Depression and Anxiety in Adults 

What does depression and anxiety look like for adults?

Depression

“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” ~Dan Millman

Depression and anxiety are incredibly common mental health disorders in adults, with 6.9% of US adults experiencing at least one depressive episode in the year and 18.1% of adults experiencing an anxiety disorder in the year. 

Symptoms of a depressive disorder may include:

  • Depressed mood most of the time (feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness)

  • Decreased ability to focus or think

  • Fatigue or diminished energy

  • Irritability or anger

  • Sleep issues (too much sleep, not enough sleep)

  • Loss of interest and pleasure

  • Appetite changes (overeating, decreased appetite)

  • Reoccurring thoughts of death and suicide

  • If you or a loved one is experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, or call 911 for immediate support

Depressive symptoms can sap energy, decrease motivation, and disempower otherwise healthy and functional adults. 

At Variations Psychology, our Doctors can provide diagnostic testing to determine if your challenges are being caused by clinical depression, and guide you on the next steps toward healing.

Anxiety

Anxiety is marked by the intense and pervasive feelings of worry and fear that are out of proportion to the situation. These feelings can be incredibly challenging to control, often making adults feel helpless and disempowered with their anxiety. 

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder may include:

  • Excessive worry or anxiety most of the time

  • The worry is difficult to control

  • Fatigue or tiredness

  • Muscle tension or soreness

  • Restlessness or agitation

  • Sleep disturbance (too much sleep, not enough sleep)

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Racing thoughts

  • Irregular breathing

  • Panic attacks

Both depression and anxiety can feel debilitating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team can empower you to regain control and fulfillment. 

How Can Variations Psychology Help?

Many individuals search for a therapist, booking an appointment with the first 5-star-rated counselor they can find. The problem with diving right into therapy is that you run the risk of spending tons of time and money with a therapist whose expertise doesn’t fit your actual needs.

That’s where Variations comes in

Whether your family is struggling with learning differences or conditions that impact your mental health, our Doctors conduct psychological testing to remove the guess-work and provide you with a clear diagnosis. Beginning with an assessment allows our team to guide you on the most effective path toward overcoming challenges and achieving your life’s potential.

Click below to schedule your consultation today to learn how we can help

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental

disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Anxiety. (2017). Mayo Clinic. 

Depression. (2017). Anxiety and Depression Association of America. 

Mental Health by the Numbers. (2017). National Alliance on Mental Illness. 

Möller, H., Bandelow, B., Volz, H., Barnikol, U. B., Seifritz, E., & Kasper, S. (2016). The relevance of ‘mixed anxiety and depression’ as a diagnostic category in clinical practice. European Archives of Psychiatry & Clinical Neuroscience, 266, 725-736.