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Anxiety or Depression?

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Depression
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Posted 7/11/2018 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
How can one tell the difference between Anxiety and Depression? I have been having what i would call anxiety coupled with feeling down and out. I have a few life events going side ways - mostly health related. As a result I have been having some odd sensations.. crying through the day and stopping myself as I do not want anyone to know I am having difficulty. I also feel like a rat on a tin roof in a rain storm and cant seem to focus on tasks very well at all. I reckon a lot of it is I am waiting on a phone call for over a week now on when they can schedule surgery - stage 1 renal cancer prognosis. I also have a bad hernia needing to be fixed that has been put on hold till they resolve the Kidney issue. My sob story - I know a lot of folks have it worse and I should be glad for what I do have - just cant seem to shake the sadness.
Posted 7/11/2018 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
I think it is only natural that you would be depressed and anxious at this time. And it sounds like you may have both. Having health issues like you do now can be scary. So don't beat yourself up for the way that you are feeling.

If you feel that these symptoms should of gone away by now, or find they are very worrisome, I would talk to a doctor and get set up with a psychiatrist or a therapist. They truly do help. Though once you get your health issues squared away you may feel better. But it never hurts to have some help and support in times like these.

Talking here will help some too. Others will probably chime in and say what they think and what works for them.

I myself take medications for depression and anxiety (which often go hand in hand). I have been on medications for years. To help myself I do meditation and walk when I can. Walking helps a ton. I hope that you find what works for you. Keep posting as that helps too.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 7/12/2018 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
I've heard it said that depression is focusing on the past too much and anxiety is worrying about the future too much.

Stay in today. Try to focus on what is right in front of you.

What do I need to do right now? Finish responding to this post.

What do I have to do next? Call my doctors and make appointments.

What next? Eat lunch.

I try not to go beyond 3 things, as that can make me feel rushed and overwhelmed.
Posted 7/12/2018 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
Great advise - Many thanks for the kind words and support. I think I might be having a slightly better day than yesterday. Thanks again.
Posted 7/12/2018 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
Learning mindfulness can help with both depression and anxiety. Look it up. Also I think that there is a mention about it in our depression resources at the top of the main page with all the threads listed. I try to practice it. It helps me a lot. It is also referred to (as Pitmom mentioned) living in the moment. It keeps us out of trouble from thinking and worrying too much.

I am glad you are having a better day. Embrace that. And feel gratitude. Focusing on the positives makes for a much better day. I wish you the best.

Keep posting. It does help...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 7/13/2018 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome outerlimits,

you must be a trekky, or a Rod Sterling fan, no there was a show outer limits, all cool sci fi

Anyway, Life can give us situational depression. Then anxiety comes along because we don't want anyone to know?

The truth is, that your friends, 95% chance would be more than willing to listen to you.

People that have a lot of "sorrow" in their lives are more compassionate and your pain is your pain.
Just ask if one of your friends have time to talk. Just to listen. Some times just talking about the troubles is half the battle for depression AND helps with solutions.

There is a great website. mindful.org. lots of stuff there. Search key is top right of screen. You can even find good information that is trustworthy on how depression and anxiety effects your physical health.

Also, make an appointment with your family doc. Tell the truth about what is going on, you might benefit from a mild anti-depression for a short period of time.

Depression is an illness just like the flu and diabetes. It can be treated and you can feel better.

Doctors know about this now, don't let the stygma scare you away from help.

I wish you peace and strength
Trina
Posted 7/13/2018 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome outerlimits,

you must be a trekky, or a Rod Sterling fan, no there was a show outer limits, all cool sci fi

Anyway, Life can give us situational depression. Then anxiety comes along because we don't want anyone to know?

The truth is, that your friends, 95% chance would be more than willing to listen to you.

People that have a lot of "sorrow" in their lives are more compassionate and your pain is your pain.
Just ask if one of your friends have time to talk. Just to listen. Some times just talking about the troubles is half the battle for depression AND helps with solutions.

There is a great website. mindful.org. lots of stuff there. Search key is top right of screen. You can even find good information that is trustworthy on how depression and anxiety effects your physical health.

Also, make an appointment with your family doc. Tell the truth about what is going on, you might benefit from a mild anti-depression for a short period of time.

Depression is an illness just like the flu and diabetes. It can be treated and you can feel better.

Doctors know about this now, don't let the stygma scare you away from help.

I wish you peace and strength
Trina
Posted 7/17/2018 9:18 AM (GMT 0)
It is sometimes very complicated, as the symptoms of those conditions may overlap. I recommend making an appointment with a Psychiatrist and getting a thorough evaluation, which would then lead to a clear diagnosis.

Sometimes, after an initial consultation, if the diagnosis is still unclear, formal psychological testing is very useful in clarifying diagnoses.

Good luck!
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