Anxiety and depression fall under the category of mood disorders. Depression encompasses emotions like persistent sadness, hopelessness, and diminished energy, while anxiety gives rise to sensations of nervousness, apprehension, or dread. Although these conditions differ, it's possible to experience both simultaneously, with symptoms like agitation and restlessness occurring in both.
Occasional bouts of anxiety or depression are a normal part of life. However, when these feelings become frequent and disrupt your daily life, you may be dealing with a treatable disorder. Your symptoms are instrumental in aiding your healthcare provider in distinguishing between these conditions or determining if you are affected by both. Fortunately, some treatment methods are effective for addressing both anxiety and depression.
To classify your symptoms as indicative of depression, they should persist throughout most of the day, nearly every day, for a minimum of two weeks, and there should be no underlying medical cause, such as a thyroid disorder, contributing to these symptoms. Your healthcare provider can conduct assessments to rule out medical conditions that might manifest with symptoms resembling depression.
Worry and fear are natural aspects of the human experience, but when these emotions become persistent or overwhelming, they may serve as indications of an anxiety disorder.
You may have anxiety if often you feel:
The primary distinction between depression and anxiety lies in their respective symptoms. Depression is characterized by a sustained sense of sadness, often accompanied by a loss of energy and a disinterest in activities that were once enjoyable. In more severe cases, individuals with depression may contemplate self-harm.
On the other hand, anxiety revolves around an overwhelming fear or worry that feels beyond one's control. Depending on the specific type of anxiety disorder, this anxiety can manifest during routine activities, such as meeting new people or facing specific situations.
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If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, or if you know someone who’s in danger of suicide, call or text the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Trained counselors are available 24/7 and can offer help and resources for you and your loved ones.
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