It is entirely reasonable to experience some feeling of anxiety at some stage in our life, but when the feelings of intense fear and constant worry influence everyday living, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America breaks down the difference between everyday anxiety and an anxiety disorder in the chart to the right.
Anxiety is a real, serious mental health condition. There is no conclusive explanation why, but it can occur as a symptom of depression; however, it is also common to have depression triggered by an anxiety disorder. It can be an endless cycle – depression can make us anxious, and anxiety can make us depressed. Although anxiety disorders and depression are not the same, individuals often experience many of the same symptoms, such as:
- Constant, irrational fear and worry
- Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, fatigue, headaches, hot flashes, sweating, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing
- Changes in eating, either too much or too little
- Trouble with memory, decision making, and concentration
- Constant feelings of sadness or worthlessness
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Feeling tired and cranky
- Inability to relax
- Panic attacks
There are things that you can do that help you reduce the symptoms of everyday anxiety, including:
- Exercise: A proven mood-booster, exercise is good for your mind and body, and is known to increase your self-esteem and confidence.
- Relaxation techniques: Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises are all relaxation techniques that can ease anxiety and lighten your mood.
- Healthy diet: Anxiety and depression can often be triggers for craving carbohydrates. Choosing lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables can leave you more satisfied and calmer.
Building a support network of family and friends can give you the encouragement you need as you deal with your anxiety and depression. Support groups can help you form relationships with others who are going through some of the same things.
If you feel symptoms of anxiety and depression are hindering your daily functioning, it is important to get help. Talk to your doctor or therapist and begin taking steps for treatment. If left untreated, anxiety and depression can lead to more serious conditions.
At Pasadena Villa, we use the most advanced and valuable methods available to treat these disorders. Pasadena Villa’s Social Integration ModelTM, allows our therapist to observe and interact with residents in real life situations to help ensure customized treatment plans are as accurate and effective as possible. Using recreational, social and life strategy activities within the community, we have been successful in assimilating individuals back into everyday life and reaching the highest level of functioning possible.
In conjunction with social integration, we use multiple therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which modifies mood patterns by stopping negative and hypercritical ways of thinking. Our therapists work with clients to change the dysfunctional thinking that affects their mood, sense of self, behavior, and physical state and replace it with healthier ways of thinking. Over time, they can identify and correct the false beliefs that contribute to their disorder, leading to a change in thoughts, behavior, and mood.
We are committed to offering the highest quality clinical services in an environment that promotes health/well-being, recovery, and personal motivation. If you or a loved one would like more information on anxiety or depressive disorders, or other mental health or co-occurring substance use disorders, please call us at 877-845-5235 or complete our contact form. We currently offer treatment at two residential locations in both Orlando, Florida and Knoxville, Tennessee, and outpatient services in Raleigh, North Carolina.
If you think that you or a loved one may be struggling with a mental health disorder, Pasadena Villa can help. We are here to answer questions and connect to care. Pasadena Villa currently offers treatment at two residential locations in both Orlando, Florida and Knoxville, Tennessee, and outpatient services in Cary, North Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. To learn more about our program, call us at
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