depression/ Anxiety Disorders

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities.

Variety of known factors that might cause depression are:

• Personality You may be more vulnerable to depression if you have certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being overly self-critical. 
• Inherited Traits Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives also have this condition. 
• Giving Birth Some women are particularly vulnerable to depression after pregnancy. The hormonal and physical changes, as well as the added responsibility of a new life, can lead to postnatal depression.
• Loneliness feeling of loneliness caused by things such as becoming cut off from your family and friends can increase your risk of depression.
• Illness You may have a higher risk of depression if you have a longstanding or life-threatening illness, such as cancer.
• Alcohol and Drugs Drugs can bring on depression, particularly in teenagers. Alcohol affects the chemistry of the brain, which increases the risk of depression.

A mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities.

Examples of anxiety disorders include Panic Attacks, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder(OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD). Having an anxiety disorder does more than make you worry. It can also lead to, or worsen, other mental and physical conditions, such as:

• Depression (which often occurs with an anxiety disorder) or other mental health disorders
• Substance misuse
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Digestive or bowel problems
• Headaches and chronic pain
• Social isolation
• Problems functioning at school or work
• Poor quality of life
• Suicide