2.1 Depression and anxiety
Although there are dozens of distinct mental illnesses, depression and anxiety are the two most common.
Many sufferers qualify for both diagnoses at the same time. When someone has two or more conditions simultaneously, they are said to have “comorbid” conditions.
Depression is a condition in which someone feels persistently sad and helpless for at least several weeks at a time. It is not to be confused with a low mood or a normal response to bad news such as a bereavement.
FACT
The WHO estimates that approximately 280 million people in the world have depression, with an estimated 5% of the adult population affected by the illness.
2.2 Symptoms and forms of depression
The symptoms can vary from person to person, but they include:
- Tearfulness
- Losing interest in activities that once provided enjoyment
- A change in appetite
- Problems maintaining a regular sleep schedule
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Physical symptoms such as an upset stomach and backache
Depression can be triggered by major life events but can sometimes develop for no apparent reason. Depression can range from mild to severe, but in most cases, it has a discernible impact on someone’s social life, work life and family relationships.
Other forms of depression include:
- Postnatal depression. Postnatal depression affects women who have just had a baby.
- Bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a complex mental illness that includes both depressive episodes, episodes of mania and mixed episodes that feature symptoms of both.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a condition in which an individual experiences depressive episodes during the autumn and winter when there is a shortage of natural light during the day.
2.3 Different forms and symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety disorders, also known simply as “anxiety”, encompass a broad range of mental illnesses, including:
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder (PD)
- Simple phobias such as a fear of dogs or flying
- Agoraphobia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
2.4 Panic attacks
Some people with anxiety disorders experience panic attacks.
These are moments of extreme fear and terror that can last up to 30 minutes and are associated with a range of unpleasant physical sensations such as shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, a choking sensation, ringing in the ears, sweating and trembling. They occur when someone must confront something they fear – for instance, someone with a phobia of spiders may have an attack upon seeing one – but they may happen for no clear reason.
Panic attacks resolve on their own and cause no physical harm, but they can be sufficiently traumatic that a sufferer begins to fear a recurrence. Their fear may become pronounced and – ironically – can increase the chance of further attacks. Those with panic disorder (PD) experience ongoing feelings of stress and anxiety and are liable to sudden panic attacks. If anxiety disorders are not addressed, they can soon limit a person’s quality of life. For instance, if someone begins to fear going out alone in case they have a panic attack, they might become too afraid to leave their home unless accompanied by someone they trust.
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