Depression and anxiety can strike anyone—regardless of age, race, socio-economic status, or gender. The 2010 Academy Award winning movie, The King’s Speech, chronicles how anxiety can even plague one of the most powerful men in the world. King George IV’s anxiety manifested in the form of a speech impediment. One of the many reasons for the movie’s success may be that approximately 40 million average, normal people in America also suffer from anxiety. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses. King George IV’s story gave people a peek into what it looks like to struggle, reach out for help, and overcome that anxiety.
In a particularly moving scene, the king is working with a therapist who asked, “why should I spend my time listening?” Yelling his response, King George says, “because I have a voice.” Smiling, the therapist responds, “Yes, you do.” The king found his voice in more ways than one. His speech impediment faded, but he also gained the confidence and skills to overcome anxiety that had plagued him since he was a child. The movie inspired many people and showed how healing can take place.
Just as anxiety kept the king from fulfilling his duties, so anxiety and depression keep many people from living the lives they want to lead. As many as 15 percent of adults in the US will struggle with depression at some point in their lives, and the numbers are higher for anxiety: 25 percent. The mental health professionals at Thriveworks Newark Counseling understand the obstacles that anxiety and depression throw into people’s lives. We also know what the path toward healing and growth looks like. We have walked step-by-step with many clients as they found the right treatment options for them.
What Are Anxiety and Depression?
Many stereotypes minimize anxiety and depression as the jitters or the blues, but the truth is that they are serious mental illnesses. People who are afflicted with them often struggle to carry on with their normal lives as they can make work and home life immensely difficult. The following are just a few of the ways anxiety and depression can manifest, making life harder.
“I didn’t want to wake up. I was having a much better time asleep. And that’s really sad. It was almost like a reverse nightmare, like when you wake up from a nightmare you’re so relieved. I woke up into a nightmare.”
– Ned Vizzini, It’s Kind Of A Funny Story
Depression is not a singular diagnosis. It comes in a variety of forms, including…
- Major Depressive Disorder – This illness is what most people simply call depression. It includes difficult and dark emotions like despair, emptiness, hopelessness, and sadness. People often experience changes in their appetite. They may want to eat all the time or have difficulty eating. They may also experience sleep disruptions like hypersomnia or insomnia. In many cases, Major Depressive Disorder causes thoughts of suicide or death. These symptoms will persist for at least two weeks, but they can last for longer.
- Postpartum Depression – Depression can strike expecting and new mothers in the form of Postpartum Depression. The symptoms of Postpartum Depression usually show themselves during the pregnancy’s last trimester or within four weeks of the birth. Those symptoms include Major Depressive Disorder’s symptoms with a few additions. Often, a mother who is experiencing Postpartum Depression will fear being alone with the baby, be unable to care for the baby or herself, experience negative emotions about the baby, consider harming the baby, worry incessantly about the baby, or even ignore the baby.
“A crust eaten in peace is better than
a banquet partaken in anxiety.” —Aesop
Anxiety, as with depression, has many different forms that can be displayed in people’s lives, including…
- Panic Disorder – Some people experience anxiety as a panic attack where they may feel like they are dying. A panic attack can arise without warning, and it often lasts several minutes before subsiding. During the attack, people’s hearts may race, they may experience abdominal pain, their limbs may feel numb, or they may feel chilly or hot. When these attacks are recurring, they may be Panic Disorder.
- Social Anxiety Disorder – Social interactions can fill certain people with extreme fear and worry. When people struggle with Social Anxiety Disorder, they often feel embarrassed and judged. They may avoid any social interactions. They often avoid meeting new people.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – Traumatic events are not always resolves, and the effects of trauma can linger in a person’s life. In these cases, people may have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. They may experience flashback and nightmares where they relive the events. They may also continue to feel the stress from the event.
Appointments at Thriveworks Newark for Depression or Anxiety
If you recognized any of the signs of anxiety or depression, it may be time to reach out to a mental health professional for help. What is happening in your life right now? Is it time to reach out? Thriveworks Newark is ready to help. We have worked with many clients are battling anxiety and depression, and helped them find the treatment they needed.
When you call our office, know that you will not be put on a waitlist, but many new clients have their first appointment within 24 hours. We accept many forms of insurance, and we offer weekend and evening session.
Let’s work together. Contact Thriveworks Newark today.
