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)

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