We’ve probably all asked ourselves this, right? Or been asked by a therapist. We want to get to the bottom of it and get rid of it! Anxiety and depression can often be intertwined, as they can present as symptoms of each other, but it is crucial to distinguish between the two.
Anxiety is generally characterized by excessive fear or apprehension about the future. Normally, people diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) experience persistent stress and deal with panic attacks and feelings of severe worry.
Depression is characterized by excessive feelings of sadness and loss of hope to the point that it affects the person’s daily life.
Learn About the Symptoms:
Symptoms of anxiety can include but aren’t limited to:
● Nervousness
● Rapid heart rate
● Sweating
● Trembling
● Nausea & vomiting
● Difficulty concentrating
● Irritability
● Avoidant behaviors
Symptoms of Depression can include but aren’t limited to:
● Intense, constant sadness
● Mood swings
● Lack of energy
● Lack of motivation
● Lost interest in things/activities once enjoyed
● Unnecessary guilt
● Lack of hygeine
● Sexual dysfunction
Root Causes of Anxiety and Depression
Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all answer to what the true root cause is of anxiety and depression. So far, professionals say it is different for everyone. It could be caused by a combination of factors including environmental, genetic, psychological, and biological. Here are some examples:
● Family History: If blood relatives have a history of mental illness such as anxiety and depression, statistically you are more likely to develop the same.
● Childhood Trauma: Traumatic events during childhood shape the way you respond to fear and distressing circumstances. When you were a child, you responded the best way you knew how, but that way your body and mind protected you stuck with you through adolescence and adulthood. If this trauma wasn’t processed properly, it could lead to feeling unsafe (anxious) or hopeless about the future (depressed).
● Brain Structure: Biochemical imbalances are real! This is why TMS therapy for anxiety and depression is so effective because it targets the parts of the brain that are underactive (imbalanced) and helps them wake up!
● Going Through a Major Life Change: Even if it was planned. Having a baby, moving, getting divorced, losing a grandparent,- all could be things that are “expected,” but should not be dismissed as any less of a shock to the system. The effects are accumulative.
● Medication Use: Some medications or even alcohol use put you at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression.
The Role of the Brain
Advances in neuroimaging have provided extensive insights into the brains of people with anxiety and depression and how they differ from those without. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive function and emotional regulation often shows reduced activity in individuals with depression. The amygdala is a key region for processing emotions and tends to be overactive in those with anxiety. These variables can be contributing factors to the symptoms experienced such as difficulty concentrating, excessive fear, hypervigilance, and persistent sadness.
The Gut-Brain Connection
Gut health is a hot topic nowadays and it is actually for good reason. Emerging research has shown the importance of gut health on its relation to an individual’s mental health. The gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria and plays a major role in regulating mood and behavior. An imbalance in gut bacteria has been linked to depression and anxiety. The gut produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, so disruptions in the gut microbiome can affect a person’s mental health. This connection underscores the impact an individual’s diet has on their mental state.
Alternative Treatment for Anxiety & Depression
TMS therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) has emerged as a promising treatment for mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, particularly for those who have not responded well to traditional treatment methods. TMS therapy involves using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, specifically around mood regulation.
One of the main advantages of TMS therapy is its non-invasive nature. TMS therapy is not the same as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which requires anesthesia and induces seizures. While TMS therapy is a powerful tool in the treatment of depression and anxiety, it is often nicely complemented with other therapeutic approaches and lifestyle modifications.
Final Thoughts
The root causes of depression and anxiety are often complex and certainly multifaceted. They involve an interplay of factors such as biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological. Understanding these factors is essential for understanding the root causes of anxiety and depression and developing effective treatments for them. Understanding the specific root of your anxiety and depression will help guide you on the right treatment path. If you’re wondering if TMS therapy is right for you – take our quiz here!
One of the main advantages of TMS therapy is its non-invasive nature. TMS therapy is not the same as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which requires anesthesia and induces seizures. While TMS therapy is a powerful tool in the treatment of depression and anxiety, it is often nicely complemented with other therapeutic approaches and lifestyle modifications.