Depression and Anxiety: The Dual Burden of the Mind

Abstract

Depression has been known as a mental disorder since ancient times. In the 5th century BC, Hippocrates defined depression as “melancholia” and suggested that it was caused by an accumulation of black bile in the body. Before Hippocrates, depression was associated with supernatural forces and believed to be sent to cause suffering. During the Middle Ages, depression was often linked to religious beliefs, but scholars such as Ibn Sina approached it as both a physical and mental disorder. In the 19th century, Sigmund Freud examined depression from a psychoanalytic perspective, arguing that inner conflicts and anger related to losses led to depression. In the mid-20th century, biochemical research revealed the effects of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine on depression. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by at least two weeks of depressed mood, low energy, loss of willpower, fatigue, sleep and appetite disturbances, pessimism, and thoughts of suicide. Like depression, anxiety is also a common mental disorder that negatively impacts an individual’s life. Anxiety is defined as a natural response to a threatening or stressful situation. The term “anxiety” is derived from the Latin verb “angere,” which means “to choke” or “to narrow,” reflecting the sense of pressure caused by anxiety. Hippocrates linked anxiety to physical imbalances, while during the Middle Ages, it was explained through supernatural forces. Freud viewed anxiety as a result of repressed emotions, and in the 20th century, biological approaches revealed the effects of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Anxiety is characterized by constant worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep problems. In this study, conducted using document analysis, our aim is to understand how depression and anxiety influence each other and shape their effects on individuals, as well as highlight the destructive impacts of these disorders on mental health, relationships, and social life. Depression and anxiety are two disorders that are often seen together and reinforce each other. Depression leads to a loss of energy and motivation, while anxiety creates a constant state of worry, fear, and restlessness. This not only affects an individual’s inner world but also causes significant disruptions in their social and professional lives. The co-occurrence of depression and anxiety greatly reduces the quality of life and can create deep cracks in social relationships. In this context, the goal is to understand depression and anxiety in greater depth and raise societal awareness to minimize the effects of these disorders. Furthermore, by strengthening individuals’ mental health, psychological resilience, communication skills, and social relationships, the aim is to contribute to a more balanced and peaceful life.