Nikki-Lee Rossiter (BMid) Registered Midwife
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common problem, with around 1 in 3 women experiencing this condition at some point in their life (1,2). It is not just a feeling of stress and worry, which are both quite normal in certain situations. Rather, anxiety is the often irrational continuation and escalation of these feelings. They continue to affect people when situations change, and can occur for no apparent reason (2). For those living with anxiety, appropriate treatment is the key to recovery.
Every year in Australia over 2 million (around 9.7%) of people experience anxiety (1)
For some, anxiety is debilitating and life altering. For others it is manageable, and normal day-to-day life is achievable. Most people experience anxiety at different times in their lives, however when a person develops an anxiety disorder, the feelings are often overwhelming, uncontrollable, and you can’t just switch them off.
Symptoms of anxiety don’t generally develop overnight, but over a period of time. To be diagnosed with anxiety, the feelings must significantly impact a persons life, and affect the way in which they go about their normal day. Symptoms vary depending on the condition the individual has (2).
Symptoms of anxiety
Beyond Blue – the Australian National mental health organization – breaks the symptoms of anxiety down into two specific areas (2):
Behavioural Symptoms
- ‘Snowballing” thoughts ,
- Obsessing
- Withdrawal from activities
- Lack of confidence
- Poor decision making
- The need to perform certain tasks in a certain manner as to avoid anxious feelings
- Easily frightened or startled
- Feelings of being overwhelmed
- Hypochondria
- Feeling of dread
- Feeling nervous, on edge or tense
- Uncontrollable panic
Physical Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- The feeling of a heart racing
- Cold and hot face or whole body flushes
- Chest pain or tightness
- Pain in muscles
- Heavy sweating
- Affected sleep patterns
- Dizzy, faint, light headed
- Difficulty concentrating
- Stomach pains, nausea or vomiting
What causes anxiety (1)?
Anxiety affects people from all walks of life. It is usually a combination of multiple factors, including;
- Family history and genetics,
- Ongoing life stressors,
- Physical illnesses or health factors,
- Substance use and,
- Personality type (2).
Specific Disorders
Anxiety comes in many shapes and sizes. After a diagnosis the doctor will be able to work out a plan for moving forward and toward recovery.
Some anxiety related conditions include;
- Panic disorder,
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD),
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD),
- Social or other specific phobias and
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Depression
For some people feeling sad, low, moody or agitated becomes an intense feeling that affects their day to day life. These periods of depression can last for days, weeks, months or years, resulting in cycles which can come and go for life. Depression is not just a low mood – it is a serious condition which affects both mental and physical well-being.
On average, depression affects one in five women. It is multi-layered and can affect the way people feel about all aspects of their life. This includes partners, friends, work, hobbies and children. Those with depression may have very little interest in things that used to be important to them. Sleep may be interrupted – unable to sleep at times and unable to stay awake at others. Some experience a feeling of irritability and lack of satisfaction with life. People may be diagnosed with depression if they have felt miserable, down or sad for for more than two weeks. They may also be diagnosed if they have lost interest, satisfaction and joy in most usual day to day life activities, and experience several of the other symptoms of depression (3,4).
Symptoms of depression
Behavioural
- Withdrawal from friends, family and activities
- Unable to finish tasks
- Unable to concentrate
- Substance use
- Unable to enjoy things in day to day life
- Change in sex drive
- Lack of motivation
- Change in sleeping patterns
- Lack of energy
Physical and emotional changes
- Lacking self confidence
- Feelings of failure or guilt,
- Increased feelings of negativity
- Varying moods
- Miserable, unhappy, disappointed
- Always tired
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Weight loss or gain
- Muscle complaints
- Aches and pains
- Unable to control emotions
What are the causes?
Causes of depression are specific to the individual, meaning no one event or situation can be pinpointed as the cause. However, stressful life events, abusive or neglectful relationships and loneliness are known triggers for depression. Family history, long term illness, medical conditions and drug/substance abuse are also contributing factors.
Are there different types of depression?
Depression presents itself in a number of forms, including major depression, antenatal and postnatal depression, psychotic depression and bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, being diagnosed with more than one condition is common, however a diagnosis will aid in finding the most suitable treatment options for each condition.
Treatment for depression and anxiety
Throughout the world, mental health conditions are becoming more widely recognised and accepted. In many regions treatment can be partially funded. GP’s are able to provide the information needed to find support in each persons local area.
Anxiety and depression don’t just appear overnight. It’s important to understand that recovery and rehabilitation are multi-layer processes. It takes time.
Just as we would start to heal an injured body with diet and exercise, an injured mind will start to heal here too, meaning a healthy diet and exercise are essential components to recovery. How severe the mental illness is will determine what treatment is needed, therefore the more severe the illness the more likely it is that therapy and medication will be required. Using a full mind and body approach to anxiety and depression is a proven benefit in the recovery and rehabilitation process (2).
Summing it all up
Depression and anxiety are common and vary by degree of severity. Please remember that individuals are affected by this condition – it does not define who they are. The world is far more accepting of mental health conditions now than 10 years ago, resulting in less stigma seeking help.
Doctors will be able to make plans that are very important to ensure a persons safety. Please share them with your close family and friends so they can provide support. Acceptance, planning and treatment will ultimately enable a person to be aware of their condition and its triggers. There is no shame in having a mental health condition. The fact that it is so common and there are so many supportive organizations out there are proof of this.
Where to get help
In Australia mental health issues are a major concern. GP’s are trained to help and support recovery as well as refer to specialists, and are therefore an integral part of your health care team. Counselling services are a valuable option, as are psychologists, social workers, mental health workers, and your friends and family.
FOR URGENT ASSISTANCE: if you or someone you know is at immediate risk of suicide please call 000 (in Australia).
You may also contact a crisis centre, your doctor or present to your local emergency department.
Threatening , attempting or speaking suicide are a serious call for help and immediate medical assistance is required.
Beyond Blue can be contacted on 1300 224 636 for immediate assistance or you can click here for the website.
Lifeline crisis support runs 24/7. They can be called on 13 11 14 or click here for the website.
The Black Dog Institute also provides a list of emergency numbers which can be accessed through their website. Please click here to find these numbers
Please note
The information provided here is not intended to replace ANY information or advice provided by a health professional.
It is vital that you contact your doctor if you are concerned about your mental health.
Depression and anxiety are common, however they are not able to be diagnosed through your own research. You will require individual assessment.
References:
(1) Anxiety Facts. (2016). Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria. Retrieved 4 May 2016, from https://www.arcvic.org.au/what-is-anxiety
(2) Anxiety. (2015). Beyond Blue. Retrieved 4 May 2016, from https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety?utm_source=bing&utm_medium
=cpc&utm_campaign=NonGeo-Anxiety-OtherKW&utm_term=beyondblue%20anxiety&
utm_content=GeneralInfo-Exact
(3) Depression. (2015). Beyond Blue. Retrieved from https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression
(4) Depression explained – Depression explained – Depression – Black Dog Institute. (2015). Blackdoginstitute.org.au. Retrieved from http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/
depression/depressionexplained/index.cfm