What’s the Difference Between Anxiety and Depression?

Although anxiety and depression are two different mental health disorders, they commonly occur together. That’s why it’s important to understand the different symptoms, treatments, and impacts of anxiety and depression.

Today, you’ll learn the difference between anxiety and depression.

Please keep in mind that this post will deal with issues related to anxiety, depression, and suicide. Take care when reading and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or worries.

What is anxiety? 

Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent, overwhelming anxiety, worries, fears, or obsessions. There are a variety of different anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, phobias, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, as well as OCD.

Physically, anxiety shows up in the body as feelings of agitation/restlessness, shortness of breath, hyperventilation, numbness, sweating, and/or heart palpitations. It’s also common for people with anxiety to experience sleep difficulties, particularly going to sleep and staying asleep. Anxiety can also impact a person’s ability to concentrate and pay attention.

Anxiety disorders can cause distress and suffering, and may also impair a person’s ability to function in relationships, at school, and work.

What is depression?

Depression is characterized by a down or irritable mood, and/or anhedonia. Anhedonia is when a person stops taking pleasure or enjoyment in things they used to enjoy.

There are 9 main symptoms of depression:

1. Depressed mood

2. Loss of interest or enjoyment in your usual activities and hobbies

3. Weight or appetite change

4. Slowed down thoughts or physical movements, or feeling of restlessness

5. Fatigue and loss of energy

6. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

7. Anger or irritability

8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate

9. Thoughts of suicide, death, or dying

Depression is classified as experiencing at least 5 of the following primary symptoms of depression most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.

Please be aware that depression may also be accompanied with recurrent thoughts of death and suicide, including suicide plans and attempts. If you notice any of these symptoms, in yourself or someone you care about, take it seriously. You can call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or reach out to one of the following national resources:

• Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center

• Text 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

Depression highly impacts daily life and functioning.

Do anxiety and depression tend to occur together?

It’s extremely common for anxiety and depression to show up together.

Estimates are that about 60% of people with anxiety will also experience depression, and about 60% of people with depression will experience anxiety. 

Each condition can make symptoms of the other get worse or last longer.

Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is the anxiety disorder that most commonly co-occurs with depression. GAD is characterized by: 

• Excessive anxiety and worry that occur more often than not for at least 6 months and is clearly excessive.

• Worry that’s hard to control.

• Worry that’s accompanied by some of these physical and cognitive symptoms. (In children, only one symptom is needed.) 

  • Edginess or restlessness

  • Tiring easily, more fatigues

  • Impaired concentration

  • Irritability

  • Increased muscle aches or soreness

  • Difficulty sleeping

Since anxiety and depression often occur together, overlapping symptoms that may show up with either condition include:

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Changes in energy level or fatigue

• Increased irritability

• Trouble with concentration, focus, and memory

• Aches and pains, or stomach issues that have no clear cause

• A persistent loop of negative thoughts and emotions

Can children experience anxiety and depression?

Yes, absolutely. Children experience anxiety and depression at the same rates as adults. If your little one seems to have lots of worries, you might be interested in this article detailing common signs of anxiety in children.

Since stress and trauma early in life can trigger both depression and anxiety, it is crucial to be treated early.

Early detection is critical. New insights about brain development and early childhood experience show that caring for young children’s mental health is essential for their life-long physical health and well-being.

If you notice your child - or your partner - experiencing anxiety and depression, it’s important to pay attention and take action. 

As children grow, they develop their capacities to manage their feelings and regulate their behaviors. Early identification and treatment can set your child up for success.

Can you be treated for anxiety and depression simultaneously?

 The treatment for both anxiety and depression involves talk therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Many medications can treat both depression and anxiety.

One of the main talk therapy treatments is CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy), an evidence-based treatment, that teaches you how to rewire your thought processes and behaviors to limit triggers for anxiety and depression. There are other evidence-based treatments for depression, too, including interpersonal psychotherapy.

Little Otter’s approach to mental health care supports your child, and your whole family, through your big and little worries.

We’re a digital children’s mental health platform to provide care for the whole family. After all, when one member of your family is struggling, it affects everyone. 

We know that child mental health is impacted by parent mental health, the parent-partner relationship, and family stress. And that a child’s mental health concerns can cause challenges for parents, caregivers, and siblings, too. That’s why we provide child therapy, child psychiatry for medications, parenting support and coaching, couples’ counseling, and even therapy and medication for parents who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or ADHD. 

Learn more about our approach to child mental health care, how Little Otter works, and see if we’re the right kind of support for your family. When you’re ready, register to join Little Otter.

---

Additional Resources about Anxiety & Depression: