Depression

Persistence Out of Anxiety and Depression

by Craig P.

November 15, 2011

I had my first experience with severe long-term depression at age 23 when a series of events converged simultaneously. I couldn't sleep, and my lack of appetite had me losing such a significant amount of weight that I feared I would end up in the hospital. I forced myself to eat and eventually gained back the weight, and later an appetite. Being on my own at this age in the late 1980s with limited knowledge of depression, I wouldn't realize what was happening to me until years later.

Home Base Parent Support Group

State

Massachusetts

Myths & Realities

The Internet abounds in information and misinformation about panic attacks.

Tips and Strategies to Manage Anxiety and Stress

At some point, anxiety and stress affect everyone. They can manifest differently in different people, and the level of anxiety one experiences can vary, but there is one thing for certain: there are ways to manage anxiety, even if it feels out of control.

Depression Facts & Statistics

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions in the US.

Substance Use

Moderate alcohol consumption—a glass of wine with dinner or a few drinks at a party—is no cause for concern for many people.

However those with anxiety disorders may find that alcohol or other substances can make their anxiety symptoms worse. And they are two to three times more likely to have an alcohol or other substance abuse disorder at some point in their lives than the general population.

Treatment

As with any illness, treatment should be tailored to a specific diagnosis. A treatment plan for a diagnosis of depression and an anxiety disorder should be designed to help a person manage and reduce the symptoms of both disorders, often at the same time.