The Difference between Depression and Anxiety
October 22, 2009 by Funmi Salami
Filed under Depression
Contrary to popular belief, those with depression do not necessarily have anxiety and the same is true for those with anxiety. However, each disorder has very similar physiological states as well as environmental triggers, so it is no surprise that those diagnosed with anxiety often have depression 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.
The morning hours of the day seem to harbor the most intense symptoms, however they can be experienced throughout the day. In addition to the afore mentioned symptoms, depression sufferers may also experience fatigue, insomnia, hypersomnia and feelings of guilt. In most cases, people suffering from depression will withdraw from activities that once gave them pleasure and instead endure feelings of restlessness, irritability and thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can also decrease or increase a person’s weight in a very minimal period of time.
Researchers believe that there are several factors which cause depression with the first being a chemical imbalance in the brain. Neurotransmitters in the brain secrete or receive chemicals which regulate mood and emotions. These chemicals include dopamine and serotonin. Studies have shown that those diagnosed with depression are lacking one or both of these chemicals or have defective neurotransmitters. No matter the cause, the fact still remains that something is lacking in the brain which 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.
There is a bright side however, both disorders can be treated and are generally treatable with the same methods. Treatment for these disorders can include cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy as well as medications. These methods allow the patient to recognize symptoms and deal with them in a positive way as well as learning how to prevent them all together.
If you are exhibiting signs of depression along with your anxiety, talk to your mental health provider.
Funmi Salami is an established writer who loves to share her knowledge and experience. She has an online classroom on Clivir.com to share about Anxiety Disorder Signs and other information about Anxiety Disorder Diet.
