In this article, we’ll talk about both depression and anxiety. Let’s compare and contrast the two.
Many people who have anxiety also experience depression. Over the years, research has shown it is common for people with a depressive disorder to develop anxiety. Yet, some don’t realize they are two distinct disorders. What are the differences between the two?
Both depression and anxiety have a similar biological basis. However, knowing the distinctions between the two may have some advantages. For example, knowing how one influences the other can be beneficial. Next, clarity of each may help you learn how to manage your symptoms better. Finally, the medication used to treat the two are different too.
What is Anxiety?
According to psychiatry.org, there are many types of anxiety disorders. It is a natural feeling to feel nervous. In fact, being nervous in some situations can be beneficial because it signals to the body to be on high alert. Similarly, feeling anxious can help the body plan to adapt to circumstances. However, when these feelings become excessive, they can start to interfere with everyday life. (psychiatry.org) In other words, if you have uncontrollable, constant, fear-based thoughts, it may be due to anxiety.
Physical signs of anxiety can also be present. It can be exhausting to be in a constant state of “fight-or-flight” mode.
Examples of symptoms can include:
– rapid heart rate
– elevated blood pressure
– shortness of breath
– sleeplessness
– irritability
There is good news. There has been a lot of research on anxiety because of the high percentage of people who have it. As a result, there is a lot of information available to help you identify symptoms and ideas that may help you. Likewise, there are many successful treatment options available. For example, there is a variety of medication options, many of which help can reduce or eliminate symptoms.
Is there a difference between depression and anxiety? What Is the Difference Between Feelings of Depression Versus Anxiety?
Depression is different from sadness and anxiety. For example, feeling sad is an emotion we all experience. For many of us, two common emotions of 2020 have been sadness and grief. The difference between depression and feeling sad is that sadness comes in waves, while depression stays. Likewise, depressive symptoms can get worse or increase over time.
Symptoms of depression can include:
– excessive sorrow or grief
– insomnia or oversleeping
– increase or decrease in appetite
– intense thoughts of embarrassment or remorse
– feeling excessive guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
– suicide contemplation
Symptoms can lead to other physical and mental health issues. For example, a lack of interest in activities can lead to fears about relationships. Or, you may begin to struggle to complete tasks at work. As a result, you may begin to feel anxious.
Please reach out today if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts. Due to a variety of treatment options, there is reason to hope that brighter days are ahead.
What Are Some of the Distinctions Between Depression and Anxiety?
Let’s compare and contrast anxiety and depression differences:
Anxiety has to do with excessive, uncontrollable worry and fears. In comparison, the emotions of depression can be intense feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and grief.
Many with anxiety are likely to have fear-based thoughts regarding death. For example, thoughts of potentially unsafe situations and effects can flood the mind. On the contrary, depression can lead to suicidal feelings that are not fear-based. Instead, intense feelings of feeling incapable or worthless can drown out positive emotions.
Other than their biological basis, they do have some things in common. For example, both can disrupt your ability to work and interact with others. Likewise, both can negatively impact your everyday life. However, both are also treatable.
You are not alone in your anxiety or depression. Likewise, there are many reasons to hope life can begin to feel manageable. There are multiple treatment options. At Fort Worth Counseling and Intervention, we understand how both of these issues back impact your life. We would love to see if we can help you.
Contact us today!
