Unlike fear which lasts for only a short while, anxiety lasts for a long time, and the symptoms (such as a pounding heart, sweating and racing thoughts) can be incredibly exhausting. For many people anxiety may start in childhood or during their teens, but it can also surface later on in one’s life.

Treatment for anxiety
Psychotherapy for anxiety focuses on exploring emotions, and understanding the causes of anxiety. This includes exploring the triggers and roots of the anxiety, as well as the scientific explanations for some disorders, and on-the-spot anxiety reduction techniques, if needed. Information on relaxation techniques and exercises may also be helpful for some people. In some cases, anti-anxiety medication may also be helpful. This medication either targets serotonin levels in the form of anti-depressants, or specific anti-anxiety medication is prescribed. Depending on the individual’s needs, these two forms of treatment can either be used separately or together.

Who suffers from anxiety?
Anxiety that reaches an unmanageable level is fairly common, with more women than men struggling with anxiety symptoms overall. Individuals who have experienced a traumatic event are also likely to experience anxiety problems, so given the levels of trauma in South Africa, this type of anxiety is fairly common.

What causes anxiety?
Anxiety may be caused by a large number of factors, such as stress, a difficult experience (such as divorce, break-up or death of a loved one), or a history of low self-esteem. A traumatic incident may also set off an anxiety episode, and major life changes (such as starting school, university or immigrating) may also trigger an anxiety.

The terms “psychologist” and “psychiatrist” are often used interchangeably, but while both these types of mental health care professionals work towards assisting people experiencing emotional or psychological distress, their approaches and training are quite different.

Psychologists receive in-depth training in order to practise psychotherapy, which involves talking and exploring around emotions, relationship patterns and interpersonal dynamics in order to help reduce psychological distress. Psychologists (including counselling, clinical and educational registration categories) have no medical training and are unable to prescribe any medication.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors, who complete a degree in general medicine before receiving further training as a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists use appropriate medication to help alleviate psychological distress, and may prescribe drugs such as anti-depressants, mood-stabilisers and anti-anxiety medication. Some psychiatrists may provide counselling as well, but their training is primarily medical in nature.

When it comes to exploring your emotions, relationships and dynamics that are at the root of your difficulty, then psychologists are the appropriate choice of health care professionals. If you feel that you may need medication to help reduce your symptoms, then psychiatrists are the appropriate choice. In some cases, both psychological and psychiatric input is necessary in order to achieve mental health and well-being, and input from both fields can achieve a higher rate of treatment success.

Both psychologists and psychiatrists are registered as health care professions with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, and those practising in these fields must receive at least a Masters degree and the relevant theoretical and practical training before being able to practice.

Symptoms of depression

Everyone experiences slightly different symptoms of depression. The list below details some of the more common signs and symptoms of depression:

• depressed mood (feeling sad, empty, down or “blue”)
• feelings of worthlessness
• low self-esteem
• tearfulness
• dejection
• prolonged mourning
• loss of pleasure or interest in everyday things
• changes in appetite (over or under eating)
• insomnia, or excessive sleeping – sleep disturbance
• low energy levels
• difficulty concentrating
• thoughts of death and suicide
• often accompanied by anxiety

Treatment for depression

The two most common types of treatment for depression are psychotherapy and anti-depressant medication. Psychotherapy focuses on exploring emotions, and understanding the cause of depression. Anti-depressant medication boosts serotonin levels in the brain, so that depression symptoms are alleviated. These two forms of treatment can either be used separately or in conjunction. The earlier treatment is received, the easier it will be for the depressed person to return to their previous levels of functioning.

What if my partner or family member is depressed?

Having a depressed partner or family member can be incredibly draining. Offering support and a space to talk about their feelings is a good way to support your loved one. However, treatment by a professional is also needed, so encourage your partner or family member to find a treatment option that suits them.

Who suffers from depression?

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders, with up to around 20% of the population experiencing depression at some point in their lifetime. Depression can be experienced from childhood into late adulthood. While many people experience their first bout of depression in their 20′s, this also an extremely common disorder in teens and older age groups. Slightly more women than men suffer from depression, although it is common in both genders.

What causes depression?

Depression is often triggered by a major life event such as the loss of a loved one, losing a job, divorce, a break up or during other difficult situations. Early life experiences and a family history of depression can also play a role.

Links

• Helpguide.org on depression