Depression or anxiety: what do I have?

Anxiety and depression are mood disorders. Depression, among other things, manifests itself as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of energy. Anxiety, in turn, causes nervousness, worry, or fear. Although depression and anxiety are different conditions, they can occur simultaneously. Agitation and restlessness can be symptoms of both depression and anxiety.

It is normal to feel anxious or depressed from time to time. However, if these emotions occur frequently and interfere with your daily life, it may indicate a disorder that requires treatment.

Your symptoms will help your doctor determine whether you are suffering from one of these conditions or both.

What is depression?

Depression affects your emotions and behavior. When you are depressed, you may experience symptoms such as

  • feeling sad, hopeless or anxious;
  • loss of interest in things that used to bring you pleasure
  • lack of energy;
  • eating more or less than before;
  • sleep problems: excessive or insufficient sleep;
  • difficulty thinking or concentrating.

For symptoms to be classified as anxiety depression, they must occur most of the day, almost every day, for at least two weeks. It is important to rule out medical causes, such as thyroid disease. Your doctor may conduct an examination to determine if there are other conditions that cause symptoms similar to depression.

How does anxiety manifest itself?

Anxiety and fear are a natural part of life, but when these feelings persist or become excessive, it may indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder.

You may have an anxiety problem if you often experience

  • a constant feeling of anxiety;
  • irritability or feeling nervous;
  • sweating or trembling;
  • a feeling of losing control.

Types of anxiety

There are different types of anxiety disorders that differ in their characteristic symptoms.

  1. Chronic anxiety. This is a constant worry about various aspects of life, which may be for no apparent reason.
  2. Social anxiety disorder. It is characterized by excessive fear and anxiety in social situations when you are around other people.
  3. Panic disorder. Causes sudden and intense feelings of fear, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain and rapid heartbeat.
  4. Phobias. This is a strong and irrational fear of certain objects or situations, such as confined spaces or animals.
  5. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It manifests itself through intrusive thoughts or fears that lead to the repetition of certain behavioral rituals.
  6. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It occurs after experiencing a traumatic event and may include flashbacks, panic attacks, or anxiety that arises when remembering the event.

These types of anxiety can have different degrees of manifestation and affect different aspects of a person's life. Treatment usually involves a combination of therapy, medication, and self-help.

What is the difference between anxiety and depression?

Depression is characterized by a constant feeling of sadness and hopelessness. People with depression often feel very tired, lose interest in activities that used to bring them pleasure, and may have thoughts of self-harm.

Anxiety involves fear or worry that you cannot control. It can manifest itself in different situations, depending on the type of anxiety disorder. For example, you may feel anxious during everyday activities, such as meeting new people, or experience panic attacks for no apparent reason.

Symptoms of anxiety and depression

Both depression and anxiety are very common and often occur together. Approximately 60% of people with anxiety disorders also experience symptoms of depression, and vice versa. Each of these conditions can make the symptoms of the other worse or last longer when they occur together.

The two conditions may share genetic factors. Anxiety and depression can also occur due to the impact on the same structural or functional processes in the brain. In addition, stressful situations and trauma in the early stages of life can cause both depression and anxiety.

If you suffer from anxiety, you may be at increased risk of developing depression. Experts say that avoiding situations that trigger your fear can lead to depressive symptoms.

Depression can also be mistaken for other disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Bipolar Disorder (BD), Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder), and Dependent Personality Disorder, among others.

This is why it is crucial to seek medical help in a timely manner to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

How to treat depression and anxiety?

When very severe depression and anxiety disorder occur at the same time, their diagnosis and treatment can be more difficult for doctors. That's why it's important to clearly communicate all manifestations of your symptoms to a medical professional.

Various methods can be used to treat anxiety and depression, including psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Talk therapy (counseling)

Anxiety-depressive disorder is a mental condition that combines symptoms of both anxiety and depressive dysfunctions. These disorders of the nervous system are characterized by the simultaneous manifestation of constant anxiety and depressive mood, which significantly affects a person's daily life. A qualified therapist can create an individualized treatment plan for anxiety, depression, or a combination of these conditions. Here are some types of therapy that may be helpful:

  1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a basic talking therapy method that teaches you how to change the way you think and behave to reduce anxiety and depression.
  2. Interpersonal therapy. This method helps to improve communication and interaction skills with other people.
  3. Problem-solving therapy. It provides practical skills to effectively manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.

You can find therapists who specialize in this by asking your doctor for a referral.

Medications for anxiety and depression

Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety, such as: SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), such as paroxetine or fluoxetine. SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), such as desvenlafaxine or duloxetine. Other antidepressants, such as bupropion or mirtazapine.

These medications help regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Here are some examples of different classes of antidepressants.

SSRIs (serotonin inhibitors):

  • Citalopram (Celexa);
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro);
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbiox);
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox);
  • Paroxetine (Paxil);
  • Sertraline (Zoloft);
  • Vilazodone (Viibrid)

SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors):

  • Desvenlafaxine (Hedezla, Prizic);
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta);
  • Levomilnacipran (Fecima);
  • Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Bupropion:

  • Aplenty;
  • Wellbutrin;
  • Wellbutrin SR;
  • Wellbutrin XL.

Tell your doctor about all of your symptoms so that he or she can choose the most effective medication for you. Be sure to mention any supplements you are taking, including herbal and natural ones, as they may affect your course of treatment.

It may take several weeks or even months for the medication to take effect. You may need to try several different medications before you find the one that works for you.

Exercise.

Exercise is a proven way to improve mood and has positive effects on both physical and mental health. It can boost self-esteem and confidence, and improve relationships with others. Regular physical activity is believed to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression.

Relaxation techniques

Incorporate yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises into your daily life. Meditating for just 2-5 minutes a day can help reduce anxiety and boost your mood. Here are some simple strategies:

  1. Focus on your breathing.
  2. Imagine a calm and pleasant image.
  3. Repeat a simple word or mantra such as “love” or “happiness”.

Check your diet

Eating right can have a positive impact on your mood and energy levels. Try to include lean proteins and healthy fats, such as nuts and seeds, to keep you calm and full. Fill half of your plate with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Make sure to limit your intake of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods.

This does not mean that you should give up your favorite treats altogether. Moderation is the key: you can enjoy baked goods, sweets, or other goodies, but do so from time to time. It's important to find a balance to maintain a healthy diet without giving up your pleasures.

Get support

Strong relationships can go a long way toward improving your mood. Communicate with family and friends, tell them about your feelings, and get their support and encouragement. Mutual support can help you feel better and cope with difficulties.

If you think you need more support, see your family doctor or a licensed therapist or counselor. You may also consider joining a support group where you can connect with people who have similar experiences and can provide you with helpful advice and emotional support.

For more resources on mental health and well-being, visit our website.

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