The Difference Between Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are often thought of as the same disorder. After all, they share many symptoms, including sadness, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleeping and eating habits. But there are important differences between the two. This article provides a detailed overview of anxiety and depression, following which we describe the key differences between the two mental health disorders.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, tension, or fear. People with anxiety often have physical symptoms, such as a fast heart rate, sweating, and feeling dizzy, and mental symptoms, such as feeling restless, worried, or scared. Anxiety is a normal human emotion that can offer a burst of energy to deal with a stressful situation, but when anxiety is constant, it can be disabling.
There are many types of anxiety disorders, each with its own symptoms. Some of the most common include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. People with anxiety disorders often have trouble functioning in their day-to-day lives and may avoid situations that trigger their anxiety. An estimated 40 million American adults live with an anxiety disorder.
What is Depression?
Most people feel down or sad at times. It’s a normal reaction to losses or disappointments. Usually, these feelings are short-lived and pass within a few days. But when you have depression, these feelings don’t go away. They persist and interfere with your everyday life. Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious mental health condition that impacts both physical and mental health.
Depression is a mental disorder that is characterized by feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. Depression can occur at any age, but it is most common in adults. There are many signs and symptoms of depression, and not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Some common symptoms of depression include:
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Irritability
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Fatigue and decreased energy
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or excessive sleeping
Overeating or appetite loss
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease with treatment
Anxiety vs. Depression: What’s the Difference?
Anxiety is a stress response and is characterized by feelings of fear, worry, and tension. These feelings can accompany physical symptoms like sweating, heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing. Depression, on the other hand, is a mood disorder that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and worthlessness.
While anxiety and depression are different conditions, they often occur together and can also influence each other. Around one-third of people with anxiety also suffer from depression. If you’re unsure which one you have, here are some key differences.
Anxiety is…
Short-lived, often triggered by a specific event
Characterized by feelings of fear, nervousness, and unease
Associated with physical symptoms like sweating, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness
Depression is…
Long-lasting, often with no specific trigger
Characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness
Associated with physical symptoms like fatigue, weight loss or gain, and headaches
If you think you may be suffering from anxiety or depression, you should see a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog, website or in any linked materials. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or call for emergency medical help on the nearest telephone immediately. Community Behavioral Health offers talk therapy and medication management services for adults, teens, and children, including Spanish-speaking customers.
