Anxiety and depression share a lot of common symptoms. It also wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the mental health disorders are often overlapping, with individuals who struggle with depression also having bouts of anxiety, and vice-versa. I
Anxiety and depression share a lot of common symptoms. It also wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the mental health disorders are often overlapping, with individuals who struggle with depression also having bouts of anxiety, and vice-versa. In fact, approximately 50% of people who are clinically diagnosed with depression also are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. While most people would say that they have a good understanding of depression and anxiety and the symptoms associated with each disorder, some still struggle to differentiate the two. Read on to learn some of the key differences between anxiety and depression.
Symptoms of Depression
The easiest way to tell the difference between anxiety and depression is to list the symptoms of each disorder. Below are the most prominent symptoms of depression.
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Sadness and a deflated mood
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A dramatic increase or decrease in appetite
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A dramatic increase or decrease in the amount you sleep
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You are no longer interested in activities you used to enjoy
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Inability to concentrate
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You no longer have any energy
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You are moving slowly and are constantly lethargic
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Feeling guilty and a sense of worthlessness
Symptoms of Anxiety
Now that you know the symptoms of depression, you can compare them with the symptoms of anxiety. Below are some of the symptoms of anxiety.
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A sense of restlessness
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You are always worrying about something
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Easily tired or fatigued
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Issues getting a full night of sleep
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Often irritable
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Difficulty concentrating
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You may experience some muscular tension
Symptoms That Overlap
It is clear why the disorders can sometimes be confused, as there are several symptoms that are present in individuals with both anxiety and depression. Both mental health disorders result in issues sleeping, the inability to concentrate, and near constant fatigue. In both depression and anxiety, you may also find yourself very irritable and in a bad mood.
Key Differences Between Anxiety and Depression
While anxiety and depression have a few symptoms in common, there are far more obvious differences. When you are struggling with depression, everything is slowed down. Your reactions are less animated and dulled, and in general you move slowly. Those with an anxiety disorder are just the opposite, as anxiety makes you more amped up, with thoughts furiously racing through your brain.
Depression and Anxiety Treatment at Alvarado Parkway Institute
If you are suffering from depression, anxiety, or a combination of both, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment can help control the symptoms of your mental health disorder so you can live a happy and healthy life. At Alvarado Parkway Institute in San Diego we offer expert treatment for a variety of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. Our team is well-versed in the latest research on depression and anxiety, giving us access to cutting-edge treatment methods that are more effective and efficient. If you are interested in learning more about our depression and anxiety treatment programs, contact us today by calling (619) 485-1432.
