Depression and Anxiety: How to Identify

What’s the link?

Depression and anxiety can occur at the same time. In fact, it’s been estimated that 45 percent of people with one mental health condition meet the criteria for two or more disorders. One study found that halfTrusted Source of people with either anxiety or depression have the other condition.

Although each condition has its own causes, they may share similar symptoms and treatments.

What are the symptoms of each condition?

Some symptoms of depression and anxiety overlap, such as problems with sleep, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. But there are several key differences that help distinguish between the two.

Depression

Feeling down, sad, or upset is normal. It can be concerning feeling that way for several days or weeks on end.

Physical symptoms and behavioral changes caused by depression include:

• decreased energy, chronic fatigue, or feeling sluggish frequently
• difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or recalling
• pain, aches, cramps, or gastrointestinal problems without any clear cause
• changes in appetite or weight
• difficulty sleeping, waking early, or oversleeping

Emotional symptoms of depression include:

• loss of interest or no longer finding pleasure in activities or hobbies
• persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
• feeling hopeless or pessimistic
• anger, irritability, or restlessness
• feeling guilty or experiencing feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
• thoughts of death or suicide
• suicide attempts

Anxiety

Anxiety, or fear and worry, can happen to anyone from time to time, too. It’s not unusual to experience anxiety before a big event or important decision.

But, chronic anxiety can be debilitating and lead to irrational thoughts and fears that interfere with your daily life.

Physical symptoms and behavioral changes caused by generalized anxiety disorder include:

• feeling fatigued easily
• difficulty concentrating or recalling
• muscle tension
• racing heart
• grinding teeth
• sleep difficulties, including problems falling asleep and restless, unsatisfying sleep

Emotional symptoms of anxiety include:

• restlessness, irritability, or feeling on edge
• difficulty controlling worry or fear
• dread
• panic

Suicide prevention

If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:

• Call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Stay with the person until help arrives.
• Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.
• Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.