Depression and anxiety are the two most common mental health concerns. On the surface, they may appear quite different. In layman’s terms, anxiety is about nervousness, while depression is all about despair. There is some truth in those perceptions.
Meanwhile, at least half the people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with some kind of anxiety disorder. The conditions are related. Yet, they are different. Their fundamental causes could be similar. How they manifest in each person can be incredibly distinct. Educating yourself on how anxiety and depression are related (or not) can be crucial in getting the support you need.
3 Ways Anxiety & Depression Are Not Related
1. Depression Symptoms
Symptoms of anxiety and depression may overlap, e.g., changes in appetite and eating habits, inability to concentrate, and general fatigue. However, depression’s hallmark signs are usually unmistakable. These include but are not limited to:
Losing interest in activities that once excited you
Ongoing feeling of profound sadness
Chronic thoughts of death, dying, and suicide
2. Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety symptoms that are not usually associated with depression:
Physical: breathing issues (shortness or hyperventilation), dry mouth, nausea and dizziness, muscle tension and aches, heart palpitations, your hand or feet get numb, tingly, sweaty, or cold.
Psychological: inability to stay calm, restlessness, a relentless sense of panic and fear, rumination, avoidance of people, places, or things that cause fear
3. General Outlook and Mood
Anxiety and depression are experienced quite differently. In fact, they’ve been called two sides of the same coin. For example, someone with depression may think about death because they feel life is hopeless. When a person with anxiety thinks about death, it’s almost certainly because they fear a (real or perceived) threat to their well-being.
3 Ways Anxiety & Depression Are Related
1. Cause and Effect
Let’s return to something touched on above: at least half the people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with some kind of anxiety disorder.
2. When Anxiety Leads the Way
Generally speaking, if you have an anxiety disorder, there is an increased possibility of acquiring depression. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a form of anxiety. People suffering from this trauma-related disorder are at high risk of developing depression.
3. When Depression Leads the Way
Conversely, someone with depression may begin to feel anxious about their condition. Left unchecked or unnoticed, this trend increases the likelihood of a co-existing anxiety disorder developing.
How Do You Know If You’re Dealing With Both Anxiety and Depression?
For starters, re-read the symptoms listed above. If any of them persist, it warrants your attention. Neither depression nor anxiety should ever be downplayed or ignored. However, if you notice an increase in signs from both lists, it is a red flag. Monitor closely and do not ever hesitate to reach out for support and help.
Treatment for Both Anxiety and Depression
Since both disorders are so common, a silver lining of sorts is the amount of time and work that goes into finding effective treatment options. Reaching out to an experienced mental health practitioner is the first step to learning more about these approaches. From there, you can be assessed and collaborate with a therapist for treatment.
In some instances, medication is suggested. But, in almost every case, counseling is the entry point. Simultaneously, you will learn a wide range of self-help steps that can complement your treatment. These may include lifestyle changes, self-care, and relaxation techniques.
You can live free of both anxiety and depression. Let’s get you started on the path to recovery with a free and confidential consultation.