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March 24, 2021
Kinetiq Health has started a new series called, Better Health in 90, to bring you health tips in 90 seconds or less from our expert clinical team.
This month we’re focusing on mental health, a phrase we’ve heard countless times over the past year. But do you really know what all encompasses mental health? In this video, Sarah Michaels, RN discusses depression and anxiety and how they are diagnosed.
Read on for more information!
Depression and Anxiety Explained
Depression and anxiety are two common forms of mental health illness – and it might be more common than you think.
Approximately one in 10 Americans struggle with depression in any given year. You probably know a few aspects or have felt a few aspects of these illnesses. To be the most helpful to yourself or a loved one, it’s best to truly understand the differences and what qualifies as a diagnosable mental illness.
Depression
Depression affects many people and is a very serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, one must have at least one or both of the following lasting for approximately 14 days:
- An unusually sad mood or feeling for two weeks or more.
- Loss of enjoyment of regular activities for two weeks or more.
Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in adulthood around 32 years of age. Living with depression can be difficult, but there are many treatments and medications that can improve quality of life.
Anxiety
Anxiety can be a little trickier to diagnose because some forms of anxiety can actually be helpful and motivational to us. For example, when you’re nervous about a presentation or work project, fleeting forms of anxiety can motivate you to prepare more. For anxiety to be a disorder though, one must have both of the following lasting for approximately 14 days:
- Lasts much longer and be more intense than typical fears.
- Affects the way you live, laugh and love.
Anxiety is very common among Americans and shows up in a variety of ways. From phobias, like fear of heights or public speaking, to general day-to-day anxiety, it’s important to healthily cope with anxiety symptoms.
Make sure to talk with your primary care physician if you’re experiencing prolonged depression or anxiety symptoms. People with mental illnesses are much more likely to struggle with substance abuse, so it’s important to treat the symptoms when they begin occurring.
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