Anxiety and Depression Difference – Anxiety and depression are two common mental health conditions that can significantly impact a person’s well-being, and the counsellors at Horizon Plymouth frequently work with individuals who are dealing with the effects of one or even both of these diagnoses. And, while they share some similarities, it is important to recognise the distinctions between anxiety and depression to ensure appropriate treatment and to be able to better understand your unique set of struggles.
Understanding anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or danger and occurs in everyone when your body enters “fight or flight.” However, clinical anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder occur when the fight or flight feelings persist beyond the perceived threat and begin to interfere with daily life. Individuals may find themselves constantly anticipating future events with apprehension, even if the source of their worry is unclear. Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Excessive worry
- Restlessness
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty concentrating
- Other physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling
Understanding depression
Depression is defined as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. While it is entirely normal to feel sad for short periods of time, clinical depression—including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder—is characterised by a much greater intensity and duration of emotions. Common symptoms of depression include:
- Altered sleep patterns
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Low self-esteem
Anxiety and depression differences
Although both conditions can share overlapping symptoms, anxiety and depression are two very different diagnoses. While everyone’s unique experiences with these diagnoses will certainly vary from individual to individual, there are certain components that are true to everyone that help to establish key differences between anxiety and depression. This includes:
- Focus of concern: While anxiety revolves around future-oriented worries and is often accompanied by physical symptoms, depression centers on persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in present activities.
- Time orientation: Anxiety is associated with a heightened focus on the future, and individuals are frequently anticipating negative outcomes. Contrastingly, depression involves a pervasive feeling of sadness and despair about the past, present, or future.
- Physical symptoms: Although some physical symptoms may overlap between the two diagnoses, anxiety often manifests through muscle tension, restlessness, and increased heart rate while depression can cause appetite changes, sleep disturbances, and low energy levels.
- Response to stress: Anxiety is often triggered by specific stressors, and the response is a heightened state of alertness. On the other hand, while depression can sometimes be triggered by stress, the response is characterized by a sense of hopelessness and withdrawal.
Although anxiety and depression share similarities such as their effects on mood, sleep patterns, and concentration, it is important to understand that they are distinct conditions. Understanding both parallels and differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective, individualized treatment, of which counselling is an important element.
How can counselling help?
Counselling is a crucial component in the treatment and management of both anxiety and depression. At Horizon Plymouth, our therapists work with individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, providing a safe and supportive environment for self-reflection, healing, and personal growth. Therapists might use cognitive behavioural therapy to identify and change negative thought patterns, mindfulness techniques such as meditation and deep breathing, or target therapy to address mental health challenges.
If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, it is important to know that you are not alone, and help is available to you through the experienced counsellors at Horizon Plymouth. Contact Horizon Plymouth to schedule your initial consultation and begin your mental health journey today