A new study shows 7 key features shared by both social anxiety and depression: irritability, feelings of worthlessness, mood instability, depressed mood, positive affect, social avoidance, and social fear. The key “bridging” symptom in the new model proved to be feelings of worthlessness.

As someone who has struggled with mental illness for years and who has seen both psychiatrists and psychologists I have to say that there's a lot of guess work when it comes to mental disorders. Many illnesses share the same symptoms and it seems most professionals are simply looking to apply a label or strict explanation. I believe it's best to find a mental health professional who is highly empathetic and understanding while also capable of critical thinking. Those that flip through the DSM and hastily prescribe pharmaceuticals are usually the least equipped to actually help people, so while I appreciate these models and more awareness when it comes to mental illness, I feel the reasoning behind why someone is suffering is usually quite apparent when speaking to this person without all the scientific jargon. Over-complicating things is not helpful.

Back in 2012 I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 disorder and GAD. Through all my sessions with my psychiatrist nothing really helped. The pills I was prescribed actually made my illness worse. In fact, the anti-psychotic I was prescribed during one year almost ruined my life entirely. I spent countless hours researching my illness in an attempt to find some sort of natural treatment but in the end what really helped was seeing a psychologist that really cared and who valued empathy over strict black and white thinking. It was when I was introduced to mindfulness and CBT/DBT that I was able to see positive results. At this point in my life I suffer from GAD but I'm quite sure I don't have Bipolar 2 disorder despite how much I was forced to believe I did.

When it comes to what I have experienced and what my friends and family have experienced, it seems childhood trauma is a big factor, as is a person's past and present environment. Positive thoughts, love and support and therapy that works to dissolve rumination and illusionary boundaries as well as negative behaviors is the way to go and has proven to be very helpful for many. I believe most people need a warm psychologist before seeing an analytical psychiatrist. Pharmaceutical medication should be the absolute last resort, not the first course of action.

Anyone suffering should not only research mindfulness but also the MBTI. It explains a person's preferences in life as we all utilize different cognitive functions. Upon discovering I am in fact an INFJ personality so much makes sense and for the first time I'm able to accept myself and focus on moving forward instead of focusing on a label.

/r/science Thread Link - psychologytoday.com