WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION?

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression is a condition that can be defined as a debilitating mental suffering. This disorder is caused by an imbalance between brain molecules that ‘stimulate’ and brain molecules that ‘slow down’.

People suffering from depression feel negative emotions longer and more intensely. When this suffering lasts for at least 2 weeks and has a serious influence on mood, enjoyment, social and family life, work or school - the depression becomes severe (major depression). 

Severe depression can be seasonal or chronic. 

Seasonal Depression generally arises every year, usually between Fall and Spring.

Chronic Depression can last for months, even years, and requires treatment. Chronic depression predominantly affects women, but is found in men as well. It is often occurring in people suffering from chronic pain or chronic mental or physical conditions, people with a personal/family history of depression, as well as people living in unhealthy situations (bullying at school, domestic violence, etc.) 

What are the symptoms of depression? 

Symptoms can take many forms and affect life in many ways. 

Psychological Symptoms 

• Anxiety, Irritability
• Decrease in libido
• Less enjoyment and interest in favourite activities
• Feeling of sadness
• Dark Thoughts/Negativity
• Poor Concentration 
• Poor Sleep

Physical Symptoms

• Agitation or fatigue, decreased energy

Behavioural Symptoms 

• Unkempt Appareance
• Excessive Guilt
• Impaired Decision Making
• Low Self-Esteem
• Isolation

WHAT IS ANXIETY?

Anxiety is a normal emotion that occurs in reaction to a new situation, a danger or high expectations. However, anxiety can become a debilitating condition when experienced constantly and continuously, or when it becomes out of control. Anxiety can impede daily life and lead to isolation and depression. When anxiety is a source of personal suffering and makes a person unfunctional, it becomes an anxiety disorder. 

There are many types of anxiety disorders defined by the cause, the duration and the intensity of symptoms. Anxiety disorders include all forms of anxiety. Women, people with personal/family history of anxiety disorders, people suffering from mental conditions, people who have experienced trauma, and people who were overprotected as a child are more at risk of an anxiety disorder. 

What are the symptoms of anxiety? 

Symptoms can take many forms and affect life in many ways. 

Emotional symptom:

• Angst
• Doubt
• Worry
• Ruminations (dwelling obsessively on thoughts)
• Obsessions
• Choking sensation

Physical symptoms

• Rapid and elevated heartbeat
• Tension
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Heavy sweating
• Shivers 

Psychological symptoms :

• Trouble sleeping

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Medication used to treat anxiety disorders and depression are similar. Depending on the symptoms and the severity of the condition, the following strategies (or a combination of) can be used to help: healthy lifestyle habits, psychotherapy or medication.  

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

• Regular physical activity promotes the creation of certain chemical substances in the brain (endorphin and serotonin) that have a positive effect on mood and energy levels. 
• Healthy and balanced diet, rich in omega-3 foods such as flax seeds, walnuts and fatty fishes (salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel and sardines).
• Access to the outdoors. Sunlight has a positive impact on mood and can decrease symptoms of seasonal depression. Other sources of light, like lamps with UV filters, as well as Vitamin D supplements can be used to treat seasonal depression.  
• Maintaining an active social life 
• Limited alcohol and drug consumption and abuse. Those are depressing substances for the brain. 
• Good sleeping habits, including 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Good sleep improves energy levels. 
• Meditation and relaxation methods, such as yoga, can help with some symptoms. 

Psychotherapy

There are many different types of psychotherapies. It is important to find a therapy that works for you, guided by a professional with which you share a relation of trust. When it comes to minor to moderate depressions, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is considered to be one of the best options. CBT aims to change the way a person interacts with the world, by teaching them new abilities or by changing the way they process and reacts to events happening to them. If this therapy proves not sufficient, medication can be added. 

Antidepressants

Medication used to treat depression are called antidepressants. They work by bringing back biochemical balance between various substances in the brain. There are many antidepressants on the market, each with different properties.

The beneficial effects of antidepressants are often experienced a few weeks after they are first taken. They are usually used for 6 months, or in some cases, many years. Antidepressants can cause some undesirable side effects, but the majority disappears with time or after a few weeks. It is important to continue to take the medication even if you feel better, because sudden discontinuation can cause the depression to come back, if it has not been treated long enough. Always talk to you pharmacist or doctor before discontinuing or modifying a treatment. 

Anxiolytics and sleeping pills

Anxiolytics and sleeping pills are medication used to minimize symptoms of anxiety and depression. Anxiolytics, like benzodiazepines (ex: Ativan™ or Lorazepam, Rivotril™ or Clonazepam) are useful medication against feelings of worry and fear, as well as physical symptoms associated with anxiety. 

Benzodiazepine and other classes of medication (ex: Imovane™ ou Zopiclone) can also help with sleep. In general, this type of medication is used short-term and as needed in order to minimize undesirable side effects, but also to avoid abuse and addiction. 

If you are taking anxiolytics, it is crucial to take them as prescribed (not more, not more often). It is also important to respect any cautions that have been formulated, such as avoiding alcohol consumption and making sure that the medication does not impair your capacity to drive. 

ROLE OF THE PHARMACIST

Your pharmacist has the right knowledge to support you on your mental health journey. Furthermore, your pharmacist is one of the most accessible health care professional, that you usually see more often than others. 

Your pharmacist can: 

• Detect the first signs and symptoms of a disorder
• Refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional
• Provide advice on how to better manage your symptoms
• Provide information and advice on your medication or treatment 
• See if any medication you are taking can interact with over-the-counter medication or natural health products
• Track your progress during treatment
• Adjust or recommend adjustments or substitutions for your treatment according to your symptoms and possible side effects. 

If you have any questions on anxiety or depression or if you think you are suffering from one of those conditions, do not hesitate to visit your pharmacist. Your pharmacist can guide you and refer you to the appropriate mental health resources.