Daniel Benedict Miller is an actor and has become well known for portraying the role of Aaron Dingle in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, for which he has won the British Soap Award for Best Actor in 2011, 2012 and 2016. The talented star has been candid in the past about his mental health struggles and opens up about the importance of speaking up if you are struggling too.
Many incidences of depression can be linked with an anxiety disorder too.
People who have major depression also suffer from severe and persistent anxiety, notes Dr Sally Connolly.
In fact, some experts estimate that 60 percent of people with anxiety will also have symptoms of depression, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI).
Although clearly not identical emotional states, mental health research suggests that depression and anxiety often coexist because they can be caused by the same or similar factors. According to an article published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, those overlapping causes can include:
- Genetic factors
- Environmental factors
- Pain
According to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), anxiety and depression can share several common symptoms, including, but not limited to:
- Being easily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep; restless, unsatisfying sleep)
- Other signs that a person may suffer from both anxiety disorder and depression include:
- Constant, irrational fear and worry
Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, headaches, hot flashes, sweating, abdominal pain and/or difficulty breathing
- Changes in eating, either too much or too little
- Persistent feelings of sadness or worthlessness
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Inability to relax
- Panic attacks
“Anxiety and depression grabs you and shakes you no matter who you are or what walk of life. And I hope you read this post (and yes you may cringe) and see the bigger picture,” Danny added in his post.
He advised: “Talk to someone. And allow someone to love you and love them in return.
“And then, like me, hopefully, you too can see a genuine path to welcoming and dealing with the horrible, invisible illness that is anxiety and depression.”
He concluded with a touching message directly to his fans: “I hope you find that partner and that friend. Like me. And if you’re still reading this. You’re doing great and I’m glad you exist.”
For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.