Anxiety And Depression – What’s The Difference?

Depression is nothing but anxiety that has gone overboard. It usually starts with an anxiety trigger which snowballs overtime into full blown depression. It is easy to identify people who suffer from anxiety and depression because the symptoms are very obvious. Sometimes, though very rare, it becomes difficult to know because the person affected is able to hide the symptoms well. When this occurs, it is usually life threatening because, 8 out 10 times, these people either attempt suicide or commit suicide.

Nutrition (Or Lack Of It) And Its Impact On Anxiety And Depression

There have been many research studies which point to the fact that certain foods trigger depression, while some treat and cure it. Frugal eating habits, too much dependency on junk food and fried stuff can result in acute shortage of minerals (zinc, potassium, magnesium, etc) and vitamins, which in turn affect the neuro-transmitter absorption in the body.

Many times the assimilation of vitamins and minerals is also influenced by the hormone flow in the blood. Hence, women are by default more prone to anxiety and depression symptoms and affliction than men. This malady is compounded by the fact that menopause brings around another phase of instability due to the oscillation of hormones in the blood.

In women, anxiety and depression symptoms are often times influenced by the monthly periods. This, too, falls under the hormone balance and imbalance. However, not all the anxiety and depression problems are due to hormones. Sometimes, this happens because some family member’s past medical history, or because the gene of the baby was faulty. Genetics plays a very important role here. If there are any problems, it’s a possibility they can be rectified.

Other reasons as to why anxiety and depression occurs are the use of drugs, anti-depressants (in excess), over-the-counter medications which are not recommended, and the overall environment where the person lives.

Once It Is Diagnosed – The Trouble Is Over

There is plenty of medication and therapy for the treatment and cure of anxiety and depression. Hence, once the diagnosis is done, the problem is as good as over. In very rare cases, the depression becomes chronic and it becomes difficult to cure. Most of the times, all it needs are a few sessions with some friends who can help to replace that frown with laughter.

Laughter clubs are actually excellent tension-busters. You will need at least five people initially. Laughing has been proven to be a wonderful way to fight stress. Try it out yourself.