Page 15 - 2nd Proofs

D E A L I N G W I T H D E P R E S S I O N

& A N X I E T Y

Depression vs. Anxiety:

How to Tell the Difference?

While Depression and Anxiety are two different medical conditions, The symptoms are frequently worse at a particular time of day - e.g.
their symptoms, causes, and treatments can often overlap. they may be more severe in the morning and improve towards even-
ing.
What is depression?
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Depression is a severely disabling condition that has a profound
effect on all aspects of a sufferer’s life. According to the World Excessive worry, restlessness, being easily fatigued, trouble concen-
Health Organization (WHO) by the year 2020 it will be the No. 2 trating, irritability, sleep disturbance, muscle tension. If you’ve expe-
cause of disability worldwide. Depression is one of the most com- rienced these symptoms most days for more than six months, and
mon of all psychiatric disorders. At least one in six adults will suffer they cause distress in your daily life, then you may receive a diagno-
from depression at any given time. sis of generalized anxiety disorder. Other types of anxiety disorders
include separation anxiety, panic disorder, or phobias, among oth-
Depression is therefore viewed as an illness that is caused by
changes in neurotransmitters in the limbic system of the brain. ers. If you compare the two lists of symptoms, you can see that there
These changes can be triggered by numerous factors such as stress- is some overlap. Sleep problems, trouble concentrating, and fatigue
ful life events, illness such as heart attacks or vital infections, child- are all symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Irritability may also
birth, strokes and head injuries. Depression in the 21st century is a manifest in forms of anxiety or depression (in place of low mood).
treatable condition with an excellent response rate. There are however, some distinguishing features. People with de-
pression move slowly, and their reactions can seem flattened or
Diagnosing depression:
dulled. People with anxiety tend to be more keyed up, as they strug-
There are a number of different symptoms of depression, and these gle to manage their racing thoughts. Another distinguishing feature
may vary from person’s to patient. The symptoms represents a is the presence of fear about the future in people with anxiety. De-
change from the person’s “normal” mood and should have been pressed people who do not have anxiety are less likely to be fraught
present most of the time for a period of at least two weeks. They with worry about future events, as they are often resigned to believ-
may develop over a period of weeks or months. ing that things will continue to be bad. In other words, they may pre-
dict the future based on how they feel in the moment.
The diagnosis of depression is made when the patient has a low
mood or a loss of enjoyment and interest in activities coupled with #You do not have to suffer alone, get help!
several of the following symptoms:
South African Depression And Anxiety Group (SADAG)
Difficulty sleeping, reduced appetite and weight loss, irritability, tear-
fulness, feelings of guilt and hopelessness, inability to concentrate, Tel: 011 234 4837
feelings of anxiety, agitation, tiredness and lack of energy, and recur- Toll Free Help Line 02860 567 567
ring thoughts of death or suicide.
For further information on depression, visit www.sadag.org.

Two Cathedral ordinands will DIOCESAN
be ordained on Saturday, 8th
December 2018 at 2pm. DIACONATE ORDINATION SERVICE

Ms. Nicolette Segeel & Mr.
Mbekezeli Ntombela.

Their ordination congratulatory
service will be on Sunday, 9th
December 2018 in both the
8h00 & 9h30 services.

From left: Mbekezeli Ntombela & Nicolette Segeel
The Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin - Newsletter I page 15