Anxiety and Depression - What are the Differences

By Funmi Salami

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.

Symptoms of depression include intense feelings of sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness and helplessness for weeks, months or even 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.

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.

People suffering from anxiety are easily affected by depression as well as their pessimistic thoughts start to create unrealistic scenarios and worries that are compellingly negative. In some cases, someone with anxiety can aggravate depression as they are hard to understand and become lonely. Any individual experiencing both anxiety and depression will more likely experience intense thoughts of death or suicide.

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 believe you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of either of these disorders, seek the assistance of your mental healthcare provider. - 29956

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