The Major Differences Between Anxiety and Depression
Do you sometimes wonder if depression and anxiety are the same? Among the most common mental health problems are depression and anxiety, which are often confused, but they are not the same. Despite the awareness of anxiety and depression, many people still struggle to differentiate between the two conditions. Most of the confusion about anxiety and depression stems from the fact that some of their symptoms overlap and they co-occur most time. However, there are major differences between anxiety and depression, and each has unique symptoms.
In this article, we will explore the major differences between anxiety and depression in detail so you can easily determine which one of the conditions you or a loved one is struggling with. But before we get into the differences, we need to know what anxiety and depression mean.
Anxiety is the presence of excessive worry and fear, and people with anxiety constantly feel on edge and may be restless. Anxiety causes feelings of nervousness, worry, or dread. Depression, on the other hand, is the presence of excessive sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest. Generally, depression involves a deep feeling of despair, and people that are depressed may feel numb and withdrawn. Both anxiety and depression can cause agitation and restlessness.
Feelings of anxiety or depression are normal from time to time. However, if these feelings are frequent and interfere with your daily life, you probably have a disorder, but don't worry; it can be treated. All you have to do is talk to your doctor to figure out if you have anxiety or depression, or both.
It is also worth noting that anxiety and depression are blanket terms for various mental health disorders.
Major Variations Between Anxiety and Depression
The biggest difference between anxiety and depression is in the definition. Anxiety and depression fall into different groups of disorders. Anxiety is in its own class, and depression is a separate mood disorder. Depression is more of a mood disorder, while anxiety is not. Anxiety can cause feelings of hopelessness, fear, or stress but doesn't lead to the prolonged low moods associated with depression.
As you can see above, the symptoms are different though some are common in both conditions. Nevertheless, the standard treatment for both anxiety and depression are kind of similar, at least in the big picture. Excessive worrying is more common with anxiety, while depression is associated with thoughts of suicide. Another common depression sign is slow speech and movement, and their reaction may be flattened or dull, while people with anxiety tend to be more agitated as they struggle to manage their racing thoughts.
Another key difference you should know is that people with anxiety are afraid of what the future holds, while people struggling with depression who do not suffer from anxiety are less likely to worry about future events, as they often believe that things will never get better. They predict the future based on how they feel at the moment.
Both can be treated using a combination of medication, counseling, and other mental health therapies. However, when managed properly and can control their symptoms, people struggling with anxiety can end treatment after a few months. People with depression, on the other hand, may need longer treatment to help manage their feelings, especially those with suicidal thoughts. Although they can be treated with the same combination of treatment, they are often treated with different medications.
Anxiety and depression are both life-disrupting mental health issues that need proper medical attention to prevent further damage- as both can contribute to high rates of suicide and other issues, such as substance and alcohol abuse. They can also affect social relationships and overall quality of life. In addition, continual anxiety increases the risk of heart disease and problems.
Anxiety includes the following conditions:
Generalized anxiety
Panic disorders
Phobias
Social anxiety disorder
Separation anxiety disorder
Agoraphobia
The various forms of depression include:
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Postpartum depression
Psychotic depression
The two conditions have distinct mental and physical symptoms;
Symptoms of Anxiety are:
People with anxiety are generally highly preoccupied and worried about things going wrong and potential risks. You may have anxiety if you are often overwhelmed with worry, cranky, sweaty, shaky, or feel out of control. However, there are specific symptoms for different types of anxiety.
Symptoms that affect mental health include:
Excessive worrying about what may go wrong
Frightening thought
Difficulty concentrating
Poor memory
Fear of losing control
Fear of accident, injury, sickness, or death
Situation avoidance
Irritability
Getting easily distracted
Racing thoughts
Hypervigilance over potential threats
The feeling of detachment or unreality
Physical Symptoms Include:
Dry mouth
Tingling or numbness in the arms and legs
Shaking or sweating
Elevated heart rate
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or pressure
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Hot flashes or chills
Digestive upset
Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
Anxiety symptoms may vary from person to person. Some people may experience all symptoms, while others may experience few.
Symptoms of Depression
You may have depression, usually lack energy, have difficulty concentrating, and have no interest in the things you used to enjoy.
People with depression may experience the following mental symptoms:
Hopelessness or Pessimism
Sadness, anxiety
Feeling empty
Loss of interest in hobbies or fun activities
Loss of interest in daily activities
Thought of death and suicide
Irritability
Physical symptoms include
Low energy
Moving or talking slowly
Restlessness
Difficulty sleeping
Change in appetite (eating more or less than usual)
Difficulty concentrating
Aches and pains
Digestive issues
Weight gain or loss
Depression symptoms may vary from person to person. Some people may experience all symptoms, while others may experience few.
If you notice any change in your mood and feel less like yourself, or you have been struggling with most of the symptoms above over a long period, it is time to seek medical advice. People experiencing anxiety or depression need to seek help to limit the effects of the condition on their work, relationships, and life. The good news is both conditions are treatable, and help is readily available. Also, keep in mind that you are not alone.
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