It is not uncommon for people to have anxiety and depression. It’s estimated that half of people with anxiety disorders have some sort of depressive disorder. Many of us know how it feels to be depressed and anxious. Losing a job, breaking up from a relationship; these are such times.
Everyone has lulls when they feel down and depressed for a couple of days. There are people who don’t let problems phase them and others that might dwell instead. People who feel like this all the time and for long periods are likely to be suffering from anxiety and depression.
They might feel apprehensive like something bad is going to happen and always expect the worse. Extreme tiredness is common as well as sleep problems. They may avoid going out, socializing and doing daily chores.
It can be extremely difficult to live with either condition let alone both. Because of side effects, many sufferers rather not take prescribed medication. Moreover, medication can lose its effectiveness when the sufferer becomes tolerant of the drug. Worse still sufferers may have to increase dosage to attain the same effect.
In the long term, medication isn’t the answer for anxiety and depression since they fail to address the real issues. Therapy such as CBT are effective at dealing with the root cause of depression and anxiety. Behavioral therapy can change beliefs and behaviors.
Sufferers often feel hopeless with nothing to live for. Anxiety and depression sufferers are at a higher risk of suicide. Often recreational drugs and alcohol are turned to help ease symptoms.
Alcohol is often used as a way to escape. Those that suffer from social anxiety may drink for different reasons. When socializing, alcohol is consumed as a means to reduce anxiety and stress.
Unknown to most, alcohol is actually a depressant and the short lift in mood is usually short. When sufferers become dependent on alcohol they have a whole new set of problems to face. Such problems for heavy drinkers that might arise include dementia and psychosis.
Sufferers may feel severely depressed, shaky and numb once the effects of alcohol have worn off. Often they start drinking more as they become more tolerant. Anxiety and depression is likely to worsen and become even more difficult to treat.
For those taking medication for anxiety and depression, alcohol should not be consumed. It’s vital to seek professional help if you think that you have a drink problem. Find out how you can overcome anxiety today visit the anxiety symptoms blog.