Anxiety and Depression Risk Factors

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Anxiety and Depression

People experiencing anxiety and depression can feel isolated and alone, but they aren’t. Depression affects 15 million people in the United States each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Anxiety disorders affect an estimated 40 million people annually, says the Anxiety Disorder Association of America. This guide will help you understand these disorders, learn about the many available treatment options and reassure you that you aren’t alone.

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What are Anxiety and Depression?

For years, many people believed depression was just feeling sad or out of sorts, and anxious people ... read more »

Anxiety and Depression Risk Factors

No one is immune to depression or anxiety, but certain groups, such as teens, the elderly and new mothers are at higher risk of depression. Depression and anxiety can also run in families, or occur because of a trauma. This section provides Web sites that explain the differences in signs, causes and risks of various higher-risk groups.

Dulcinea's Insight

Teenagers are often misunderstood and their moodiness is chalked up to teenage angst or hormones. Some Web sites are specific to children and teens, and can help parents and those who work with them by offering insight into dealing with teenagers who display the signs of depression or anxiety.

Forgetfulness, fearfulness and sadness in the elderly can be overlooked because they may have other medical issues or their behavior is attributed to aging. Web sites geared toward senior health can help you learn what to watch out for.

Post-partum depression can develop into something very severe and devastating if it’s not detected and treated. It’s more than the baby blues—it’s a true, treatable illness. There are many sites available on the Web that can help women and their families learn how to cope with post-partum depression.

Dulcinea's Picks

For teens and children …

KidsHealth provides a good overview of depression in child-friendly language. There’s information on how and when to seek help, and the site discusses the risk of suicide.

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Psychology Information Online's “Teen Depression” page is geared toward teens, and addresses depression risks, signs and symptoms, and myths about depression.

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For parents and teachers …

HelpGuide's page on teen depression gives information on how the signs and symptoms of depression may appear differently in teens than they do in adults. There are examples of warning signs, what to do if you think your teen is depressed, tips on how to talk to depressed teens and a discussion about suicide. Scroll to the bottom to find links to interesting articles separately addressing depression in boys and girls from Psychology Today.

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MedicineNet.com has a “Teen Depression” center that offers guidance on how to recognize teen depression, including advice for parents and information on teen suicide and binge eating.

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The Anxiety Disorders Association of America has a section that focuses on children and teens who may be experiencing anxiety. It has a link to a test parents can take to determine whether their child might have an anxiety disorder.

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For post-partum depression …

The National Women’s Health Information Center is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The site provides information about depression, the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression, and what can happen if depression isn't treated.

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Mayo Clinic's pages on postpartum depression provide a good overview of postpartum depression, including the signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications and more.

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Postpartum Support International is a comprehensive site that offers information on postpartum depression, including a toll-free support hotline, a searchable directory of local support resources and a bookstore of postpartum-related books for purchase.

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For depression and anxiety in the elderly …

HelpGuide’s page on depression in older adults and the elderly provides insight into how and why the elderly may be affected by depression. These include issues like social isolation, medications or illnesses. Learn why it's important to diagnose depression in the elderly and why it can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

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The American Academy of Family Physicians has an article on how depression in the elderly doesn't always manifest as sadness. It includes a checklist for assessing feelings and actions, and how they might relate to depression.

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