Why Does Fear Contribute To Depression?

[Red Feather]

I really think I barely know myself. I don't understand what is happening and what are the mechansims at work. What is it that is making me not want to get out of bed or make myself a decent meal? I just know that anxiety and depression go hand in hand. But I don't have an explanation for it. Why?

 

[KBE]

I may have found an answer for you, but I'm having ridiculous issues trying to copy info from other sources into this window (I think it's my iPad).

I downloaded the preview of the stress reduction handbook and in chapter 1 it discusses the effects of long term stress on the body. Apparently, the body releases cortosides, which, over time, can lead to feelings of depression.

I'm going to try to clean up this posting with actual quotes once I figure out what I'm doing wrong.

 

[KBE]

I'm having some trouble posting, but I think I found an answer for you. I downloaded the preview of the following book after seeing it in this site's book referral list. This is what I found:

The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook, by Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, et al; Chapter 1, How You React to Stress

"Regrettably, during times of chronic stress when the fight-or-flight physiological responses continue unchecked, something else happens that can have long-term negative effects. The adrenal glands secrete corticoids (adrenalin, epinephrine or norepinephrine), which inhibit digestion, reproduction, growth, tissue repair...

"Chronic or persistent stress can occur when life stressors are unrelenting...

"There are also some indications that the continued release and depletion of norepinephrine during a state of chronic stress can contribute to depression and anxiety."

 

[LoveIsHealing]

It's exhausting being afraid all of the time...mentally, emotionally and physically. When you're anxious and afraid, you are not happy. When you are exhausted and nothing makes you feel happy because everything is clouded by anxiety, you don't feel like you have a reason to get out of bed. Is there anything that you feel happy about doing when you think about it? I try to think of something to feel motivated about, but I know, sometimes it's hard. What hobbies do you have?

 

[Shellbell]

I think fear adds to the depression - as it's something I feel I cannot control. Lack of control is something I don't handle well at all. I've always needed to be in control and now I'm not in control - the fear that brings is immense.

And it is exhausting, which also adds to the depression. The constant state of hightened anxiety that fear brings, is totally exhausting.

And the depression just continues then to get worse. I was at a stage of almost being unable to get out of bed and really needed medication to help that. But some people are able to manage it without medication.

The relaxation and stress reduction workbook sounds like a positive resource.

 

[Britt.f7]

I think that depression brings on fear. When I am not depressed I do not feel that fear, that anxiety, that apprehension. When I am not depressed, I do not stay frozen in my own home, unable to move. I think they feed each other. I'm depressed. I become fearful. I become more depressed due to that. I become even more fearful. I think it just goes in circles. When it gets turns into a merry go round, it is very hard to get off of it. It rarely stops on its own.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

For some, depression causes anxiety. For others, anxiety causes depression.

Sadly, a LOT of doctors don't know this. Treating an anxiety ---> depression person like myself with antidepressants often doesn't work because the underlying anxiety is not resolved. However, antidepressants often do work when the anxiety is caused by depression.

 

[FallenAngelJJD]

I agree.. I feel stuck and numb and I feel as though im going through the motions of life with no control of changing anything .. its gets completely frustrating which results in me getting more depressed. My therapist tells me that I am afraid to change, because change is scary. I guess I can agree with that.

 

[GreenFrog2]

Sadly, a LOT of doctors don't know this. Treating an anxiety ---> depression person like myself with antidepressants often doesn't work because the underlying anxiety is not resolved. However, antidepressants often do work when the anxiety is caused by depression.

This one sounds so familiar! Anti depressants did nothing good for me at all - think my doc is finally starting to understand that my terror and anxiety are behind it! Not to mention a massive amount of anger!

 

[discarded]

My doctor put me on meds but also sent me to a psychologist to do cognitive behaviour therapy for my anxiety. It was a long process but it really helped and my anxiety has been under control for a long time now. My depression on the other hand is not.

 

[Britt.f7]

There is medicine for anxiety, however, I think a lot of them cause a sedative effect. Not much use when you need to be alert. Seroquel is suppose to calm the anxiety, but I use to drag throughout the day. Now I just take a small amount if I'm feeling peculiarly anxious. Enough to take the edge off but not enough to impair me. Mind you it doesn't relieve the anxiety all the way. Just helps with some of the panic. For me, medicine alone isn't enough and I also work on it in therapy.