claustrophobia, the fear of confined spaces, and acrophobia, the fear of heights, are common phobias. These disorders are serious and interfere with everyday life, as the person may avoid the situations or objects that cause the fear. It is important to differentiate a phobia from general nervousness about public speaking, riding in elevators, or being in large crowds, for example.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can happen after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as military combat, a serious accident or sexual assault. Symptoms include repeatedly thinking about the trauma, being constantly alert or on guard, and avoiding reminders of the trauma.
If left untreated, an anxiety disorder can lead to depression, and the disorders often happen at the same time. You should know that anxiety disorders are treatable and with help, you can feel better.
For help finding treatment, support groups, medication information, help paying for your medications, your local Mental Health America affiliate, and other mental health-related services in your community, please click here to access our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. If you or someone you know is in crisis now, seek help immediately. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24 hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance.
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