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.
Anxiety and depression turn into mental health disorders when the signs and symptoms become so intrusive that they begin to interfere with multiple aspects of your everyday living. These signs and symptoms begin to affect your job, your relationships, and your personal thoughts on a regular basis.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is 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
Anxiety can be triggered by specific people, places, things, and situations, or anxiety can seemingly come from nowhere. A person’s genetics can play a role or their anxiety may be due to environmental influences.
Some 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
No all depressive conditions are the same. People could have depression that involves:4
- Psychotic symptoms that include seeing and hearing things that are not present
- Intense symptoms caused by a pregnancy or recent birth
- Seasonal presentation with symptoms that change depending on the time of year
Common Causes & Triggers of Depression
Just like with anxiety, depressive symptoms can stem from situational issues or from hereditary factors. Some 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
- Of course, not everyone put in these situations will note depression, but many will.
Key Difference Between Anxiety and Depression
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 for 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 for 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.(FN4)
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
- 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 Both Anxiety & Depression at the Same Time?
Anxiety and depression 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 and 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 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.
Talking to Your Doctor
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.
