Millions of people suffer from low-grade depression and anxiety every day. While not as severe as major depression or anxiety disorders, these illnesses can still negatively affect your life. Thankfully, there are effective treatment options available that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. In this article, we will discuss the different treatment options available for low-grade depression and stress, and we will provide tips on how to find the best treatment plan for you.
How do they differ from major depression and anxiety disorders?
Low-grade depression and anxiety are not as severe as major depression and anxiety disorders, but they can still have a significant impact on a person’s life. Low-grade depression may cause a person to feel sad or down most of the time, but they will still be able to function in their everyday life.
Anxiety may cause a person to feel tense or nervous, but it will not interfere with their ability to live their life. However, both low-grade depression and stress can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. If you think you may be experiencing low-grade depression or anxiety, it is important to talk to your therapist or a mental health professional for help.
Symptoms Low-grade depression and anxiety
Though low-level depression doesn’t look the same for everyone, there are some commonly experienced symptoms, such as:
- Overeating or undereating, which can result in weight changes
- Disturb Sleep patterns
- Feeling exhausted all the time
- Negative feelings and thoughts
- Poor self-image
- Uneasiness
- The decline in the ability to enjoy pastimes that used to please you
- Feelings of despair or “emptiness”
- Poor attention span
- Problems with decision-making that are chronic
People who suffer from low-grade depression experience symptoms most of the day, with only occasional relief. An individual must experience two or more of the following symptoms for at least two years to be diagnosed with low-grade depression. Only one year of symptoms is required for minors.
What are the causes of low-grade depression?
Low-grade depression can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, external pressures, a chemical imbalance, and prolonged stress. While the primary reason is unknown in many people with low-grade depression, they may also have a persistent physical sickness or another emotional problem. However, this does not imply that there aren’t numerous therapies available to assist you to manage your symptoms.
How is low-grade depression treated?
There are many ways to treat Low-Grade Depression and Anxiety successfully. Oftentimes, therapy and medication are used in tandem to provide the most relief. However, it’s always a safe and better option to rely on therapies ad natural healing rather than drugs and medications.
Some common therapies used to treat low-grade depression include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:
CBT is a type of therapy that helps you change the negative thought patterns that contribute to your depression. This therapy can be extremely effective in helping you manage your symptoms and improve your overall outlook on life.
Interpersonal Therapy:
IPT is a type of therapy that focuses on your relationships with others and how they may be impacting your depression. This therapy can help you identify negative communication patterns and learn how to communicate better with those around you.
Behavioural Activation:
This therapy focuses on helping you find ways to enjoy your life again by engaging in activities that make you happy. This can be an effective way to combat the negative thought patterns associated with low-grade depression.
What are the long-term outlook and effects of low-grade depression?
If left untreated, low-grade depression can lead to more severe forms of depression, such as major depressive disorder. Low-grade depression can also negatively affect your relationships, job, and overall quality of life. However, with treatment, many people with low-grade depression are able to manage their symptoms and live happy and productive lives.
It’s Okay – You Have Us!
Low-grade depression and anxiety can be extremely debilitating, causing a significant decrease in quality of life. However, there is hope. Effective treatments are available that can help people to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with low-grade depression or anxiety, please don’t hesitate to contact Mater Your Mind for information on how we can help. We offer a range of evidence-based therapies that have been shown to be effective in treating these conditions. With the right support, it is possible to achieve remission and reclaim your life.