Director Li Guobing of the Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital introduced that in today’s society, with the acceleration of the pace of life and the increase in work pressure, anxiety and depression have increasingly become important issues affecting people’s physical and mental health. Anxiety and depression, as common psychological disorders, have complex and diverse symptoms that can have profound impacts on individuals’ daily lives, work, and relationships.
I. Definition of Anxiety and Depression
Director Li Guobing of Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital pointed out that anxiety and depression are not simple emotional reactions but rather psychological disorders triggered by multiple factors. Anxiety mainly manifests as excessive worry and nervousness about possible future dangers or adverse consequences, while depression involves losing interest and pleasure in the past and present, accompanied by negative emotions such as low mood and reduced self-worth. When these two emotional states coexist and interact with each other, they form a state of anxiety and depression.
II. Symptoms
People with anxiety and depression often exhibit a series of obvious symptoms.
First, in terms of emotions, they may feel depressed, helpless, and hopeless for a long time, lose interest in daily activities, and even have suicidal thoughts. At the same time, they may also worry about and fear the future, afraid of failure, rejection, or loss of control.
Second, in terms of physical aspects, anxiety and depression may lead to symptoms such as insomnia, early awakening, changes in appetite (such as overeating or loss of appetite), weight fluctuations, fatigue, muscle tension or pain, etc. Additionally, they may experience cognitive impairments such as lack of concentration, memory loss, and slow thinking.
Director Li Guobing of Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital emphasized that it is crucial to seek professional help in the face of anxiety and depression. Firstly, patients can confide their feelings and needs to family, friends, or colleagues to receive emotional support and understanding. Secondly, they can seek assistance from professional physicians to promptly overcome the symptoms of anxiety and depression through scientific methods.
