Anxiety vs. Depression: Are You Depressed, Anxious or Both?
Although two separate conditions, depression and anxiety have some overlapping characteristics. It’s also possible to be both depressed and anxious; symptoms of anxiety and symptoms of depression often co-occur. If you’re unsure as to whether you are experiencing depression, anxiety or if you’re both depressed and anxious, it may be helpful to examine symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression is a medical condition with both emotional and physical symptoms. Depression goes beyond typical feelings of sadness that are to be expected after a loss or difficult life event. Symptoms of depression include:
- Depressed mood, sometimes manifesting as irritability or sadness
- Desire for self-harm or suicide
- Difficulty concentrating
- Disturbances in eating or sleeping patterns
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities
- Physical symptoms, like aches and pains.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
Though anxiety is a common and sometimes beneficial response to certain stressful or frightening situations, symptoms of anxiety extend beyond these typical feelings. In an anxiety disorder, sensations of fear or panic are usually disproportionate to the precipitating event. They also occur more often than in a typical person, sometimes with no apparent trigger.
Although several types of anxiety disorders exist, most have certain symptoms in common. Symptoms of anxiety disorders may include:
- Avoidance of certain situations
- Constant worry
- Feelings of fear or panic
- Panic attacks (episodes of extreme anxiety)
- Sudden anxiety, with or without a recognized trigger.
Anxiety vs. Depression
Although symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders are different, they can have some of the same effects. Both anxiety and depression symptoms are severe enough to interfere with everyday life. Depressed and anxious people alike may have difficulty participating in social activities and carrying out work-related or personal obligations. These effects are even more devastating to people who are both depressed and anxious. Depression and anxiety may occur simultaneously, or one condition may increase your risk of developing the other.
When comparing treatment for anxiety vs. depression, both may involve medication and psychotherapy. Medication targets the biological aspects, while psychotherapy can help you to change your thoughts, feelings and reactions to certain situations. While treatments for depression and anxiety are similar, a doctor can help you distinguish anxiety vs. depression, determine if you’re depressed, anxious or depressed and anxious, and begin the correct course of treatment.
Resources
Cohen, H. (2007). Depression versus anxiety. Retrieved June 1, 2010, from the Psych Central website: psychcentral.com/lib/2007/depression-versus-anxiety/.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Depression (major depression). Retrieved May 24, 2010, from Mayo Clinic Website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175.