Depression, Anxiety, and Panic Attacks
If you experience at least 5 of the following symptoms for either most of the day, nearly every day, or more than two weeks, depression may be present:
- Feelings of sadness, depressed mood, and/or irritability
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, such as hobbies or spending time with family/friends
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Changes in sleeping pattern—sleeping too much or cannot sleep at all
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Inability to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions
- Constant fatigue or loss of energy
- Restlessness or decreased activity
- Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death
Panic attack usually lasts just a few minutes but can appear to last for hours because its symptoms can be so overwhelming. If you are feeling an unprovoked surge of fear accompanied by at least 4 of the following physical and emotional symptoms, you may be experiencing a panic attack.
- Shortness of breath or smothering sensations
- Dizziness or faintness
- Accelerated heart rate
- Trembling or shaking
- Sweating
- Choking
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Feelings of detachment or unreality
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Hot flashes or chills
- A fear of dying, going crazy, or losing control
There are several signs and symptoms that help your counselor know if you are experiencing anxiety. If you are experiencing at least 3 symptoms for more days than not or for the last six months, you may be experiencing anxiety.
- Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
- Being easily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep)