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  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • Narcissism
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
    • Best Online Couples Counseling Services
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Providers
    • Online Therapy Reviews & Guides
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • Reviews
    • Best Online Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy with Insurance
    • Best Online Therapy for Teens
    • Best Online Therapy for Anxiety
    • Best Online Therapy for Depression
    • Best Online ADHD Treatments
    • Best Online Psychiatry
    • Best Mental Health Apps
    • All Reviews
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    • About Us
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  • Anxiety DefinitionAnxiety Definition
  • Depression DefinitionDepression Definition
  • Key DifferencesKey Differences
  • Can You Have Both?Can You Have Both?
  • TreatmentTreatment
  • OutlookOutlook
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources
  • InfographicsInfographics

Anxiety Vs. Depression: Understanding the Differences

Silvi Saxena MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C

Author: Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C

Silvi Saxena MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C

Silvi Saxena MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C

Silvi Saxena specializes in grief, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. She also has experience in many other areas of mental healthcare.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Headshot of Kristen Fuller, MD

Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD Licensed medical reviewer

Headshot of Kristen Fuller, MD

Kristen Fuller MD

Kristen Fuller, MD is a physician with experience in adult, adolescent, and OB/GYN medicine. She has a focus on mood disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorder, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Published: February 2, 2023
  • Anxiety DefinitionAnxiety Definition
  • Depression DefinitionDepression Definition
  • Key DifferencesKey Differences
  • Can You Have Both?Can You Have Both?
  • TreatmentTreatment
  • OutlookOutlook
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources
  • InfographicsInfographics

There are many differences between anxiety and depression, including symptoms and treatment options. While it may feel like the symptoms overlap (and they can), they ultimately stem from distinct mental health issues. It’s OK to feel how you feel, but it’s also equally important to think about where these feelings come from.

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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
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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.

Additional Resources

To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, ChoosingTherapy.com has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. ChoosingTherapy.com is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.

Therapy for Anxiety & Medication Management

Brightside Health – develops personalized plans that are unique to you and offers 1 on 1 support from start to finish. Brightside Health accepts United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna. Appointments in as little as 24 hours. Start Free Assessment

Anxiety Diagnosis & Treatment

Circle Medical – Affordable and accessible anxiety evaluations and treatment. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same day appointments. Visit Circle Medical

Learn Mindfulness, Meditation, & Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness.com – Change your life by practicing mindfulness. In a few minutes a day, you can start developing mindfulness and meditation skills. Free Trial

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For Further Reading

  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov

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Anxiety Vs. Depression Infographics

Physical Signs of Anxiety and Depression Mental Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Signs That Someone Has Both Anxiety and Depression

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Sources Update History

ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Choi, K. W., Kim, Y. K., & Jeon, H. J. (2020). Comorbid anxiety and depression: clinical and conceptual consideration and transdiagnostic treatment. Anxiety Disorders, 219-235.

  • Eysenck, M. W., & Fajkowska, M. (2018). Anxiety and depression: toward overlapping and distinctive features.

  • Taylor, C. T., Lyubomirsky, S., & Stein, M. B. (2017). Upregulating the positive affect system in anxiety and depression: Outcomes of a positive activity intervention. Depression and anxiety, 34(3), 267-280.

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.

Show more Click here to open the article sources container.

We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

February 2, 2023
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources.
March 31, 2022
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources. Added “Mental Differences for Anxiety vs Depression”, “Physical Differences for Depression vs Anxiety”, and “Can You Have Both Anxiety & Depression at the Same Time?”. New material written by Eric Patterson, LPC and reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD.
October 5, 2021
Author: Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C
Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD
Show more Click here to open the article update history container.

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