Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health issues in America. In fact, you often hear about them as if they are a single condition. Are depression and anxiety the same? Is it possible to have one without the other? Let’s take a closer look at these mental health topics and how you can get treatment for them.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression can develop over time, or it may be sparked by a traumatic event. For example, if a person is fired from a job, he may immediately feel symptoms of depression. However, those symptoms may not manifest until several months after the incident, perhaps after an unsuccessful job search. The cause of depression varies from one person to the next, as do the symptoms. Some common depression symptoms include:
- Sadness or Depressed Mood
- Low Energy Levels
- Changes in Sleep Patterns (Difficulty Falling Asleep or Sleeping Too Long)
- Fatigue
- Lack of Motivation
- Changes in Appetite
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Feeling Hopeless, Worthless or Guilty
- Thoughts of Suicide
- Self-Harming Behaviors
- Feeling Easily Overwhelmed
Symptoms of Anxiety
There are varying levels of anxiety, ranging from moderate to severe. Some people have anxiety with known triggers, so they can pinpoint exactly what made them feel anxious. For others, the anxiety is a consistent element of their day that can emerge at any time. Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Restlessness
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Trouble Falling Asleep or Staying Asleep
- Fatigue throughout the Day
- Irritability and Nervousness
- Panic Attacks
- Muscle Tension
- Increased Heartrate and Difficulty Breathing (Often before or during a Panic Attack)
Why Depression and Anxiety Are Commonly Interlinked
Anxiety and depression are not the same thing, but they are closely related. Both conditions can cause you to lose sleep or lose focus during the day. Both can increase your stress levels which further increases your anxiety or depression.
Moreover, the symptoms of one condition could lead to the other. Anxiety may lead to self-isolation, which leads to loneliness, which leads to depression. Low energy levels from depression can cause a lapse in productivity, which can spark stress and anxiety. There are countless variables that play into your mental health. The important thing to remember is that you can break the cycle.
How to Get Help for Depression and Anxiety
If you suffer from depression, anxiety, or any other mental health struggles, therapy can help. In therapy, you work to identify the root cause of your struggles. What’s making you depressed? What caused your anxiety in the first place? What are your most prominent stress triggers? Once you know the answers to those questions, you can find solutions that work well for you.
To get matched with a licensed therapist near you, simply contact Urban Balance: (888) 726-7170. We will match you with the best counselor for your needs. Your privacy is protected, and our counseling services are completely judgment-free.