Depression vs. Anxiety—What Am I Experiencing?

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Mental health is essential to one’s overall well-being. It affects how individuals think, feel, and act. However, mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can make it challenging to lead a fulfilling life.

During 2020 and 2021, the number of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression increased from 36.4% to 41.5%. These conditions can cause various symptoms that overlap, making it difficult to identify which one you may be experiencing.

Let’s discuss the differences between depression and anxiety and how to identify each.

Depression

Depression is a mental health condition that affects an individual’s mood, thoughts, and behaviors. It is characterized by sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that persist for an extended period.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is one of the leading causes of suicide worldwide, with more than 3.8% of the population affected globally. It can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or social status.

Symptoms of depression may vary from person to person but typically include feelings of despair, grief, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, changes in appetite and weight, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and thoughts of suicide. A person experiencing depression may lose interest in hobbies or socializing and isolate themselves.

Depression can be managed with a combination of therapy and medication. Ziks Health Services offers comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and outpatient depression treatment to help individuals manage the symptoms of depression.

Anxiety

Anxiety induces worry, fear, and apprehension. It is a normal stress response, but when these feelings persist and interfere with daily activities, it can be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can affect anyone, and it is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives.

The symptoms typically include excessive worry or fear, restlessness or the inability to relax, experiencing muscle tension, struggling with falling asleep or staying asleep, finding it difficult to focus, and experiencing sudden and intense panic attacks.

It’s essential to seek professional help to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan if you are experiencing anxiety symptoms. Ziks Health Services offers comprehensive behavioral health services, including telepsychiatry, to help individuals subside symptoms.

An image of a woman sitting on the floor with hands on her heart

Differences Between Depression and Anxiety

Because depression and anxiety share some common symptoms, they can be challenging to differentiate. While depression makes you feel profound grief and sadness, anxiety can cause excessive worry and fear. Individuals with depression may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, while those with anxiety may avoid certain situations or people.

It is essential to seek professional help to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Ziks Health Services offers comprehensive mental health services, including psychiatric evaluation in Dallas, outpatient depression treatment, and telepsychiatry, to help individuals manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

If you need help, contact Ziks Health Services to schedule an appointment today.

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