© COPYRIGHT 2021. DR MICHAEL READ
Mental health is receiving a new place in the spotlight recently. Anxiety and depression management in particular, are getting the attention they deserve, especially as the world acknowledges the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on people’s mental health.
It is estimated that one million Australian adults have depression each year, and more than two million have anxiety. With how prevalent anxiety and depression are, it is important to recognise the signs of both conditions, how to manage them, and when it is time to reach out for help.
Both anxiety and depression have characteristic signs to watch out for, although it is important to note that no two people with these conditions may have the same signs.
Anxiety is how the body responds to a threat and is an essential part of our survival instinct. However, while some anxiety is normal, for some people the feelings of anxiousness never go away or appear for situations that don’t truly warrant it.
Symptoms of anxiety include:
– rapid breathing
– pounding heart
– trembling hands
– feeling scared, worried, or nervous
– constant worries that something bad will happen
Similar to anxiety, the basis of depression is something that everyone experiences from time to time. Depression is a feeling of sadness or lack of energy, but in a powerful way and lasting for longer than a typical bout of sadness would normally last.
Some of the symptoms of depression include:
– feelings of sadness, guilt, restlessness, anger, or hopelessness
– refraining from activities that used to bring joy
– less productivity at school or work
– sleep problems
– headaches
– feeling sick
Anxiety and depression can significantly impact someone’s life, affecting their concentration, school and work performance, and social life. Those with anxiety may feel as though they have to avoid situations that will cause them stress, and people with depression may have no motivation to leave their house.
Anxiety and depression management is important because it allows those with these conditions to regain control of their life.
Some things you can do to help manage anxiety and depression include:
– get enough sleep
– eat well-balanced meals
– limit alcohol and caffeine
– take deep breaths
– exercise daily
– learn what triggers your anxiety or depression
It is important to reach out for help if you are experiencing any of the below signs of severe anxiety or depression:
– symptoms that are intense, paralysing and last for months
– inability to tend to daily responsibilities or care for yourself
– symptoms accompanied by substance abuse, self-harm, and/or thoughts of suicide
The Australian government also has an anxiety and depression symptom checker, which you can use as a self-evaluation tool. It will help you determine if you should seek medical help.
When in doubt, seek medical help for your anxiety or depression management. Your mental health matters, and no one should have to suffer through feelings of anxiety and depression.
References
[1] https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts
[2] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker/tool/basic-details
If you are needing support for your mental health, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 07 5531 3205 to book an appointment with Dr Read.
Please submit an enquiry and we will endeavour to get in contact with you as soon as possible.
Dr Michael Read has thirty years’ experience performing vasectomy and circumcision procedures and an established reputation on the Gold Coast.
Please fill in the online enquiry form to ask a question or book your consultation with Dr Michael Read at Gold Coast Circumcision Centre or Gold Coast Vasectomy Centre.