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Understanding the Difference Between Anxiety and Depression It is not uncommon for anxiety to be a part of the mix with depression. It is essential to get a correct diagnosis from a therapist that can assist you in feeling more comfortable. Treatment typically includes cognitive behavioral therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle practices. Common medication includes SSRIs such as escitalopram, TCAs and SNRIs such as duloxetine, like venlafaxine. Symptoms Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world. About 350 million people are affected by depression at any one time. It's also a major cause of anxiety disorders. The symptoms of both are typically similar, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. There are some key differences between them which can help. Unlike anxiety, which is characterized by feelings of dread or fear and depression is characterized by deep sadness and an overall lack of interest in life. It is characterized by a perpetually low mood, feelings that you are not worthy or guilt, trouble in concentrating, and self-hatred or extreme self-criticism. You might also be more angry or irritable than usual and experience unexplained pains and aches. If you experience these symptoms you should seek help from an expert in mental health. Depression and anxiety that lasts can have serious consequences. They can hinder your ability to sleep, work, and eat, and can cause your quality of life to suffer. In some instances, they may lead to suicidal behaviors or thoughts. The good news is, both of them can be treated by psychotherapy and medication. First, you should consult your physician about the symptoms you're experiencing. Typically, they'll ask you questions about the length of time you've been experiencing them and how they affect your daily life. They may also recommend urine tests, blood tests, or other lab tests to rule out medical conditions that may cause anxiety or depression. In most cases, depression and anxiety are caused by a combination factors. Genetics may play a part and so do stressful events like financial stress, illness or childbirth, or conflict in relationships. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly can reduce your risk for depression and anxiety. Taking antidepressant medications and practicing relaxation techniques can also help. Your Therapist can also teach you stress-reduction skills and healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions, including mindfulness. It's important to note that it could take time to find the best treatment for you. Some people may need to try multiple medications before they find one that eases their symptoms. Diagnosis If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, it's important to seek treatment. If not treated, these issues could have severe consequences, such as heart issues, depression and suicide. Both anxiety and depression can be treated with psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy can help you learn to change your patterns of thinking, beliefs and behaviours that cause symptoms. The medications you take could include anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants or benzodiazepines. You might also consider relaxation methods and self-help groups. Depression and anxiety share several key symptoms, such as low mood and feelings of despair or worthlessness. Depression can also affect energy, appetite and sleep. In addition, some people who suffer from depression experience physical symptoms, such as tightening of the chest, feeling of heavy arms or legs and headaches. Depression can also affect school, work and relationships. Anxiety disorders are characterized by overwhelming and persistent feelings of fear, anxiety or apprehension. These feelings do not have any connection to any particular event or object. The most common type of anxiety disorder is called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It makes you worry excessively about a broad range of issues on a daily basis for a period of time. You aren't able to control GAD, unlike normal anxieties. Panic disorder is a form of anxiety disorder. It can trigger short or sudden attacks that are filled with anxiety and fear. You might feel your heart pounding, sweating, shaking or feeling faint or having difficulty breathing. People suffering from panic disorder may also feel a sense of impending doom or a feeling that they're about to die. It's not known what causes depression and anxiety. There is evidence to suggest that genes play a part. A family member who suffers from mental illness may increase your chances of developing it yourself. Anxiety and depression can be caused by stress-related life events or conflict with other people. It's common for anxiety and depression to co-exist. In fact, about half of people who have depression have severe anxiety and depression at the same time. If you have both anxiety and depression it is crucial to treat both at the same time. Combining treatments may help you get better faster. Treatment People who experience the symptoms of depression and anxiety need to see a physician. The doctor will be able to diagnose the condition and offer treatment options. Some people experience relief from symptoms with psychotherapy and medication. Other treatments are also possible for example, lifestyle changes or support groups. Depression is a mood disorder that causes feelings of despair and sadness. It can affect a person's behavior, thinking and physical health. People with depression may be unable to experience pleasure, or find themselves having difficulty concentrating. They may also have difficulty sleeping, lack of energy, weight loss and suicidal feelings. Depression is the third leading cause of death around the world. It can cause suicide and substance abuse as well as relationships problems. Anxiety is a feeling that's difficult to manage. It is normal to feel some anxiety in stressful times however, a person should seek medical attention if they have persistent, severe or recurrent feelings of anxiety. The symptoms of anxiety are similar to symptoms of depression, and can include fear, a racing heart sweating, trembling, the feeling of being anxious or overwhelmed, and feelings of being out of control. Psychotherapy is beneficial for those suffering from depression and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with antidepressant medications. Both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic talk therapies are good choices. CBT can help people understand their fears and change how they think, while psychodynamic therapy lets people be honest about their past experiences. Benzodiazepines as well as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that can help with depression and anxiety, are two medications that can aid. SSRIs increase the levels serotonin that improves mood, decreases anxiety and benzodiazepines inhibit the activity of nerves that cause anxiety. Other medications that are often prescribed for anxiety and depression are beta-blockers. They block the actions of adrenaline and the hormone noradrenaline which is involved in the fight-or-flight response. They also block monoamine oxide, an enzyme which breaks down serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. It can take as long as a few weeks for these medications to begin working. Prevention The good news is that depression and anxiety are treatable. Patients can improve their condition by following some simple steps: It's not always evident what causes anxiety or depression, but there is ample evidence to suggest that genes are a significant element. If you have a blood relative who suffers from an anxiety disorder or depressive disorder could also increase your risk of developing it. Life events that stress you, such as unemployment or illness, moving home or separating, or retiring can cause anxiety and depression. As can ongoing conflicts with others and the lack of social support. Anxiety disorders are most often treated through psychotherapy, also known as 'talk therapy', and medications. The first step is to consult with a physician or a counsellor who can assess your symptoms. They will then develop a treatment strategy. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of therapy for talking that helps you learn how to think and react differently, so you feel less anxious. The use of medications, such as anti-anxiety and antidepressants can help reduce or eliminate the symptoms of anxiety disorders . These medications can be taken in tablets or as injections or nasal aerosols. Some people who are taking antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may experience adverse effects such as drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea. They typically subside with time. Other treatments can include activities or hobbies that you enjoy, as well as getting enough sleep and healthy eating. Engaging in activities that you enjoy or that you find enjoyable can help boost your mood and provide a sense of achievement. Regular exercise can improve your overall health and assist to reduce depression or anxiety. However, it is important not to drink or use drugs to treat your symptoms – they can make your symptoms worse and can lead to addiction. Early intervention can in preventing depression and anxiety from becoming more severe. It's difficult to get rid of without medical attention as is the case with a severe cut or a broken bone. Anxiety problems in older people are often untreated and not diagnosed due to the fact that people are less likely to seek help and are less aware that there are effective treatments. WHO has developed a stepped care prevention program that includes brief psychological interventions delivered by non-specialists in order to address this issue.