
Depression is both a brain disorder and a state of mind. Depression represents 99% of all mind-brain illness. In the United States it affects over 18 million adults (one in ten) in any given year. Internationally it affects over 300 million people worldwide-regardless of culture, age, gender, religion, race or economic status. Anxiety and depression can go hand in hand. In fact, chronic anxiety often turns into depression. Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects 2 – 4% of the adult U.S population, or 5 – 9 million people.
There is no doubt that we are living in stressful and anxiety filled times. Talking to friends, family or co-workers and you will hear from them frequently how worried and stressed everyone is. While it is normal and natural to feel this way from time to time and especially right now, prolonged stress and anxiety can lead to depression and can have health consequences such as high blood pressure, loss of sleep, heart palpitations and so on. So, what are some things you can do to help yourself right now?
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