Depression VS Anxiety

All about Depression VS Anxiety

Anxiety and depression are common mental disorders that we talk about every day. But we still don’t know how these disorders are different. Maybe because in many people, these conditions occur together. However, they are not common, and they are significant differences. The symptoms of anxiety and depression are also different. Pressure causes excessive worrying in the person; conversely, depression can cause an overwhelming feeling of sadness and apathy. To put more light on depression vs anxiety, there are certain things that you might need to know.

Therefore let’s start with depression.

What is Depression?

Depression is a state of extreme sadness and lack of motivation to do anything at all. People with depression tend to move less and feel like they lack energy.

The feeling can be overwhelming and persistent and can remain for days, weeks, and months, severely affecting your daily activities and life. 

There are some symptoms that, if you feel every day for more than two weeks, can be a sign of depression:

• Irritability 
• Sad, anxious, and empty mood for a long time.
• Loss and interest in hobbies and activities.
• Feeling of guilt 
• Worthless and helpless 
• Hopelessness
• Slow-moving 
• Difficulty in concentration
• Aches or pain 
• Cramps 
• Digestive problems
• Fatigue 

These are some of the common symptoms of depression that can occur in groups of people. However, there are more possible symptoms of depression that are not mentioned above.

What is Anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorder is an overwhelming fear of the place, thing, or any situation. Of course, we all feel anxious at some point, but the problem arises when the anxious thoughts change into irrelevant and severe fear that affects your daily activity.

You can identify the mental disorder by checking the symptoms such as:

 

• Restless feeling 
• Muscle tension
• Cannot sleep properly 
• Sense of fear 
• Trembling 
• Sweating 
• Feeling weak 
• Rapid breathing 
• Avoid situations that can cause Anxiety.

 

These symptoms come in a group if you are suffering from an anxiety disorder; you can go to a doctor and get yourself diagnosed if you relate to any symptoms. Generally, these symptoms occur in a group of 3-4 symptoms.

Causes of Anxiety vs depression

There can be numerous other causes that can contribute to anxiety and depression, and they both can cause each other. The chances of getting anxiety disorder are very much increased when you suffer from depression and vice versa.

 

Studies show that approximately fifty percent of people suffering from anxiety do have depression with it. Still, however, many other possible causes cause anxiety and depression in people.

Roots of anxiety disorder

We all feel anxious at some point, but the problem arises when these thoughts become permanent, and the fear overwhelms you. Unfortunately, however, we don’t fully understand what causes anxiety disorder.

But some general causes can contribute to anxiety disorder:

• Diet 
• Genetics
• Brain chemistry 
• Environmental factors
• Certain medical condition 
• Exposure to stress
• Trauma 
• Family history of mental disorder
• Medications 
• Depression

Some general things can cause anxiety disorder; however, it is not the complete list, and there are more possible causes.

Roots of depression 

Depression is a mental disorder that hurts the everyday lives of people. Studies suggest that depression occurs because of imbalances in the brain chemicals. However, there are other causes mentioned below:

 

• Genetics
• Brain chemistry 
• Certain medications 
• Improper mood 
• Medication 
• Medical condition 
• Trauma 
• Stressful life events 
• Family history of depression 
• Personality 

 

There can be many issues that can lead to depression, but generally, it occurs because of a group of causes. The list mentioned above is not complete, and there can be other reasons that can cause depression.

What are the significant differences between Anxiety VS Depression?

There is confusion between people regarding anxiety and depression as they occur together in half of the cases; the symptoms of these diseases are also similar.

However, to differentiate both of them is very necessary for the treatment. And to do that, there are some differences between the two of them, like excessive worry is familiar with people suffering from anxiety and suicidal thoughts in the case of depression.

Both of them also belong to different disorders; Anxiety has its class, and depression belongs to another mood disorder. 

They also affect people differently, like depression, which slows the brain’s overall functioning; however, in anxiety, there is an excitement in the brain that creates irrational thoughts and fear. 

The treatments of these mental disorders are also different because they affect the brain differently.

Treatments for Anxiety VS Depression

If you are going through any of the disorders, treatment is the only way to get out of it. There is treatment available in the form of therapy and medication. The treatment also depends on the condition of the patient.

Treatment is available in the form of medical and therapy that can help you remove anxiety and depression from your life.

Medical Treatment

Different forms of medical treatment are available for anxiety and depression. But, first, you can go to your doctor and get medically treated with medications. There are various medications that your doctor can provide you based on your medical condition and your symptoms. 

There are treatments available in the form of:

• Anti-anxiety medicine 
• Tricyclic antidepressant
• Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Therapeutic Treatment 

If we talk about therapy, then CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is the most popular therapy that is a proven method to treat the symptoms of both, anxiety vs. depression. CBT works by increasing self-awareness or decreasing negative thoughts and negative behavioral patterns. 

Furthermore, one of the essential things is modifying and fixing the negative behavioral patterns. And then improve the thought-process that is causing anxiety in a human being. 

Although it is the most intense treatment that helps in decreasing or treating the symptoms of anxiety and depression, on the other hand, doctors only recommend CBT if the signs of the patient require it. 

Conclusion

In the end, I would like to conclude that anxiety and depression and two different conditions that have other effects. Therefore, if you are suffering from anxiety or depression, the best way to cope is to inform your healthcare provider and follow the treatment.

However, you can take medical treatment with psychological therapy for the best results. Studies show that if worked together, this can be very effective for the user to ultimately get rid of anxiety and depression.