The Differences Between The Two Disorders
The best way to understand the difference between the two disorders is with the primary symptoms, starting with the mental symptoms.
Anxiety:
- Apprehension over what’s about to happen and what could happen in the future.
- Worried thoughts, or a belief that something could go wrong.
- Feeling like you need to run away or avoid things that could cause further anxiety.
Depression:
- Feeling of sadness about the future, as though it’s hopeless.
- Listlessness, and a lack of belief that positive things will occur.
- Little worry, but instead a certainty of future negative emotions. Possible suicidal thoughts.
Those with anxiety often find themselves feeling like something bad might happen and they’re worried it will. Those with depression often assume a bad future and don’t expect anything else or think there’s anything worth preventing.
Depression can occur after someone experiences anxiety, because someone that deals with severe anxiety may end up feeling drained and hopeless once their anxiety or anxiety attack is over. That’s why the two conditions can be difficult to tell apart. Similarly, those with depression can still fear certain things getting worse, despite already being of the belief that the future is less positive or bright.
Anxiety:
Depression:
- Severe lack of energy or drive.
- Flat affect along with slowed thinking and behaviors.
- Severe appetite changes, headaches, and sleep problems.
The Relationship Between Depression And Anxiety Is Complicated
While it would be great if there were a fool-proof way of telling you whether you have anxiety or depression, it’s not quite that simple. One person can easily have both anxiety and depression, and some people may have developed depression symptoms as a result of their anxiety disorder.
It’s a bit more difficult than saying “you have anxiety” or “you have depression” because it’s possible to have combinations of both. This may be called a “comorbid” condition when you suffer from both conditions simultaneously. Symptoms of one or the other may bleed into whichever disorder you have, because both share similar causes, issues, etc.
Antidepressant Not Always Best
Because of the difficulty in diagnosing these mood disorders, its important to talk to your doctor candidly about what youve been feeling. Its also crucial that your doctor take time to ask enough questions, Goodstein adds. Many people go to a general practitioner first. Theyve been feeling depressed and think they may need an antidepressant. But if that doctor is very busy, he or she cant do much evaluation.
Under those circumstances, an antidepressant is often prescribed yet that may or may not be the right choice. Antidepressants are used to treat both anxiety disorders and depression. However, someone with bipolar disorder needs a different set of drugs a mood stabilizer and antimanic medication, Fagiolini tells WebMD. There are several types of mood-stabilizing drugs, which include medications like lithium and anticonvulsive drugs such as Depakote or Lamictal.
The danger: Giving an antidepressant to someone with bipolar disorder could trigger a manic episode, he explains. Manic episodes can be dangerous, because you have very poor judgment, tend to use more drugs, drive recklessly, spend a lot of money, have much more sex and have it completely unprotected. Theres a higher risk of high-risk behaviors because there is poor judgment.
Recommended Reading: The Fear Of Long Words Name
You May Like: How Does Stress Affect Diabetes
How Is Dysthymia Diagnosed
Depression often happens with other conditions, such as heart disease, or cancer. It may also happen with substance abuse or anxiety disorders. Often, people with dysthymia grow accustomed to the mild depressive symptoms and do not seek help. But, early diagnosis and treatment is key to recovery.
A diagnosis may be made after a careful psychiatric exam and medical history done by a mental health professional.
What’s The Difference Between Anxiety And Depression
One in four people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year. This means theres a chance you may know somebody affected by either depression or anxiety, two of the most common mental health conditions. You may have heard these terms a lot, possibly used alongside each other. But how well do you understand them? And do you know the key differences between anxiety and depression?
Read Also: Can Stress And Depression Cause Weight Loss
The Cycle Of Depression And Exhaustion
Depression, once it is triggered can create a bone crushing exhaustion and sense of overwhelm that makes it very difficult to function and practice self-care. For example, when I am in a severe depressive state the thought of cooking for myself becomes too much to deal with and I will eat cereal for days.
I become lethargic because the overwhelm tires me out, the joints hurt and I dont sleep well at night . The exhaustion is very real.
The difference between being overly tired and the exhaustion/depressive cycle is in my opinion, the length of time that the depression symptoms are present. If someone is overly tired but recovers to a normal state within a couple of days, that is more situational depression than clinical or chemical depression. While allowing that state of overwhelm is not a healthy pattern on an on-going basis, it would not necessarily meet a diagnosis of depression.
That your friend calls it depression means she is aware that the cycle is not healthy. Hopefully, she is working to either change her lifestyle in recognition of that fact or seeking professional help to learn to make the necessary changes.
How Are Stress And Depression Different
stress tends to resolve if life events change vsdepression can last up to years
stress tends to have an obvious trigger vs depression can hit out of nowhere
stress is related to life events vs depression can happen even if life seems fine
stress is related to current events vsdepression can be linked to unresolved past events
stress can cause depression or anxiety disorders if left untreated vs depression can cause suicidal thoughts if left untreated
stress leads to adrenaline highs followed by crashes vs depression leads to fatigue
stress is socially acceptable and even encouraged vs depression still, sadly, bears social stigma
stress at very high levels has risk of heart attack vs depression at high levels has risk of suicide
low stress can be okay and keep you motivated vs low depression can still be debilitating
Also Check: How To Get Stress Under Control
The Difference Between Paranoia And Anxiety
Oftentimes, confusion occurs when trying to discern anxiety from paranoia. The symptoms of anxiety and paranoia may appear similar.
However, paranoia is the irrational or persistent belief that others are out to get you. People with paranoia believe that other people are targeting them.
Severe anxiety and paranoia can lead to one or the other, as they are both associated with feeling stressed and overwhelmed. A key distinction is that those who suffer from paranoia hone in on a single external source for their anxiety. Neighbors, police officers, or even the government are valid targets.
People with anxiety still worry, but their stress is more general. Not all people with anxiety believe that someone is going to attack them. People with anxiety often get overwhelmed by the possible things that could go wrong.
This lack of specific dangers is an important distinction. People with anxiety are also more likely to see potential dangers and things that could go wrong.
They focus on the group at large, whereas people with paranoia only focus on themselves. An important marker of anxiety is mistrusting yourself.
Triple-checking that if you locked the door, and stressing if you forget, is an example of anxiety. Worrying that someone is waiting for you to forget to check so that they can attack you is a sign of paranoia.
These differences between paranoia and anxiety may not be that noticeable to the untrained eye, but they do exist.
You May Like: Whats The Phobia Of Long Words
Paranoia And Anxiety: How To Distinguish Between The Two
- May 12, 2021
Nowadays, people are becoming more conscious about their health. The pressure to be healthy is a constant uphill battle and people continue to strive to keep physical fit.
We also have to consider our emotional, social, and mental wellbeing. With lifes constant hustle and bustle, its no wonder why we end up neglecting our mental health. Despite easier access to mental health care, some feel completely lost.
In this day of age, how do we continue maintaining our mental health? Noticing the first cracks in the facade is important, but how do we know whats normal and whats not?
Paranoia and anxiety can often be confused for one or the other Are you experiencing stress, or is it paranoia and anxiety? Read on to learn the difference.
Also Check: Can Stress Make You Itch
Whats The Difference Between Anxiety And Depression
One in four people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year. This means theres a chance you may know somebody affected by either depression or anxiety, two of the most common mental health conditions. You may have heard these terms a lot, possibly used alongside each other. But how well do you understand them? And do you know the key differences between anxiety and depression?
Talking To Your Doctor
If you have anxiety, depression, or both, chances are that your doctor will recommend medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. Keep track your symptoms and keep a log of how you feel each day, as this can help in the diagnostic process. Its also important to speak up and ask your doctor whether they think you have depression, anxiety, or both. This clarity can help you understand the treatment focus and how to manage your symptoms. For example, a patient who is prescribed an antidepressant like a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor may not realize that the medication has been prescribed for their anxiety, as SSRIs are used to treat both anxiety and depression.4 Never hesitate to ask about your diagnosis, as you have a right to your personal health information.
The most important quality that anxiety and depression share is that they are both very treatable conditions. Never hesitate to find people to help you stayed informed and on the right track towards a healthier mind and body. Who can you recruit to help you with your anxiety or depression today?
You May Like: How Managers Can Reduce Stress In The Workplace
The Difference Between Being Depressed And Having Depression
The difference between being depressed and having depression is the difference between sadness and a mental illness and may be the most common misconception about mental illnesses. You could have just went through financial troubles, went through a break-up, had a death in the family, or maybe lost some friends there are plenty of reasons you could relate to things on HealthyPlace–this does not necessarily mean you have a mental illness. Let me explain about being depressed and having depression.
Who Is At High Risk For Depression
Those most at risk for developing depression include women, the elderly, those with a personal or family history of depression, chronic stressors, those with other concurrent mental and physical health conditions, low socioeconomic status, and those taking medications that may cause depression, like birth control or some anxiety medications.
Don’t Miss: Can Stress Make You Lose Your Hair
How To Fight Depression And Anxiety
There are many treatments available for depression and anxiety and tend to overlap. Untreated, these conditions can take a serious toll on your life, decreasing your productivity, causing havoc on your relationships, and shrinking your world. Severe depression and anxiety may require multiple different treatments and take time to resolve. Treatments can be extremely effective, but only one in five people with anxiety or depression actually seek treatment.
Working with a Therapist
Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or both, recovery can be difficult on your own. Severe depression and anxiety can warp your thought process so much that you may feel that you’re stuck and that nothing will ever improve. A professional therapist can assist you in developing coping mechanisms and learning tactics for improving your symptoms.
BetterHelp offers affordable, professional online counseling that you can access from anywhere. For some people with anxiety and depression, especially if you’ve been struggling for a long time, it can be hard to go through the process of finding a therapist and keeping up with regular appointments. Online therapy, on the other hand, allows you to speak with someone wherever you are.
Therapy has been shown to be the most effective treatment for depression and anxiety, especially when it’s combined with medication. Lifestyle changes can also be added to reduce the frequency and intensity of both conditions.
Medications & Supplements
Yoga
What Factors Raise The Risk Of Suicide Among The Depressed
Just as depression can run in families, so can suicide. Depressed people with a family member who died by suicide are themselves at elevated risk for taking their own life. People who have PTSD as well as depression are at increased risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. A history of trauma also raises the risk of suicide among those who suffer depression. Substance use, by itself, is a major risk factor for suicide, and when it accompanies depression, it adds to the risk of taking ones life.
Loneliness is a significant contributing factor to depression, and people who are socially isolated are at higher risk of suicide than those who are not. Because the brain makes no distinction between physical and psychological pain, people who have chronic pain along with depressionor any chronic illnessare at elevated risk of suicide. Most of those who complete suicide are men, but women are four times more likely than men to make a suicide attempt..
Don’t Miss: How To Calm Your Stress Down
Other Differences Between Depression And Anxiety
Depression can be experienced in the body as aches and pains, but the real digestive issues tend to go with anxiety. With anxiety, your body is preparing for an emergency because your mind is anticipating something bad will happen. Your body diverts blood supply and energy to muscles that will help you fight off an attack or run from a threat. Other bodily functions like digestion are left without the energy they need to continue until after the threat is mitigated.
Depression brings about a general slowing of all physical functioning. Little energy is made available for movement, even the movement of small facial muscles that display expression. An appetite increase can be a self-soothing technique. Some people learn to comfort themselves with food, although its only a temporarily comforting result.
Another feature that is common in depression is a feeling of worthlessness or preoccupation self-blame or guilt. In anxiety, there is an expectation that something bad is going to happen. Anxiety is mostly worrying about something that has not happened yet. Depression is a sadness about the current state of affairs or rumination about past events. People who are depressed usually do not worry about the future because they generally gave up hope that things will change for the better.
When Should You Seek Help
Talk to your doctor if you experience sadness for longer than two weeks. And call emergency services to receive immediate medical help if youre having suicidal thoughts.
Note if your feelings interfere with your ability to function, take part in life, or experience enjoyment. Speaking to a professional, like a therapist, clergy member, or other trusted person, can be a powerful first step toward recovery.
Recommended Reading: What Is Nuclear Stress Test Consist Of
Stress Vs Depression Do You Know The Difference
By: greg westfall
Some stress, caused by regular life challenges, is unavoidable. And while feeling nervous about a work presentation or frustrated by a parent teacher meeting gone wrong is not fun, nobody would compare it to the challenge that is depression.
Severe stress, however, is a different story. As anyone who has suffered chronic stress knows, with the resulting mood swings, sleeplessness, and low of self-esteem it can bring, the line between stress and depression can start to feel a little blurred.
So what is the difference, then?
But My Stress Makes Me Successful
Life brings stresses that sometimes motivates us. If you are stressed about an exam, or about having to speak on a stage, these are normal kinds of stress that can help you grow as a person and try out new skills and ways of being.
And even bigger stress can sometimes be for the best. If you hate change, but find yourself needing to move house or country, it might be a hard experience but in the long run lead to a life upgrade.
But dont think your stress is good just because its making your money, or because everyone else at work is stressed, or because you think it makes you seem important. Stress can and does kill, whether through heart attacks or by suicide bought on by stress morphing into depression.
Not sure if your stress is helping or hindering? The secret is to really pay attention to your moods and the thoughts in your head.
- Has your stress given you occasional low moods, are are you feeling low more often than not?
- How long have you been feeling low? Is it two weeks or more?
- Do you feel anxious most of the time? Or is some of your day manageable?
- Can you still come home from the stressful situation and relax?
- Are your thoughts increasingly negative? Do you have thoughts of being hopeless and worthless?
You May Like: How To Prevent Hair Loss Due To Stress
What Is Psychological Treatment About Then
Our brains naturally try to create meaning or patterns from our experience. Ambiguity and uncertainty arise from the brain/minds desire to understand and it is the tolerance or lack of tolerance for these uncertainties that can partly explain anxiety or depressive reaction. Our perspective on life which is called our attributional style can affect how we deal with events and experiences. So negative attributional styles include seeing events as global or stable or internal or external . All of these things then predict progress in treatment, recovery and proneness to relapse in mental health.
One of the first goals of treatment is to help the client shift to a position of contemplating change and therefore to be experiencing an unstable attributional style that is to create a sense of realistic hopefulness
