Are depression and anxiety related?

Anxiety and depression can occur together, and some of the symptoms and feelings experienced with them are similar, but they are two distinct diagnoses and experiences. They have some of the same underlying biological and environmental factors.

People with anxiety may:

• Feel intense worry
• Have racing thoughts
• Try to avoid situations that trigger intense anxiety responses
• May think about death in terms of fear of the unknown

It’s important to note that anxiety that is problematic and diagnosable involves fear or nervousness that isn’t in line with the actual situation or event at hand. It’s normal to experience anxiety as a reaction to certain events and situations.

People with depression sometimes:

• Experience hopelessness
• Feel intense guilt or that they are a burden to others
• Experience worthlessness
• Experience suicidal thoughts
  (If you have been experiencing any suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.)

The physical symptoms of anxiety and depression differ. When they are severe, these symptoms can interrupt the ability to function in normal daily tasks.

Physical aspects of anxiety include:

• Problems concentrating or focusing
• Insomnia or trouble staying asleep
• Dizziness
• Digestive issues
• Rapid heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Sweating
• Tense muscles
• Shortness of breath

Physical aspects of depression may include:

• Problems concentrating or focusing
• Low energy or fatigue
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Thinking, moving, or talking more slowly than usual
• Physical aches and pains with no apparent physical cause
• Sleeping too much or too little

The experience of anxiety and depression can vary from person to person, and the intensity, duration, and other parts of experiences can determine specific diagnoses as there are multiple forms of anxiety and depression.

It’s normal to feel anxious or depressed from time to time due to life events. It can be normal to experience anxiety on the first day of a new job or to feel depressed about the end of a relationship. This doesn’t indicate that therapy or other interventions won’t benefit you, only that some ups and downs are normal in life.

If your symptoms begin to interrupt daily life or have you shifting your routine to accommodate them, it’s time to talk with your doctor or mental health provider about your experiences. Talking with friends and loved ones to ask if they’ve noticed changes in your behavior can help you consider the full picture. Using a journal to track moods, sleep, and other symptoms can be useful when talking to your doctor or mental health provider.

Common treatments for anxiety and depression include counseling (also called therapy), medication, or a combination of both. Some lifestyle changes can help support your overall wellness. Getting the right amount of sleep, avoiding stimulants, getting time outdoors, staying connected to friends and family, and moving every day with exercise is helpful.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that interfere with your daily life, speak with your doctor or a licensed mental health professional for help.