Dealing With Anxiety Disorders and Depression
People with depression and anxiety disorders usually suffer from their mental disorder prior to the onset of tinnitus, and not the other way around. However, whether depression existed prior to the onset of the tinnitus, or a person has become anxious and depressed because of their tinnitus, it is important to seek help.
Talking to your G.P. and spending time with an experienced tinnitus counsellor would be a good start.It is important to note that you can't always identify the cause of depression nor change troubling circumstances.
The most important thing is to recognise the depression and to seek help.
Remember, the sooner you get treatment, the greater the chance of a fast recovery.
Anxiety Disorders
We all feel anxious from time to time, however, for some people, these anxious feelings are overwhelming and cannot be brought under control easily.
An anxiety disorder is more than just feeling stressed – it's a serious condition which makes it hard for the person to cope from day to day.
Anxiety disorders are very common. One in four people will experience an anxiety disorder at some stage in their lives.
Anxiety is common, especially for some in the early stages of their tinnitus. The sooner you get help, the sooner you will learn to control the condition.
What Causes Depression?
Most people assume that depression is caused simply by recent personal difficulties or a chemical imbalance in the brain. Depression however, is often caused by the mix of recent events and other longer-term or personal risk factors. Research indicates that ongoing difficulties, such as long-term unemployment or living in an abusive or uncaring relationship, are more likely to cause depression than recent life stressors.
Depression can also run in families and some people will be at increased genetic risk. However, this doesn't mean that you will automatically become depressed if a parent or close relative has had the illness. Life circumstances are still likely to have an important influence on your chances of becoming ill. It's also common for people to experience depression and anxiety at the same time.
Seeking Help
For more information about anxiety disorders and depression, symptom checklists, effective treatments and where to get help, visit www.beyondblue.org.au or www.youthbeyondblue.com or call the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636.