Anxiety and depression can sometimes feel like the same thing. But they're not! If you have anxiety, you're feeling anxious about something specific that is happening in your life.
For example, you might be worried about a big test coming up, or a job interview you have set up. But if you have depression, it can feel like the sky is always gray and nothing is good anymore.
What is a depressive disorder?
Depressive disorders are a group of mental disorders that share a common symptom of persistent sadness or low mood. These disorders can differ in severity, duration, and underlying causes. Common types of depressive disorders include major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder.
Depressive disorders are typically characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy activities that were once pleasurable. These symptoms can be disabling and make it hard for people to function in their everyday lives.
As the people behind SoCal Mental Health say, mental illness can often create significant impairment and an inability to be successful in the real world. With that in mind, seeking professional help is vital for anyone who is struggling with depression.
What is an anxiety disorder?
An anxiety disorder is a type of mental illness that causes extreme fear, worry, and stress. People with anxiety disorders may have trouble sleeping, sweating, and shaking. They may also have trouble breathing and feel like they are going to pass out. Anxiety disorders are different from depression, which is another type of mental illness.
Additionally, anxiety disorders are different from stress, which is a normal physical and mental response to a situation that is perceived as threatening. Stress can be caused by things like work, school, or relationships.
Everyone experiences stress at some point in their life, but it does not necessarily mean that they have an anxiety disorder.
Depressive vs anxiety: what's the difference?
Depressive and anxiety disorders are two of the most common mental health conditions. They often occur together and can have similar symptoms. But there are important differences between the two disorders.
Depressive disorders are characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. These feelings can interfere with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy activities you once enjoyed.
People with depression may also have physical symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, and headaches.
Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent worry and fear that interferes with your daily life. You may have trouble sleeping or concentrating, and you may avoid activities that make you anxious. Physical symptoms of anxiety can include a racing heart, sweating, trembling, and dizziness.
While both depressive and anxiety disorders can be disabling, it is important to remember that they are treatable. If you think you might have one of these conditions, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. With treatment, you can live a full and productive life.
Different types of anxiety and depression
There are different types of anxiety and depression, and it is important to know the difference between them in order to get the proper treatment.
Anxiety disorders can be differentiated by their symptoms. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry and stress that lasts for at least six months. People with GAD may have a hard time focusing on tasks, feel restless or edgy, and have difficulty sleeping.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is marked by intense fear or anxiety related to social situations, such as meeting new people, public speaking, or being around others. People with SAD may avoid social situations altogether, or they may endure them with great discomfort.
Panic disorder is characterized by sudden and unexpected episodes of intense fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, trembling, or sweating.
These episodes, called panic attacks, can occur without warning and may cause the person to feel like they are having a heart attack or going crazy.
How can I tell if I need help?
If you are struggling with your mental health, it is important to seek help from a professional. There are many ways to tell if you need help, and it is important to be honest with yourself about your symptoms.
If you are feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless, if you are having trouble sleeping or eating, if you are drinking more alcohol than usual, or if you are engaging in self-harm, these are all signs that you may need help. If you are having suicidal thoughts, it is imperative that you seek help immediately.
The most important thing to remember when trying to make a difference between depressive and anxiety disorders is that each disorder has its own unique set of symptoms. It is important to work with a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis so that you can begin treatment.
If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, know that you are not alone and there is help available. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member, therapist, or doctor today.
