What’s the Difference Between Anxiety and Depression?
What’s the Difference Between Anxiety and Depression? The terms anxiety and depression get tossed around a lot as if they are almost the same thing. Yet, they aren’t. Although some individuals may experience both of them, they are still two very distinct mental health conditions.
Anxiety and depression do have some overlapping symptoms. But, in a very broad sense, anxiety is all about worrying and stressing over something while depression is a mood disorder full of heavy sadness.
So, what’s the difference between anxiety and depression?
Let’s take a closer look at each to paint a clearer picture of their differences.
What is Anxiety?
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point. It is the body’s natural reaction when stress and fear are running high. You feel anxious. Your heart rate increases. Your palms get sweaty. You are perceiving a threat and your body is reacting.
Anxiety disorder, on the other hand, is a mental health condition that is classified in its own category. And there are many different types, including:
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
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Social Anxiety Disorder
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Panic Disorder
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Phobias
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Separation Anxiety Disorder
There are tens of millions of people who suffer from anxiety disorders – and they can be debilitating. Sadly, even though treatment is available, many go through each day without seeking help.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
What’s the difference between anxiety and depression? A lot of it comes down to the symptoms. [Text Wrapping Break]
Anxiety comes with a lot of different symptoms as it can impact each person differently. But below are a few signs to look out for if you think you or someone you love may be battling this mental illness:
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Excessive worry
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Restlessness
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Sweating
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Insomnia
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Fatigue
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Chest pain
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Irritability
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Inability to focus or concentrate
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Disturbed sleep
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Appetite changes
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Tense muscles
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Obsessive thought patterns
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Ruminating
Keep in mind that these are just general signs and symptoms of anxiety. But because there are many mental health conditions that fall under this umbrella, there are many condition-specific signs that may not be listed here.
Treatment for Anxiety
Ready for some good news? Anxiety can be treated. But effective treatment will require a customized approach. Working with a mental health professional, you can discover what may work best for you – and this will lead to a greater outcome.
Common treatment options for anxiety include:
Medication
Prescription medication can help ease the symptoms of anxiety, but it is often used with other forms of treatment.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy with a licensed mental health professional can help. Set goals, learn how to change behaviors, and develop coping skills.
Support group
A group of others struggling with anxiety, too. This is often used alongside other treatment methods.
Holistic treatments
Stress management, yoga, and meditation
Remember, treatment for anxiety varies from person to person. So, while many clients may soar with medication, you may have issues with side effects. Or while one client may not like a group setting with support, you may thrive in the environment.
Work with a mental health professional to find what works best for you.
What is Depression?
As mentioned, depression is classified as a mood disorder. It is associated with feeling down or feeling sad. But it is important to not minimize the extent of depression. It is not just a bad day or a sad day. It is overwhelming feelings of sadness that are so heavy getting out of bed just doesn’t seem possible. It is feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and downright despair.
Getting through depression alone is hard to do.
It is important to note that depression is a broad term. There are several other conditions that are different but related, such as:
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Major Depressive Disorder
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Atypical Depression
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Postnatal or Postpartum Depression
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Psychotic Depression
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Seasonal Affective Disorder
Just like with anxiety, there are millions of people who face the tight grip of depression every single day. Some will seek help, others don’t know where to turn – or if they have the fight left in them to make that choice.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
What’s the difference between anxiety and depression? Let’s take a look at a few of the common signs and symptoms of major depression:
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Restlessness
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Feelings of sadness
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Inability to focus or concentrate
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Appetite changes
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Forgetfulness
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Feeling helpless
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Feeling anxious
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Crying uncontrollably
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Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
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Physical pains that have no other explanation, such as headaches, stomach issues, etc.
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Feelings of worthlessness
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Feelings of guilt or shame
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Difficulty in making decisions
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Self-harm
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Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
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Fatigue
Just as with anxiety, it is important to note that the symptoms can vary slightly based on which type of depression condition you are referring to. This list is referring to the signs of major depressive disorder – many of which carry over to other types of depression. So use this lightly and seek help for any mental health condition that may be present in your life or the life of a loved one.
Treatment for Depression
Treating depression is 110% possible. Getting through depression and overcoming obstacles is possible. You simply need to find the right mental health professional to guide you through effective treatment.
Below are the most common methods of treatment used for depression:
Medication
Prescription anti-depressant medication may offer relief of symptoms. This is often used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy
Working with a therapist to change behaviors and learn coping skills, as well as how to navigate life.
Lifestyle changes
Getting more sleep, eating healthy, and getting exercise can all help with depression
Again, not everyone will benefit from each of these things, but finding what works for you is a step in the right direction.
Anxiety and Depression Treatment at Amend Treatment
So, what’s the difference between anxiety and depression? Each of these two separate mental health conditions can be successfully treated if you seek out the right program.
At Amend Treatment, we offer all different types of treatment solutions and additional modalities, such as yoga, art therapy, drama therapy, equine therapy, and more, to help you understand what you are going through and how to overcome it.
Contact Amend Treatment today to get started on a bright, fulfilling future of your own.