Anxiety and Depression
The Difference Between Them
There is a blurred line between anxiety and depression. Both of these mental health conditions can have similar symptoms, but the two are very different in scope and origin.
What is Depression?
Depression is an illness that affects people of all ages, genders, and cultures. It can be a temporary state or a long-lasting illness. Depression can affect any part of your life, including work and relationships.
Signs of depression include:
– persistent sadness and anxiety
– negative thoughts
– feelings of hopelessness
– changes in sleeping patterns
– changes in appetite
– social withdrawal
– problems connected with remembering things and focusing
Depression can be treated with therapy, medications like antidepressants, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is an emotion experienced as a normal response to a real or imagined threat. Typically, we feel some anxiety every day, but it usually goes away after a few minutes. There are two types of anxiety disorders:
1.General anxiety disorder, which involves excessive worry about a variety of things that is difficult to control
2.Panic disorder, which is characterized by sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme anxiety
Signs of anxiety include:
– feeling stressed, restless, or on edge
– having trouble paying attention or remembering things
– muscle tension or headaches
– sweating or trembling
– a fast heartbeat
– feeling like you might cry
People who suffer from anxiety disorders also may experience other symptoms, such as feeling nauseated or having trouble breathing. Sometimes, these feelings may be triggered by something in particular, such as a stressful situation at work or an upcoming test. Other times, the feelings may appear for no reason at all. Anxiety disorders can be treated with therapy, medications, or both.
Differences between Depression and Anxiety
1.Symptoms of depression are usually internal, while symptoms of anxiety are often external. Moreover depressed people often can’t or don’t want to do things that they used to enjoy. People who have anxiety are often more active than usual.
2.Depression is a more constant state of feeling unwell, whereas anxiety is often triggered by certain situations. The stress of a difficult exam or a car accident can trigger anxiety. Depression, on the other hand, can last for weeks or months.
3.Depression is also more likely to be treated with medication, while people who have anxiety are often treated with therapy.
4.Depression and anxiety often occur together, people who have one should still be diagnosed for the other. In fact, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in people who have depression. It is unclear why this is the case, but one theory is that both disorders are caused by an imbalance in neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain). However, there are still many unanswered questions.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety, it is important to see a medical professional to diagnose and treat the illness. A medical professional will be able to help you figure out what is triggering the anxiety and depression and help you come up with a plan to treat those issues.
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