The Differences between Anxiety and Depression
A person with anxiety doesnt necessarily have depression and a person who is depressed doesnt always experience anxiety. However, given the similarities in physiological states of those with anxiety and depression, and also given the similar types of environmental triggers, it is no surprise that a person with anxiety is often depressed as well.
Depression can be defined as harboring feelings of intense sadness as well as feeling hopeless, helpless, and worthless, for weeks or even months and years.
A person who is depressed often feels sad during most of the day, especially in the morning. A depressed person also has fatigue, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, and insomnia (or hypersomnia) almost daily. He or she may be impaired by indecisiveness and lack of concentration. He or she may also pull back from activities once found pleasurable and instead be plagued by restlessness, irritability, or even thoughts of death or suicide. Some depressed individuals also experience significant weight loss or weight gain over a short period of time.
Scientists believe that mood disorders are a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. The brain contains neurotransmitters that secrete or receive chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin which regulate mood and emotions. Studies indicate that those with depression are lacking one or both of these chemicals or have a defective neurotransmitter. In either case, the fact still remains that there is a lack of something in the brain which then results in a mood disorder.
Depression can be triggered by many environmental factors such as stressful situations, drugs whether legal or illegal as well having a pessimistic personality.
Anxiety can also cause depression because a person with anxiety tends to be very pessimistic and worries about unrealistic scenarios that are overwhelmingly negative. Sometimes anxiety can make a person lonely or difficult to understand, which may aggravate depression. In addition, feelings of hopelessness about their situation can lead to depression. Being both depressed and anxious increases the likelihood that a person will have suicidal or violent thoughts.
It is good to know that treating one disorder generally treats the other as well. Methods of treatment include cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy in combination with prescription medications. These treatments allow the patient to both deal with the symptoms in a positive way as well as recognize them and find ways to prevent them.
If you believe you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of either of these disorders, seek the assistance of your mental healthcare provider.
Funmi Salami is a featured health writer on Clivir.com. She has a virtual classroom there where she share her knowlege about Anxiety Attack Causes and Exercise for Anxiety Disorder on Clivir.