The Difference Between Anxiety and Depression

Mental health problems are real. It is no longer a taboo. As human beings, we tend to feel a lot and an instant reaction to the miseries of life is unavoidable!

The most common question that people ask is – What is the difference between anxiety and depression? There is no doubt that you are confused about the exact definition and how each mental health condition feels like.

Approximately 50% of the people have been diagnosed with depression and the others end up with symptoms of anxiety disorder. Although we would suggest you to check with a mental health professional regarding the diagnoses, but we are here with an elaborate post that talks about the difference between depression and anxiety.

Finding out the Difference

Now the first thing you need to do is find out the difference in the symptoms. Let us start with depression. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, then you are most likely undergoing depression.

Depression Symptoms

• Loss of enthusiasm and lack of energy in body.
• Insomnia – trouble in falling asleep at night. You try really hard to sleep but end up having a sleepless night.
• Over thinking or negative thinking – Your mind is constantly thinking of problems and not the solutions.
• Suicidal thoughts – As soon as you are disturbed, you feel like jumping from a high building or hanging yourself. You tend to Google questions like ‘Will I die if I jump from a building’ or ‘Will drinking or eating rat poison kill me?’ Well, most of the answers on Google will give you the same advice – HOLD ON!
• Decrease or increase in appetite – You are either binging by eating lots of chocolates, chips and ice cream or you are not eating at all. You feel like your world has come to an end and the hunger has gone for a toss. If you are eating too much or too little, this could be a sign of depression.
• Lack of interest – You are no longer finding fun activities enthusiastic or exciting. These are simply playing with your mind. Even loss of interest in sex could be a sign of depression. Sex is an enjoyable activity and if you have lost interest in this or any other activity that you enjoy then it could be due to depression.
• No motivation – You do not feel like getting up from your bed. You stare blankly at the wall and have no idea what to do with your life. There is a feeling of hopelessness and you wish to sleep for hours and never get up.

Let us move to the symptoms of anxiety disorder.

Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

• Irritability – You are anxious and get irritated easily.
• Lack of concentration – You are not able to concentrate because your mind is wandering and thinking of the negative aspects of life.
• Disturbed sleep – This is because you are over thinking. You cannot fall asleep easily. This is temporary because at the moment, you are anxious.
• Worrying too much – Worrying a lot about your current situation and not thinking about the solutions.
• Fatigue – You may feel tired or the body asks you to rest. You might even get a fever.

Comparing both the disorders

Both are mental illnesses and you can see that there are some similar symptoms. However, an anxious person is worrying about the future, but the depressed person has given up. The depressed people do not have any hope from the world or themselves. They do not see a ray of sunshine. Anxious people can control their thoughts and are still the decision-makers.

They worry too much, but are still looking at the future. When a person is depressed, they tend to get suicidal thoughts and want the pain to end.

When a person is anxious, they are going through a panic disorder, stress or phobias. For example: A man gets into a relationship with a woman. She is not picking up his calls after an episode, and he is over thinking. He is worried whether she will be back or not and whether they will end up marrying each other or not. The constant worry is keeping them on their toes.

On the other hand, a depressed person feels low for more than 2 weeks. They are feeling worthless and are ready to put an end to their life. If you are feeling like the world has nothing more to give to you and do not have the desire to live, then this is depression.

For example: A man is trying to earn a PhD but he is not getting admission anywhere. He faces rejection in 8 universities. He is in a state of depression and locks himself up in a room. He has made up his mind that nothing will be alright and he decides to jump in front a train. Now this is depression because you have given up.

Anxiety could continue for 6 months as well, but the person who is anxious is not thinking about ending their life. They get irritable and are constantly worrying about the present, past and future.

Can we have depression and anxiety disorder at the same time?

This is another common question and it requires a prompt answer.

85% people are suffering from depression and anxiety. Since most of the symptoms are overlapping, it is hard to tell the difference.

Yes, you could be suffering from both depression and anxiety. Now the solution is that you need to visit a professional because over thinking can be controlled but suicidal thoughts and feeling of worthlessness is lethal.

MADD or mixed anxiety depressive disorder is viewed as a separate category by the experts. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms that we have mentioned-above, then it is about time that you should speak to a doctor.

Therapy and medications are needed. The doctors will provide medications such as antidepressants and the therapy session is basically talking you through. This is quite helpful for patients. No matter what the signs are, mental health problems should never be ignored.

Speak to a professional today and get the right diagnosis.