Anxiety and Depression… More Common Than You Think BY REV. BRIAN K. SHAFFER, GC-C, FT, LLPC, NCC
Many of us have, at one time or another, felt sad or anxious. For example, the death of a loved one can leave us experiencing feelings of deep sadness, loss, even isolated. Financial or work demands can cause us stress, make us anxious, and cause us to lose sleep. However, when these emotions negatively affect (for long periods of time) how we think, how we handle our daily activities like working, sleeping and eating, the symptoms may be due to depression or anxiety. Both of these conditions can severely interfere with or limit your ability to live a productive and happy life. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health disorders in the nation. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 40 million people in the U.S. (18 percent) experience an anxiety disorder in any given year. Additionally, an estimated 16.2 million adults in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode in the last year according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Let’s take a quick test: During the past 2 weeks, 1. I have felt anxious, nervous or on edge a) almost every day b) several days c) at least half of the days d) not at all 2. I have not been able to stop worrying a) almost every day b) several days c) at least half of the days d) not at all 3. I have been worrying about several different things a) almost every day b) several days c) at least half of the days d) not at all American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 08
4. I have had trouble relaxing a) almost every day b) several days c) at least half of the days d) not at all 5. I have not been able to sit still and felt restless a) almost every day b) several days c) at least half of the days d) not at all 6. I have become easily annoyed or irritable a) almost every day b) several days c) at least half of the days d) not at all
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This is an original article written by Rev. Brian K. Shaffer, GC-C, FT, LLPC, NCC
You can also make an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP), who can help coordinate your care and refer you to a specialist, if needed. If you don’t have a PCP, our concierge services can help you locate one near you. If you have any changes in your health and you’ve got questions, call our 24-hour nurse line. You can speak with a professional and
7. I have been fearful that something bad is going to happen a) almost every day b) several days c) at least half of the days d) not at all To identify your score, please use the following score guide and add the numbers: Letter a = 4 points Letter b = 3 points Letter c = 2 points Letter d = 1 point YOUR SCORE If you scored... You may have... 15 & up 10 - 14 6-9 0 - 5 Severe Anxiety Moderate Anxiety Mild Anxiety No Anxiety
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 09
