Depression vs Anxiety: How to Tell them Apart

While both depression and anxiety are different medical conditions associated with mental health, their causes, symptoms, and treatments often overlap, confusing people. This blog can help patients learn the differences between these conditions and make their self-assessment more effective.

If you asked someone to name some prevailing mental health crisis today, chances are their list will include anxiety and depression. Despite being commonly referenced in conversations; people still struggle to determine the difference between the two. This is because a significant number of people who have depression also develop anxiety and vice versa. Roughly 50% of people who are diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. However, it’s important that the patient receives an accurate diagnosis in order to receive treatment for the right conditions.

Many people struggling with depression may experience “anxious distress” in addition to their constant low mood. Some symptoms of anxious distress may include tense feeling, restlessness, difficulty concentrating and overthinking. They deeply worry and are afraid that something terrible might happen or they may lose control. People who experience anxious distress along with depression are at higher risk of suicide and require more intensive treatment. This makes it very crucial to identify the symptoms precisely.

Above all, patients should consult a mental health professional and let him/her decide and evaluate your symptoms. Self-assessment of mental health disorders can often be wrong and put your loved ones in danger. So, make sure to consult a doctor.

Major Depression Symptoms

Depressed Mood

Lack of Interest engaging in Enjoyable Activities

Insomnia or Hypersomnia

Sudden Decrease or Increase in Appetite

Lack of Energy

Slowing of Movement

Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt

Suicidal Behavior or Thoughts

Trouble Concentrating

For receiving a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, the person needs to have at least five or more of the listed symptoms continuously for two weeks, before a doctor prescribes any medicine or treatment for them. People experiencing some symptoms might also be diagnosed with dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder), depressive disorder or premenstrual dysphoric disorder or because of another condition. They may also match the criteria for conditions like bipolar disorder.

Generalized Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Restlessness

Excessive Worry

Being Easily Fatigued

Irritability

Trouble Concentrating

Muscle Tension

Sleep Disturbance

If the patient has been experiencing these symptoms for more than 6 months on most days, and they result in causing distress in their life, then they should receive a diagnosis for generalized anxiety disorder. Patients may have any type of identified anxiety disorders, which may include panic disorder, separation anxiety, or phobias, etc.

If you compare the symptoms of these two conditions, you can clearly see that some of them overlap. Trouble concentrating, fatigue and sleep problems are symptoms experienced in both depression and anxiety. Irritability can also manifest in various forms of depression (instead of low mood) or anxiety.

However, there are some distinguishing factors. People with depression usually move very slowly, and their reactions may also seem dulled or flattened. People with anxiety are more keyed up because they struggle to manage their racing thoughts. Another distinguishing feature, people with anxiety tend to have a fear of the future in people. Depressed people that do not suffer anxiety are less likely to worry about future events specifically, as they have been resigned to believe that things will continue to remain bad for them. In other words, they predict their future based on their current feelings.

Talking to Your Doctor

If you have depression, anxiety or both, and you receive a consultant from a medical profession, your doctor will prescribe medications and recommend therapy.

Keep track of all your symptoms and keep a journal or a log of about your emotions and feeling feel each day, as it significantly helps in the diagnostic process. It’s also important for patients to engage in the treatment process. They can ask their doctor if they think you have anxiety, depression, or both. This will allow you to have clarity and make it easier for you to manage your symptoms while understanding the treatment focus.

For example, a patient who is prescribed to take antidepressants like SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) may not realize that these medicines are given to them to control their anxiety, as SSRIs are used for treating both depression and anxiety.

You shouldn’t hesitate from being inquisitive about your diagnosis, as you and everyone have the right to learn about their personal health information.

Fortunately, the one quality that these conditions share is that anxiety and depression are both very treatable. So, never hesitate from finding people who can help you stayed informed, as it can help you stay on the road towards a healthier body and mind.