Anxiety and depression are similar conditions that can occur separately, sequentially, or simultaneously. Typically, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by constant and severe worrying, while major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistently low moods and feelings of hopelessness. When people think about anxiety vs. depression, they’re often thinking about these two specific disorders.
However, symptoms can overlap, and the relationship between these conditions is more complicated than it might seem at first. Moreover, because there are so many types of anxiety and depression, getting an accurate diagnosis requires talking to a mental health professional.
That said, you can get a better idea of whether your symptoms might be pointing to anxiety vs. depression by understanding more about each condition.
What Is Anxiety?
Defining anxiety is tricky because there are many types of anxiety that affect different people in different ways.
As a starting point, it’s helpful to look at GAD, since this is often what people mean when they say “anxiety.” Generalized anxiety is defined in the DSM-5 as excessive worry that occurs more days than not for at least six months. It also impairs the individual from functioning in some way — people with GAD often struggle being at work or with family or friends.
In more specific anxiety disorders, the excessive worry is often tied to specific causes or fears. For example, social anxiety disorder (social phobia) involves anxiety around being judged by others.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Symptoms of anxiety vary depending on the specific anxiety disorder, but across the board, excessive worry that affects everyday life and functioning is the most common symptom.
To be diagnosed with GAD, an adult must be experiencing a persistent worry as well as three of the following six symptoms of anxiety:
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbance
However, these are not the only symptoms of anxiety. Depending on the exact anxiety disorder, symptoms can also include:
- Shortness of breath
- Racing heart
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Withdrawal from activities, interests, and/or social situations
- Sense of impending danger
Experiencing any of these symptoms alongside excessive worry usually points to an anxiety disorder.
What Is Depression?
Like anxiety, depression is not just one condition but a family of mood disorders defined by persistent sadness or hopelessness.
The term “depression” often refers to MDD, which is the most common form of depression. Generally, feeling depressed every day or almost every day for at least two weeks straight is a sign of MDD or another depressive disorder.
Common Signs of Depression
The most typical signs of depression include constant feelings of sadness and loss of interest. Changes in sleep patterns and appetite are also common, though these depend more on the specific depressive disorder.
Since MDD is the most common form of depression, many people with different types of depression will experience symptoms of MDD, including:
- Persistent feelings of sadness and/or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities and socializing
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Increased or decreased appetite
For specific mood disorders, symptoms can be connected to external causes. One example of this is seasonal affective disorder, which causes depressive moods during certain seasons.
How Anxiety and Depression are Related
The exact connections between anxiety and depression are still unknown, but what we do know is that the two conditions tend to co-occur. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, almost half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety.
Anxiety and depression share common symptoms, so it can be difficult to determine whether someone has one or the other (or both), which is why evaluation from a trained clinician is crucial. Some of the shared symptoms between anxiety and depression include:
- Changes in energy level
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in ability to concentration
- Increased irritability
Anxiety vs. Depression: What is the Difference?
Broadly speaking, the biggest differences in anxiety vs. depression tend to manifest in how the disorders are experienced. Anxiety typically causes feelings of nervousness, which often cause the individual to feel restless and energized. On the other hand, depression typically causes a low mood that saps energy and causes a loss of interest.
How to Treat Anxiety and Depression
In most cases, anxiety and depressive disorders are manageable through targeted therapy. It’s critical to get a professional diagnosis and work with a certified therapist or counselor — especially if you’re wondering whether your symptoms are signs of anxiety vs. depression.
When you step into a Coleman location, you’ll get connected with a mental health professional and discuss your symptoms. From there, your provider will work with you to build a treatment plan that’s right for you. Make an appointment today to start your healing journey.