Stress, anxiety and depression are common problems that most of us experience at some time. Usually they are closely linked i.e. stress that is not managed can cause anxiety and depression.

Stress and stress management

Stress is an individual’s reaction to a stressor (i.e. the underlying cause(s) of the stress). The stressor can be a number of things such as work pressure, social pressure, marital problems or day to day incidents. What is stressful to one person may not be stressful to another. This means that the individual`s ability to cope with the stress plays an important role in stress management.

Stress may not always be harmful. In some cases, stress drives a person to achieve greater things. The key difference between harmful and healthy stress is that healthy stress activates the individual’s ability to adapt to the stress. When a person is unable to adapt in response to the stress, it becomes harmful.

Symptoms of stress vary from person to person but may include:

• Nausea and diarrhoea
• Dizziness, sweating, numbness
• Poor concentration, forgetfulness, worrying, negative thinking
• Lack of sleep, poor sex drive, irritability
• Headache, migraine
• Skin rash

The first step in managing stress is to identify the cause of the stress. Putting stressful factors in your life into perspective helps avoid clouded judgement. The aim is to lessen the severity of the stress and to find ways to cope.

Various stress relieving techniques can be used such as:

• Relaxation – muscle relaxation, meditation, aromatherapy.
• A common sense approach – don`t take on more than you know you can cope with.
• Change your lifestyle – start exercising, eating healthily; stop smoking and excessive use of alcohol (no more than 2 standard drinks per day).
• Get help from a medical professional.

Remember: Poorly managed stress can lead to burn-out, anxiety and even depression.

Anxiety

Anxiety is similar to stress except that it is more severe. Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and anticipation of danger. The person is constantly aware of being nervous or afraid. By constantly worrying, the person becomes irritable and restless. Insomnia compounds the problem.

When anxiety affects normal day to day life, it causes a loss of function in areas such as academic achievement, work performance and social interactions. In some cases, anxiety can lead to substance abuse and depression.

Treatment of anxiety is geared at the cause of the anxiety. People with anxiety should discuss their symptoms with a doctor or psychologist trained to manage the problem. Medicines may be required in some people to help relieve symptoms.

Depression

Depression is a recognised illness that can be treated in most cases. There are many misconceptions about depression. One of these is that depression and sadness are the same. Sadness is transient and disappears after the emotion is dealt with. Sadness is understandable in the context of a traumatic event or death. Depression, on the other hand, can be so severe that the person loses interest in all the activities they used to enjoy. Symptoms often “creep” up on the person without an obvious cause. Prolonged stress, anxiety, the birth of a baby, substance abuse and other illnesses can all lead to depression.

Symptoms of depression include:

• A depressed mood, loss of interest in living, anxiety.
• Loss of interest in things that used to bring pleasure.
• A feeling of guilt, worthlessness and hopelessness.
• Poor concentration, lack of self confidence.
• Insomnia, loss of appetite, loss of energy, loss of libido.

Depression can lead to drug and alcohol abuse. In major depression suicide is always a risk.

Antidepressant medicines are the cornerstone of treatment. At least 6 months treatment is needed in a first episode of depression. A relapse requires treatment for at least one year. Examples of drugs that are used to treat depression include:

• Tricyclic antidepressants – e.g. amitriptyline
• Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors – e.g. fluoxetine
• Mono-amine oxidase inhibitors – e.g. moclobemide

If you are needing a referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist or support group, please can you call The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) on 011 234 4837 or 0800 20 50 26 and speak to a trained counselor who can assist you further.

Offices are open 7 days a week from 8am – 8pm.

Fax number: 011 234 8182

Or alternatively email Zane on [email protected]