Anxiety & Depression -- do they walk hand-in-hand?

[Shannon Wyatt]

Anxiety & Depression -- do they walk hand-in-hand?  I'm asking this question of the group.  I've recently been diagnosed with anxiety for the past couple of months.  But along with the anxiety, I can actually feel my brain change thinking patterns -- to the point of helplessness, dispair, crying spells, etc.  I asked my doctor about this and he tells me it sounds like depression.  So my question is...does anxiety and depression walk hand-in-hand?  I've never experienced this before and it scares the heck out of me.  I've never been depressed like this before.  My doctor tells me it is a chemical change in the brain -- and that medication (such as an SSRI) would help me.  I can deal with the anxiety part of my life, but the depression part is just horrible.  What does the group think of this?  Thanks!

[torque]

For me, it does. I get depressed feelings  because I am never sure when my anxiety will come out. I think it is somewhat common to feel both.

[Northcoast]

Hi there.  I just purchased some tapes about dealing with anxiety/stress/depression from the Midwest Center and on one of the tapes the doctor said that approximately 85% of the patients that came to him about their anxiety also had underlying depression.  So it sounds like they do walk hand in hand.  I think perhaps it has to do with negative thinking.  That's what these tapes are supposed to help me with.  Hope you find relief soon.  

PS:  I would also recommend exercise to help with your depression.  Just get outside and walk, either alone or with a good friend.  It does wonders for me!  Good luck!

[Pum]

Definitely related. Anxiety can be a symptom of the beginning of a depressive episode. SSRI's worked brilliantly for me. Don't be afraid to try them if the doctor thinks they will help.

Good luck.

[suzi-q]

Oh YES!!!  I am one of them....first diagnosed with depression...and my depression supposedly triggers the anxiety...it's like which came first, the chicken or the egg??????  I experience both types of symptoms...pounding heart, tingles, etc...and at times, feelings of despair and gloom and doom..I am on an SSRI as well as some anxiety meds...for the most part, I am a normallly functioning human being....but those thoughts do creep in and it can be difficult to battle at times.  Best to you!!!

[KatMay]

Yes,

I suffered with both for years, and of course, every now and then still have symptoms.  I just deal with them differently.  I take St. John's Wort and Omega 3 and they work wonderfully.  Of course, there are a lot of different ways to deal with this "dual condition".  


Kathleen

Downloadable info. on both anxiety and depression:
http://www.conqueringstress.com/?hop=jumpmom2
http://wordmedicine.com/?hop=jumpmom2
http://www.beatinganxiety.com/
http://www.mydepressioncures.com/?hop=jumpmom2