Anxiety Vs. Depression: Understanding the Differences

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders involve feeling on edge and overly cautious about what you may encounter in the future. These issues encompass a lot of worry and a set belief that something bad will happen. Sometimes, people feel anxiety after a depressive episode.

Common characteristics of anxiety can include:²

• Worrying and considering worst-case-scenarios
• Uncontrollable thoughts about something that may go wrong
• Avoiding places and people that may cause a trigger or overwhelm
• Unwanted thoughts about being harmed, feeling threatened, or anticipatory anxiety that something dangerous is going to happen
• Physically agitated and restless

Common Causes & Triggers of Anxiety

Anxiety can be triggered by specific people, places, things, and situations (i.e., situational anxiety). Anxiety can also seemingly come from nowhere. A person’s genetics can play a role or their anxiety may be due to environmental influences.

Common triggers of anxiety may include:

• Being in groups of new people
• Public speaking
• Participating in a sport
• Driving
• Trying new experiences
• Being in closed spaces or on tall buildings

What Is Depression?

Depression stems from low mood and feelings of sadness and hopelessness. These issues come with feelings of tiredness, focusing on the negative, and thoughts of self-harm. Although it’s marked by a chronic sense of low feeling, depression can come after or during the high of an anxiety attack.

Common characteristics of depression can include:²

• Hopelessness and feeling discouraged about the future
• Feeling low sense of worth
• Lacking motivation and drive due to negative beliefs
• Having thoughts about death and viewing themself as a burden
• Suicidal thoughts

Not all depressive conditions are the same. People could have depression that involves psychotic symptoms that include seeing and hearing things that are not present, intense symptoms caused by a pregnancy or recent birth, or seasonal presentation with symptoms that change depending on the time of year.⁴

Common Causes & Triggers of Depression

Just like with anxiety, depressive symptoms can stem hereditary factors or situational issues. Not everyone put in these situations will note depression, but many will.

Common triggers of depression include:

• Loss of a loved one
• Break up of relationship
• High stress situations like a new job, new house, or new marriage
• Poor physical health and disability
• Traumatic and abusive situations

Anxiety Vs. Depression: Key Differences

Anxiety and depression have different symptoms. For example, anxiety often causes a state of high-alert, whereas depression causes people to feel withdrawn.

Mental Differences Between Anxiety Vs. Depression

Although anxiety and depression may seem like very different mental health concerns, they overlap quite a bit. Because of this, it is crucial to recognize the differences between the two.

Mental symptoms of anxiety may include:

• A state of high alert (being on edge)
• Feelings of preoccupation
• Nervousness
• Intrusive thoughts
• Avoidant tendencies

Mental symptoms of depression may include:

• Sadness
• Irritability
• Withdrawal
• Thoughts of suicide
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Guilt
• Self-neglect

Physical Differences Between Depression Vs. Anxiety

Mental differences are not the only way depression and anxiety can differ. Physical signs of anxiety and depression may also be different.¹⁴

Physical signs of anxiety may include:

• Trembling
• Rapid heart rate
• Tightness in chest
• Restlessness and feeling jittery
• Being unable to sit still
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Anxiety & weight loss
• Sweating
• Insomnia

Physical signs of depression may include:

• Low energy
• Chronic fatigue
• Changes in eating
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Reduced self-care and hygiene

Can You Have Anxiety & Depression at the Same Time?

Depression and anxiety can also occur together. Both conditions could present independently, or a person could have a form of depression with anxious distress.⁴ A person with depression and anxiety has symptoms of each condition.

Signs that someone has both anxiety and depression can include:⁴

• Low mood with excessive worry
• Low energy and fatigue while feeling restless or antsy
• A host of aches, pains, and physical discomfort
• Extremes of sleep – either far too much or too little
• Drastic changes in diet and physical activity

How Do You Treat Depression & Anxiety?

Therapy is the frontline treatment option for both anxiety and depression. Possible options for therapy are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Medication and lifestyle modifications, such as increasing exercise, eating a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate intake of vitamins for anxiety and depression can also improve overall wellness.

Often, a blended treatment approach such as setting goals, taking medication, and participating in talk therapy is most effective.¹ Always be sure to talk to your doctor before starting or changing any medications.

Find a Therapist

A person should never wait too long before bringing up their mental health concerns to a doctor. A physician can assess the symptoms and offer medication as a form of treatment. Also, a doctor can recommend therapy or refer you to a specific therapist. You could also find one using an online therapist directory.

Outlook of Anxiety Vs. Depression

Long-term, anxiety and depression can be managed with the right interventions and tools. Therapy alone can be very effective to teach new coping mechanisms and identify triggers to prevent an episode. Medication alone doesn’t offer a cure; however, it can be helpful in the management of both conditions, especially at the early stages of treatment. With enough time and dedication, it’s possible to have a happy, healthy life.³

Final Thoughts on Depression Vs. Anxiety

If you’re dealing with anxiety and/or depression, please know that it can take time to identify where your negative symptoms are coming from. Talking to a therapist or reaching out to a trusted friend or family member can make a big difference in how you feel.