Some of the top mental health issues affecting people are depression and anxiety.
Anxiety and depression are so similar that many people are not sure which one they have. The overlapping symptoms can include depressed mood, general anxiety, fatigue, and social withdrawal. But there are important differences between the two.
With different causes and different symptoms, acknowledging the differences is important.
Not sure how to tell the difference? Read below for a breakdown of the differences between depression vs anxiety!
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mental disorder that can affect how you feel, think, and act. It can lead to physical problems as well. It’s different from feeling sad or going through a tough time.
Depression can make it hard to do the things you enjoy in life. It can also make everyday tasks seem impossible. People with depression may seem like they’re not interested in life, but it’s not a choice. Depression is a serious illness that needs treatment.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at one time or another. However, some people experience anxiety on a more constant basis and at higher levels than others.
People with anxiety often feel like they are in danger, even when there is no real threat. They may have trouble sleeping and may avoid certain situations out of fear.
There are different types of anxiety, but the most common are social anxiety, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). For any type of anxiety, there is sure to be an anxiety treatment for it.
The Symptoms of Depression vs Anxiety
Depression is more than just feeling sad or down. It’s a serious condition that can have a major impact on your life. Symptoms of depression can include:
- feeling worthless
- feeling hopeless
- feeling excessively sad
- feeling empty
- not interested in activities
- difficulty concentrating
- fatigue
- changes in appetite
- change in weight
- physical aches
- thoughts of suicide
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear. It can interfere with your daily life. Symptoms of anxiety can include:
- racing heart
- sweating
- trembling
- shortness of breath
- feeling of fainting
- dizziness
- difficulty sleeping
The Causes of Depression and Anxiety
There are many causes of depression, but the most common is a chemical imbalance in the brain. This can be caused by several things, including genetic factors, stress, and trauma.
Depression can also be caused by chronic medical conditions, such as severe pain or a chronic illness. Additionally, some medications can cause depression as a side effect.
Anxiety is thought to be primarily caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to traumatic events or chronic stress. It is also important to note that anxiety can often be a side effect of certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or heart disease.
If you need more details about the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety, we have more information available.
The Importance of Differentiating Between Depression and Anxiety
Depression vs Anxiety is two very different things. Depression is a mental illness that can be treated with medication and therapy. Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at different times in their lives.
It is important to differentiate between the two because they require different treatments. If you are feeling depressed, it is important to seek professional help. If you are feeling anxious, there are many self-help techniques that you can use to manage your anxiety.
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