Is Anxiety a Risk Factor for Depression?

Updated: Sep 8, 2020

Depression and anxiety are bidirectional risk factors for each other. Most anxiety-related disorders lead to depression. However, at the same time, social phobia has been found to erupt from constant clinical depression.

Psychological resilience, socioeconomic status, involvement in valued work and spiritualism are few factors that save the elderly from a depressive mind state. In younger individuals, depression is more prevalent because of the conflict between reality and perception, ego fragility (which is without the security of material protection and recognition), and constant comparison with peers. Social anxiety is resultant of the constant need for acceptance of the people around you. Hence, it throws their mental resilience into an abyss at a moment’s notice.

One needs to understand the distinction between anxiety and depression. To do that it is imperative that we seek professional help. This is because depression and anxiety are correlated and show similarity of the symptoms. However, the treatment and medicine for both are completely different.

Anxiety to a certain degree can help with job performance, as it regulates healthy amounts of adrenaline. But, chronic anxiety can have significant health repercussions, including nausea. People with anxiety then tend to deal with it by adopting social isolation and forgoing tasks, which may culminate to quitting completely. Their mind creates a safe ‘fake’ wall around itself to escape discomfort. In reality, this is making them more vulnerable to stressful situations.

If you want to lose weight, eat well, not less. Similarly, if you want to escape depression and anxiety, learn healthy coping skills to deal better with these situations, instead of quitting.

Change your approach. Don’t change the task.

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