Depression and anxiety are mental health disorders that may occur separately or together. It is possible to have both at the same time. Depression is characterized by sad thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, low energy, and disinterest in the hobbies and activities that once made you happy. Anxiety, alternatively, causes restlessness, feelings of fear or dread, and episodes of panic. They may seem like opposites on the scale of mental health conditions, but they’re actually closely related.
Causes of Depression
A lot of factors may contribute to depression. Over 300 million people around the globe struggle with this disorder every day. It may happen suddenly or take a long time to creep up on you. Some causes of depression include:
- Loss
- Grief
- Trauma
- Decline in physical health
- Stress
- Some medications
Surprisingly, anxiety may also cause depression, especially if you don’t work through it, and it’s allowed to build and multiply. Depression and anxiety are closely related and often occur together. As a result, it’s sometimes difficult to tell if the depression came first or if it was caused by the anxiety.
Causes of Anxiety
The causes of anxiety are all around us every day. They include rude coworkers, financial problems, backed-up traffic, and more. Many people are able to feel anxiety, work through it, and move on with their day. For others, the anxious feelings remain far into the night and may linger for days, weeks, months, or longer. This type of anxiety is the type that benefits from treatment. Consequently, It may often be the precursor to a bout of depression.
Treatment for Depression and Anxiety
Often a physician will prescribe medication to treat depression and anxiety. These medications belong to families of drugs knows as antidepressants and benzodiazepines. They work by releasing calming chemicals in the brain that makes us feel relaxed or sleepy. They may also trigger feelings of wellbeing and happiness. Depending upon the severity of depression and anxiety, these medications may be paired with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a form of talk-therapy that has many useful applications, including:
- Helping you redirect negative thoughts in a more positive direction
- Teaching you healthy coping skills and recovery behaviors
- Helping you understand such things as triggers and risk factors
- Improving your social and communication skills
- Helping you overcome fears and phobias
- Helping you see the world in a less magical, more realistic way
If you’re currently on a regimen of medication to treat a mental health disorder, and you worry that you may be addicted, our dual diagnosis program may be the solution. In many instances, mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression co-occur with substance use disorder. If this describes what you’re currently going through, we can assist you.
Serenity Light Recovery Can Help
At Serenity Light Recovery in Houston, we treat clients between the ages of 18 and 65 who struggle with mental health issues and substance use disorders. Our excellence in care is matches by our picturesque setting. Recover from depression and anxiety surrounded by the healing properties of nature and through a variety of evidence-based approaches.
Behavioral therapy, family counseling, training in yoga and fitness, and a solid 12-step program form the foundations of treatment at Serenity Light Recovery. When you choose to recover with us, you’ll find compassionate staff and strong peer support that will accompany you on your journey to health and mental wellness.
When you’re ready to seek treatment for a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, or if you struggle with addiction, reach out to Serenity Light Recovery in Houston at (281) 431-6700. Participation in our detox, residential, and outpatient programs will change your life for the better. Discover just how much, when you pick up your phone today.
As our CEO, Heather’s main calling is to stay true to the vision of the organization, which is saving lives and striving to redefine statistics by raising the standard of care with evolving treatment methods. Heather studied psychology at LSU and both the main and Clear Lake campuses of the University of Houston, and she is a certified IASIS provider and CPI instructor. She’s been helping people in recovery since 2011. Heather’s motto to live by is “I am not what I’ve done; I am what I’ve overcome.”
