Depression and anxiety are very common. Many people are stunned to find out just how common depression and anxiety are.
Many people shrug off symptoms or neglect to find help. While symptoms of depression and anxiety are common, many people don’t understand just how treatable they are.
Some common symptoms of depression: lack of motivation, tiredness, mood changes, appetite changes, lethargy, etc.
Some symptoms of anxiety: trouble concentrating, disrupted sleep patterns, fidgeting, unable to keep still, etc.
The symptoms of depression and anxiety are very treatable with the right attention and medical care. It is important to find help and consult with your doctor to help treat these symptoms.
Self-diagnosis and self-medicating may seem convenient. But there may be other psychological, medical or emotional issues that need to be addressed.
This is vital, in order for the symptoms to be resolved!
Did You Know?
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18% of the population. (Source: National Institute of Mental Health)
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment.
Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, almost one-third of the country’s $148 billion total mental health bill, according to “The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders,” a study commissioned by ADAA (The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 60(7), July 1999).
More than $22.84 billion of those costs are associated with the repeated use of health care services; people with anxiety disorders seek relief for symptoms that mimic physical illnesses.
People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.
https://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics
Common Treatments & Alternative Options
There are many complimentary and alternative treatments for symptoms of depression and anxiety.
This could include a balanced diet, exercise and getting some sunshine.
For more severe cases, the chemical imbalances in the brain can benefit from specific medications designed to balance the chemicals in the brain responsible for moods. It is important to seek a clinical opinion to find the right medications for each mental health condition.
Symptoms of depression and anxiety can also coincide with other disorders and substance abuse.
Finding treatment is especially important to ensure the whole problem is treated, and not just surface symptoms.
Trained professionals use Dual Diagnosis to help identify symptoms of mental health conditions and any other medical conditions that may be present.
Psychiatric service dogs are a legally recognized type of service dog that is specially trained to help people with certain mental health disorders.
These service dogs can be trained to aid a wide variety of mental illnesses, not limited to severe impairments but including disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other types of mental illness.
If you have a mental illness of some kind, you may actually qualify for a service dog.
Unlike the traditional service dog, psychiatric service dogs are typically trained for their owner’s unique situation and can be any breed, size, or age.
Here are just a few of the illnesses that can benefit from the help of a service dog.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Service dogs are most commonly used for those suffering with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
A PTSD service dog can be a tremendously helpful partner! The main goal for these pups is to make it easier for their owner to be in public, as well as live more comfortably at home.
Some examples of tasks a PTSD dog may perform might include waking their handler from nightmares. Guiding a panicked handler to the nearest exit. Keeping other people at bay during an episode, and using body weight to manage panic attacks.
People who suffer from PTSD are far less likely to experience addiction and suicidal thoughts if they have a dog assisting in symptom management!
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety truly is sneaky. It comes in many different shapes and sizes!
Someone with minor anxiety will be less likely to need a service dog. Managing their symptoms may be a tad bit easier to treat.
But someone with severe anxiety? They may suffer from panic attacks, heart palpations, and other life-infringing symptoms.
An anxiety service dog is certainly a great option for those with server anxiety. You could probably use a good licking and the reminder of their body weight.
You might be wondering why?
Service dogs lick and sit on their owners, in order to draw them out of a panic attack.
They can also offer separation between strangers and their handlers.Their abilities to help with anxiety are endless!
Some examples of these might include checking the home for intruders. Barking for help when their handler feels threatened.
Acting out the part of a guard dog to offer their handler added protection.
Clinical Depression
Clinical depression is often managed with therapy and medication. However, these methods are not always fully effective!
Sometimes it is the methods that are outside of the box, that prove to be the most powerful.
Consider getting a depression service dog!
These brilliant pups can be trained to prevent suicide by knocking weapons from their handler’s hands! You can also expect them to paw and lick until their owner gets out of bed.
They can even act as a medication reminder!
A depression service dog can be such an immense help in recovering from depression.
Service dogs force their owners into a healthy routine.
Maybe this includes eating reminders, sleeping regulation, and exercise! All of which are very helpful for someone suffering from depression.
Service dogs can improve the lives of people with mental illness in so many tremendous ways. Animals are just incredible aren’t they?
However, it’s also important to realize that a service dog comes with some financial considerations!
Service dog training can be a bit pricey! Not to mention the daily care of a dog- any dog! You’ll want quality food, vet visits, toys, leashes, harnesses, microchips, etc..
Service dogs, while incredible, come at a cost!an A well worth it cost!
Simply make sure that you are ready for the commitment, emotionally and financially for your awesome service doggo!
Residential Treatment Programs
If you or someone you love may be experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety- find help.
There is an unbelievably higher quality of life that can be lived! We just have to bring attention to these mental health conditions and treat them accordingly.
The good news is- they are very easily treatable!
Perhaps you are wondering if your relationship with substances has become unhealthy?
Looking into a residential treatment program may be a great option!
Our admissions team is here to answer your questions, call today: 888-358-8998
Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-symptoms-and-types
https://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics