Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression can become a real problem, interfering with our ability to be present and engaged with important things in our lives. Though these issues can be treated independently, in many people's experience often they do not arise independently in experience. Very often they are intertwined and intimately related to our suffering.

Depression and anxiety commonly manifest as an overall feeling and certain type of thoughts. Not uncommon, physical symptoms can show up as a tightness in our chest or, stomach issues, and headaches. A common reaction to both anxiety and depression is disrupted or excessive sleep, apathy, and lack of motivation.

While exact causes of these mental ailments are unknown, the professional manual that defines recognized mental disorders (called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or the DSM V) lists diagnostic criteria of mental disorders.

Some of the characteristics of anxiety and depression listed in the DSM are as follows.

Depression and anxiety can exacerbate each other and many people report feeling distracted and inability to concentrate or pay attention. People lose interest in things they enjoy often resulting in behaviors that friends and family might describe as unlike us. Some people abuse alcohol and drugs or overeat as a way of coping, causing them to develop other medical problems. Depressed people are also often at increased risk for self-harm and suicide.

Anxiety is characterized diagnostically as excessive worry about a variety of topics, events, or activities. The worry is often experienced as a challenge of control. The worry may easily shift from one topic to another and sometimes concerns no topic that one can discern.

• Edginess or restlessness
• Tiring easily; more fatigued than usual
• Impaired concentration or feeling as though the mind goes blank
• Irritability (which may or may not be observable to others)
• Increased muscle aches or soreness
• Difficulty sleeping (due to trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, restlessness at night, or unsatisfying sleep)

• Apathy
• Sadness
• Guilt
• Exhaustion
• Irritability