Identifying Early Stress, Anxiety and Depression

Many people define stress as either good or bad when, in reality, it is neither strictly positive nor negative. Stress is fundamentally an event or situation that you perceive as being beyond your control, often arising from circumstances that disrupt your normal daily routines and expectations. It can manifest in various forms, such as work-related pressures, personal relationships, or unforeseen life changes. The key factor in defining stress lies in your perception of the event; it is the interpretation and emotional response to these situations that play a crucial role in how you experience stress. How you react to stress not only influences your immediate emotional state but also shapes your ability to cope with similar events in the future. Developing effective coping strategies can transform stress into a manageable aspect of life rather than a debilitating force.

When individuals struggle to cope with stressful situations, the consequences can extend beyond mere discomfort. In many cases, heightened stress levels can lead to the development or exacerbation of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, which become increasingly noticeable over time. These mental health challenges may manifest through various symptoms, including persistent sadness, overwhelming feelings of worry, and a sense of hopelessness that can interfere with daily functioning. The relationship between stress and mental health is complex, as chronic stress can create a vicious cycle where anxiety and depression further impair an individual’s ability to manage stress effectively, leading to a decline in overall well-being.

Anxiety and depressive disorders are alarmingly common, affecting a significant portion of the population. In the United States, these illnesses impact more than 40 million adults annually, which translates to approximately 18% of the adult population. This prevalence underscores the importance of understanding the dynamics of stress and mental health. The societal implications are vast, as untreated anxiety and depression can lead to decreased productivity, strained relationships, and a lower quality of life. Recognising the signs of stress and seeking appropriate support can be vital steps in preventing the progression of these disorders and fostering resilience in the face of life's challenges. Addressing mental health openly and providing resources for coping with stress can lead to healthier communities and improved individual outcomes.

The most common anxiety disorders include:

• Specific phobias Phobias could be related to animals, like spiders, cats or dogs; the natural environment, such as heights, storms or being in water; blood injection injury, which is a fear of needles or invasive medical procedures; or locations, like aeroplanes, elevators or enclosed places.

• Social anxiety disorder This is a fear of being around other people or in social situations.

• Generalized anxiety disorder This is an overall worry about many different things.

• Separation anxiety This is an excessive fear of, or anxiety concerning, separation from attachment figures or items.

• Panic disorder This is an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort.

The most common depressive disorders include:

• Major depressive disorder This is a depressed mood that lasts for two weeks. This could occur as a single or recurrent episode.

• Persistent depressive disorder This is a depressed mood that occurs almost every day for at least two years

It's common for those struggling with anxiety disorders to also struggle with depression or vice versa. Close to 10% of the world's population suffers from anxiety and depression. However, while anxiety and depressive disorders are highly treatable, only a small percentage of affected people receive treatment.

How are stress, anxiety and depression connected?

Anxiety and depression can be caused by several things, including:

• Genetics

• Environmental exposure

• Personality

• Life events

Early signs of anxiety and depression

An early warning sign for anxiety or depression occurs when someone begins avoiding things once enjoyed.

Other warning signs of anxiety include:

• Shakiness

• Increased heart rate

• Tightness in the chest

• Rapid breathing

• Racing thoughts

Meanwhile, warning signs for depression include:

• Isolating oneself

• Frequently thinking negative thoughts

• Recurring feelings of sadness

• Advanced signs of anxiety and depression

Advanced signs of a generalized anxiety disorder include:

• Excessive worry occurring more days than not for at least six months

• Feeling restless

• Fatigue or frequently feeling tired

• Difficulty concentrating

• Irritability

• Muscle tension

• Sleep disturbances, like difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning

Advanced signs of a major depressive disorder include:

• Feeling down or depressed most of the day, nearly every day

• Diminished interest in activities you once enjoyed

• Significant changes in your weight (increase or decrease)

• Difficulty with sleep, like difficulty falling, staying asleep or sleeping too much

• Fatigue or frequently feeling tired

• Difficulty concentrating

• Recurrent thoughts of death

• Distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning

This involves not judging situations — good or bad — and focusing on what you're feeling and identifying what's in your control. Your primary areas of control are an acknowledgement of your emotions, feelings and your reaction to stressful situations. It is also important to focus on the facts of the situation. Sometimes your anxious and depressive thoughts are not always based on facts. Facts are 100% absolute — not assumptions.

Psychotherapy with the integrative CTB is effective for most people with depression and anxiety. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is traditionally recognised as the best-established treatment for depression and the most preferred intervention for anxiety, and could be considered the first-line treatment among psychological approaches, especially from a long-term perspective

Why it's important to address your mental health

People need to address their mental health to live lives that are fulfilling lives. Acknowledging and treating your mental health helps create resilience. It also teaches you to better cope. Then when a similar situation occurs, you are equipped to handle it.

Stressful situations are going to happen. How you react can determine how these situations will affect you.