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Depression: What it is: A medical condition that needs to be treated. A chemical imbalance in the brain. Persistent symptoms (lasting more than 2 weeks) can include social isolation, sleep disturbance, changes in appetite/weight, thoughts of dying/suicidal ideation, low mood, feelings of emptiness, low self worth, feelings of guilt, irritability, low energy/ motivation, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities What it is NOT: A weakness or a personality flaw. Appropriate sadness to a 'normal' life event (i.e. if you are experiencing a loss, you will be sad! That does not mean you have clinical depression) Anxiety: What it is: Also a medical condition. It involves the central nervous system ('fight or flight' responses) and chemical imbalances in the brain. Symptoms can include undue fear or panic, racing thoughts, heart palpitations, flushing of the skin, excessive perspiration, excessive worry or rumination, sleep disturbance, excessive nervousness in specific situations (i.e. in social settings) , upset stomach, muscle tension or other physical pain What it is NOT: A weakness or a personality flaw. Some stress is a normal and healthy response to life's circumstances...it can motivate us to make changes Addiction: Addiction is the continuing abuse of substances, or participation in a behavior (i.e. gambling, overeating, computer use) in spite of experiencing negative consequences related to the substance use or the behavior. 'Negative consequences' can include legal problems, health problems, relationship problems, career problems, financial problems, etc. Primary symptoms of addiction include: developing a tolerance (increasing amounts of the substance or behavior are needed to continue to reach the desired effect), withdrawal, cravings, inability to control the behavior, and/or repeated and unsuccessful efforts stop the behavior. Addiction is also a medical condition. It will affect a person physically, emotionally & spiritually. When to seek help for any or all of the above challenges:
- when you are not able to manage symptoms/behaviors on your own - when symptoms/behaviors are impairing your daily functioning - when family or friends express concern about you - when symptoms/behaviors are persistent and enduring and/or becoming more frequent - when you are just generally feeling poorly A few options for help & relief: - consult with a professional (i.e. a physician or a counselor) - increase support from family and friends - identify and become more involved in positive/productive activities & behaviors you find enjoyable - fresh air & physical movement (This doesn't have to be anything extreme! A short walk or sitting outdoors can do wonders!) |