Uncategorised

Anxiety

Let's Talk About Anxiety

Anxiety is normal - our brains are wired to be alert to danger.

Feelings of anxiety can help us prepare, focus and protect ourselves.

However, where these feelings persist and disrupt your daily life, they can be harmful and may indicate that you have an anxiety disorder.

Symptoms can include dizziness, sweating, shortness of breath, palpitations, nausea, indecisiveness, irritability, distress and avoidance of situations or places.

There are many treatment options available. Always speak to your GP in the first instance.

What is an Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety is when you feel worried, tense or fearful, especially about things that are about to happen or which you think may occur in the future. Most people feel anxious at times. It is an entirely normal response to specific situations, such as feeling worried about a work situation or facing a significant event. However, if your anxiety becomes long-lasting or intense, it can start to interfere with your daily life, and you should seek help.

Anxiety disorders are common and can vary from mild general symptoms to intense symptoms of a panic attack. It is estimated that 284 million people worldwide have had an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, which is about 4% of the global population (GBD Results Tool, 2019). The overall prevalence of mental ill-health, including anxiety disorders, in Northern Ireland is around 25% higher than in England or Scotland.

What are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder?

Everyone’s experience is different, and therefore not everyone with an anxiety disorder will have the same symptoms.

Some of the most common symptoms are:

Thoughts – premonitions of bad things, uncontrollable overthinking, confusion, lack of concentration.
Feelings – fear, worry, nervousness, agitation, irritability.
Physical – headaches, muscle/chest pain, sweating, tingling, numbness, shaking, dizziness, changes in appetite, rapid or shallow breathing, rapid heartbeat or palpitations, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.
Behaviour – avoidance of places, people or situations, not going out, obsessive or compulsive behaviour, increased use of alcohol or drugs.

What Causes Anxiety Disorders?

When you become aware of a potential threat or danger, your brain responds by setting off its panic button. It releases hormones that prepare your body to react with the fight, flight, or freeze response. For example, when a car sounds its horn to prevent you from walking out in front of it, your brain responds, and you move out of the way.

Sometimes, these potential threats or dangers are imagined. For example, you might feel anxious thinking about speaking in front of a large group of people, despite no physical risk being present.

Usually, when the threat or danger has passed, the body returns to a normal state reasonably quickly.

However, if you have an anxiety disorder, your body may remain in a state of high alert, and you might find it difficult to switch off these bodily responses.

Depression and Anxiety

These commonly go hand-in-hand. When you are depressed, you often worry about the future and have a mixture of anxiety and depression. If you have been experiencing high stress levels over a long period, it may lead to depression. For more information about depression visit our learn more about depression page.

How can AWARE NI help?

We have a range of support services available to help with depression, anxiety and bipolar.

Click here to learn more
If a friend, family member, or someone else you care for has a mental illness, you may at times feel hopeless and helpless.

Click here to learn more
Check out our free factsheets, including the ‘Helping You with Anxiety’ PDF, and learn more about depression, anxiety, and bipolar.

Click here to learn more

Treatment

Treatment for depression may involve self-help, talking therapies and medication. Once a diagnosis has been made, your GP will talk you through the different options that might work for you. Some of these include:

Self-help and Looking After Your Mental Health

It is important to remember that many people can recover from depression through self-help alone. However, this may be initially difficult as you may lack the energy and motivation to do things that may help. Accordingly, your GP may discuss some self-help options with you that are appropriate to your circumstances and embark on a period of 'watchful waiting'. During this time, they will monitor your progress regularly.

Talking to family or friends about how you are feeling
Keeping as active as possible
Avoiding alcohol and non-prescribed drugs
Visit your GP
Keeping to a routine - going to bed and rising at approximately the same time each day
Trying a new hobby
Try eating as healthily as you can
Try some relaxation techniques
Reduce caffeine intake especially if feeling anxious

Talking therapies (psychotherapies)

If your GP feels that it may be helpful, they may refer you for appropriate one-to-one talking therapy. Talking therapies involve talking to a trained professional or therapist over a series of sessions. Some types of talking therapies are:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been proven to be very effective for mild/moderate depression and in preventing relapse. It works on the basis that if we change our unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviour, it will improve how we feel mentally and physically. The Living Life to The Full programme delivered by AWARE NI is based on CBT principles - click here for more information.
Counselling involves talking to a trained counsellor about the problems you are experiencing. It can be effective where there appears to be some underlying reasons or circumstances which may have contributed to the onset of depression or is prolonging the illness. To find a list of Counsellors in your area, you can check out the website www.counselling-directory.org.uk.

Medication

Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed and evidence-based medication for treating moderate/severe depression. They work by boosting certain brain chemicals that affect mood. It is essential to take them exactly as prescribed and only stop taking them when advised by your GP. You may need to try a few different types before finding one that works for you.

You should tell your GP as soon as possible if you experience side effects from antidepressants, even if they disappear or are tolerable. Antidepressants can also react with other medications, but your GP will talk you through this. A standard course of antidepressant medication can last for at least six months after recovery.

*Medication is vital in the treatment of bipolar. If affected, you may be prescribed several types of medicines, including a mood stabiliser, antidepressant medication and anti-psychotic medication if required.*

How can AWARE NI help?

AWARE NI Support Groups welcome those living with low mood, depression, anxiety or bipolar, and their families and carers. The groups provide an opportunity to meet others going through similar experiences as you. This peer-led support can help you understand your illness, allow you to speak freely about your feelings, and make you realise that you are not alone. Support group members share information, discuss options and support each other to move forward.

We have a range of support services available to help with depression, anxiety and bipolar.

Click here to learn more
If a friend, family member, or someone else you care for has a mental illness, you may at times feel hopeless and helpless.

Click here to learn more
Check out our free factsheets, including the ‘Helping You Look After Your Mental Health’ PDF, and learn more about depression, anxiety, and bipolar.

Click here to learn more

Symptoms of Depression

Understanding Depression Types

Depression may be categorised as 'mild', 'moderate' or 'severe' depending on the intensity of symptoms present.

The following terms may also be used to describe specific types of depression:

Clinical Depression

This is a general term used to describe the illness of depression, which affects how a person feels, thinks, and manages daily life. For a broader understanding of what depression is, including its symptoms, causes, and impact, you can find more information on our About Depression page.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Depression occurring at a particular time of year or during a specific season. This is most commonly experienced in winter due to a lack of sunlight.
Postnatal Depression (PND)

Postnatal depression (PND) is an illness affecting up to 15% of mothers. About one-third of these will have developed the symptoms during pregnancy. These symptoms include tiredness, anxiety and irritability, but with PND, there may not be strong feelings of sadness or unhappiness. This may mean that those affected don't seek help as they believe it is a result of sleep loss and coping with the demands of a new baby.

It is different from the 'Baby Blues' in that these are experienced by about 60% of women, usually starting on the third day after birth. Symptoms include feeling tearful and/or irritable for no apparent reason. These are due to hormonal changes and for most women last only one or two days, but no longer than 10 days. PND generally starts a few weeks after the birth and lasts longer.

For more information and support visit our Wellbeing During Pregnancy page.
Bipolar (previously known as manic depression)

Bipolar disorder (previously known as manic-depression) is a serious illness, and those affected may experience depression lasting weeks or months, alternating with bouts of elation or mania ('highs') of variable duration.

For more information and support, visit our Bipolar page.
Psychotic Depression

Psychotic depression is a severe form of the illness where, in addition to the other common symptoms, those affected may lose contact with reality and experience hallucinations or delusions.

Some other terms you might hear are:

Recurrent depression

When someone experiences more than one episode of the illness. It is pretty common, although episodes can vary in severity, and individuals may have periods where they are well between episodes.

Reactive depression

If your doctor thinks that your depression has been triggered by difficult events in your life, such as divorce or money worries, they may say that it is reactive.

Dysthymia

Continuous mild depression that lasts for two years or more. Also called persistent depressive disorder or chronic depression.

How can AWARE NI help?

We have a range of support services available to help with depression, anxiety and bipolar.

Click here to learn more
If a friend, family member, or someone else you care for has a mental illness, you may at times feel hopeless and helpless.

Click here to learn more
Check out our free factsheets, including the ‘Helping You with Depression’ PDF, and learn more about depression, anxiety, and bipolar.

Click here to learn more

Types of Depression

Depression may be categorised as 'mild', 'moderate' or 'severe' depending on the intensity of symptoms present.

The following terms may also be used to describe specific types of depression:

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (previously known as manic-depression) is a serious illness and those affected may experience depression lasting weeks or months, alternating with bouts of elation or mania ('highs') of variable duration.

Those affected by the illness may have 'normal' mood for months or even years. The mood-swings of bipolar disorder should not be confused with the mood changes that we all experience from time to time. They are much more intense and prolonged and can have a devastating effect on the individual and their relationships. Have a look at the video below by Dr. Diana Cody which looks at Bipolar Affective Disorder in more detail.
Dysthymia

This is an on-going form of the illness where those affected may not meet the diagnostic criteria for depression but nevertheless experience chronic low mood, which can last for a period of years and affects their enjoyment of life.
Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression (PND) is an illness affecting up to 15% of mothers. About one third of these will have developed the symptoms during pregnancy. These symptoms include tiredness, anxiety and irritability but with PND, there may not be strong feelings of sadness or unhappiness. This may mean that those affected don't seek help as they believe it is a result of sleep loss and coping with the demands of a new baby. It is different from the 'Baby Blues' in that these are experience by about 60% of women, usually starting on the third day after birth. Symptoms include feeling tearful and/or irritable for little or no reason. These are due to hormonal changes and for most women last only one or two days but no longer than 10 days. PND generally starts a few weeks after the birth and lasts longer.
Psychotic depression

This is a severe form of the illness where, in addition to the other common symptoms, those affected may at some time lose contact with reality and experience hallucinations or delusions. Many people experiencing psychotic depression will require hospital treatment at some stage.
Reactive and Endogenous depression

These are old terms based on the supposed causes of the illness which are now rarely used. Reactive or exogenous depression, meaning coming from external factors, was seen as a depression brought on by life events or circumstances.

Endogenous meaning coming from within or having no apparent external cause, was believed to have a strong genetic basis i.e. it was hereditary. However now it is generally acknowledged that all cases of the depression are to some degree partly reactive and partly endogenous.

The severity of the illness is seen as more important than the cause and so as stated above depression is generally classified as mild, moderate or severe and treated accordingly.
Recurrent depression

Recurrent depression is where someone experiences more than one episode of the illness. It is quite common, although episodes can vary in severity and individuals may have periods where they are well between episodes.
Seasonal affective disorder

This is a form of depression, which seems to be brought on or made worse by lack of sunlight during the winter months.
Secondary depression

This refers to depressive episodes that occur in response to other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, as a result of alcohol/drug abuse or arising from a physical illness such as a viral infection or Parkinson's disease.
Unipolar depression

Unipolar depression is an umbrella term for all the types of depression listed below where an individual experiences one, or more, episodes of low mood, loss of enjoyment and/or extreme tiredness sufficient to warrant a diagnosis of depression.

Learn More About Mental Health

Let's Talk About Depression

Depression is a common mood disorder.
There are lots of different factors which may cause depression, but sometimes there is no obvious reason.
Symptoms may include low mood, lack of energy despite appropriate rest, loss of confidence, poor concentration and, in extreme situations, suicidal thoughts.
Depression is a treatable illness. If you think that you or someone you care for may be affected, talk to your GP in the first instance.

What is Depression?

We all feel down or sad sometimes, but these feelings don't usually last and are a normal response to problems or difficulties in our lives. However, when they don't go away or are more than we can cope with and affect our ability to go on with our daily lives, it may be depression.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting around 350 million people. Northern Ireland has an exceptionally high rate of depression compared with the rest of the UK, with figures showing a 25% higher rate of mental ill-health than England.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

Look out for the following signs. If you've had at least two of these core symptoms and some of the other symptoms listed below for at least two weeks, you should talk to your GP.

Core symptoms

An unusually sad mood that doesn't go away.
Loss of enjoyment or interest in activities that used to be enjoyable.
Tiredness and lack of energy despite appropriate rest.

As well as these, you may also experience one or more of the following:

Loss of confidence in yourself or poor self-esteem.
Feelings of guilt when you're not really at fault.
Wishing that you were dead.
Difficulty making decisions and concentrating.
Moving more slowly or becoming agitated and unable to settle.
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
Loss of interest in food or eating more than usual, leading to weight loss or gain.

Not every person who has depression will have all of these symptoms.

What Causes Depression?

Various factors and triggers may cause you to experience depression. There is usually more than one cause or risk factor for depression. Most of these fall into the following categories:

Hereditary

Depression is not inherited directly, but it appears that some people may have a genetic predisposition, particularly if a parent or close relative has a history of the illness.
Environment

Factors like poor housing, money worries, relationship problems, or loneliness can increase the risk of depression.
Life events and experiences

Bereavement, abuse, bullying, job loss, relationship break-up, physical illness or anything associated with a sense of loss can increase the risk of depression.

Pregnancy, childbirth and becoming a parent may also increase the risk, especially with adverse environmental factors such as those listed above.
Personality

People with certain personality traits may be at greater risk. Those with perfectionism who like to be in control or those with a tendency to self-blame may be more likely to experience depression. These traits can make it more challenging to deal with problems in life or cope with significant change.

Most people with depression probably fall into two or more of these categories, and the more factors that apply, the greater the risk. However, it's important to remember that sometimes there is no apparent reason for depression.
Alcohol and drugs

Some people use alcohol or drugs to help them cope with difficult situations. They can worsen the symptoms of depression, leading to impaired concentration, poor sleep and increased fatigue. Alcohol can also interact badly with some medicines used to treat depression, so it is best to avoid it if you are affected by depression.

Treatment and Looking After Your Mental Health

For more information on the treatment of depression, tips for looking after your mental health, and how AWARE NI can support you through our free mental health support groups, please visit our other dedicated pages.

We have a range of support services available to help with depression, anxiety and bipolar.

Click here to learn more
If a friend, family member, or someone else you care for has a mental illness, you may at times feel hopeless and helpless.

Click here to learn more
Check out our free factsheets, including the ‘Helping You with Depression’ PDF, and learn more about depression, anxiety, and bipolar.

Click here to learn more

info@aware-ni.org

Uncategorised

Anxiety

Let's Talk About Anxiety

What is an Anxiety Disorder?

What are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder?

What Causes Anxiety Disorders?

Depression and Anxiety

How can AWARE NI help?

Treatment

Treatment

Self-help and Looking After Your Mental Health

Talking to family or friends about how you are feeling

Keeping as active as possible

Avoiding alcohol and non-prescribed drugs

Visit your GP

Keeping to a routine - going to bed and rising at approximately the same time each day

Trying a new hobby

Try eating as healthily as you can

Try some relaxation techniques

Reduce caffeine intake especially if feeling anxious

Talking therapies (psychotherapies)

Medication

How can AWARE NI help?

Symptoms of Depression

Understanding Depression Types

Clinical Depression

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Postnatal Depression (PND)

Bipolar (previously known as manic depression)

Psychotic Depression

Some other terms you might hear are:

Recurrent depression

Reactive depression

Dysthymia

How can AWARE NI help?

Types of Depression

Types of Depression

Depression may be categorised as 'mild', 'moderate' or 'severe' depending on the intensity of symptoms present.

Bipolar disorder

Dysthymia

Postnatal Depression

Psychotic depression

Reactive and Endogenous depression

Recurrent depression

Seasonal affective disorder

Secondary depression

Unipolar depression

Learn More About Mental Health

Let's Talk About Depression

Depression is a common mood disorder.

There are lots of different factors which may cause depression, but sometimes there is no obvious reason.

Symptoms may include low mood, lack of energy despite appropriate rest, loss of confidence, poor concentration and, in extreme situations, suicidal thoughts.

Depression is a treatable illness. If you think that you or someone you care for may be affected, talk to your GP in the first instance.

What is Depression?

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

Core symptoms

As well as these, you may also experience one or more of the following:

What Causes Depression?

Hereditary

Environment

Life events and experiences

Personality

Alcohol and drugs

Treatment and Looking After Your Mental Health

More Articles ...

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