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Generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder are the two most commonly seen mental illnesses worldwide. Often used interchangeably, these two disorders present similar symptoms at first glance. They can also be experienced comorbidly, meaning that an individual can suffer from both disorders at the same time, which can cause further confusion and frustration in finding relief. While both conditions can affect daily life, understanding the difference between the two can help individuals seek proper treatment.
Understanding Anxiety
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is exceptionally common, affecting over 40 million adult Americans.Anxiety can be a normal emotion in everyday life —many people experience occasional anxiety about worries such as money or health. If you have an anxiety disorder, however, these worries and fears do not go away with time and can interfere with daily life.
GAD is typically characterized by the following symptoms:
- Difficulty controlling feelings of worry or anxiety
- Feeling on edge or restless
- Feeling irritable or sensitive
- Being easily fatigued
- Having frequent headaches, stomachaches, muscle aches, or other unexplained pains such as nausea
- Experiencing heart palpitations, shaking, sweating, or trembling
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying awake
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Some or all of these symptoms will usually be experienced over an extended period of time, sometimes months or years. This list is not exhaustive, and depending on the type of anxiety disorder, it may expand to include more specific symptoms. Other anxiety disorders include panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and selective mutism.
Anxiety disorders are treatable. If you believe you may be suffering from generalized anxiety or another anxiety disorder, it’s always best to talk to a mental health professional who can help determine a proper diagnosis and treatment tailored to your needs.
Understanding Depression
Major depressive disorder is a type of mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, a lack of interest in daily activities, and a loss of hope. While it can be confusing to understand the difference between normal feelings of sadness and depression, depression consists of multiple symptoms that usually persist for an extended period of time. Sadness fluctuates, whereas depression is consistent almost every day for at least two weeks.
Common symptoms associated with major depressive disorder include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or pessimism
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Lack of interest or joy inactivities and daily life
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions, forgetfulness
- Changes in appetite and/or weight
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless
- Being easily fatigued
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying awake
- Thoughts of not wanting to live, self-harm thoughts or behaviors, or suicide attempts
You do not have to display every trait to be considered depressed. This list is also not exhaustive, and you may have other symptoms that could indicate a certain type of depressive disorder. Other common depressive disorders include persistent depressive disorder, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder.
Unfortunately, depression often goes untreated. If you feel depressed, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional — it is possible to feel better. If you are having thoughts of wanting to harm yourself, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
The Overlap Between Anxiety and Depression
It can be confusing to distinguish between anxiety and depression, as there can be overlap in many symptoms. For example, both anxiety and depression may cause fatigue or changes in your sleep patterns, or feelings of anxiety and irritability. Not to mention that nearly half of patients diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety. One disorder may trigger the development of the other. So, how can you tell the difference?
The clearest way to identify between anxiety and depression is that anxiety typically incurs fears or worries that you can’t control, while depression causes the individual to lose hope and joy in daily life. Experiencing these symptoms concurrently over an extended period of time may indicate that both disorders are present.
While educating yourself on these common disorders is important, we encourage individuals to avoid self-diagnosis. If you are suspicious of having one or both of these disorders, the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to speak with a mental health professional.
Treatment Options
Here’s the good news: anxiety and depression do not have to be lifelong struggles. It is possible to alleviate or overcome these mental illnesses with the help of certain treatments and coping mechanisms.
Therapy
Therapy is one of the most popular choices for individuals suffering with one or both of these disorders. A professional therapist can help you develop ways to address the symptoms and potential underlying causes of these illnesses. Your therapist may even recommend a specific type of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety and depression.
Medication
Your therapist may recommend a psychiatrist, or your primary care doctor may suggest medication as a method for treating your condition. There are many antidepressant medications available that can treat both anxiety and depression symptoms, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), and more. While medications have helped many people, they are not a standalone solution. They are often most effective when done in combination with therapy, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. There are also side effects associated with certain medications that some individuals may not find tolerable. It’s important to talk with your prescriber to make sure you are provided with the necessary knowledge to enable you to make an informed decision.
Exercise
Participating in a certain amount of daily movement is incredibly helpful for your mind and body. Exercise releases endorphins, which are known mood boosters for your brain. Physical movement can be anything from a walk to HIIT to swimming. It can feel intimidating to start exercising if you aren’t used to it, so talk to your loved ones or a mental health professional to determine a physical wellness plan that feels both comfortable and achievable.
Meditation
The mental benefits of yoga and meditation are not just all talk. These relaxation techniques are often used to help those struggling with stress, anxiety, and mood-related issues. Yoga is also an excellent option for those looking to build some intentional movement into their daily routine. Try looking up videos or download an app to help ease you into these practices. It often takes a few tries with techniques such as meditation to show results, so be patient and don’t give up. If you’re unsure how to get started, talk with a professional to get some pointers.
Healthy Lifestyle
There is a strong connection between the mind and the gut. Take notice of your current diet — are you overloading on known stressors such as alcohol, sugar, or caffeine? Experiment with a partial or total elimination of common triggers from your diet, and focus on consuming nutritious, whole foods. Talk to your doctor about getting a blood test to see if you are low in any vitamins or nutrients. Some insurances also cover appointments with registered dietitians. Medicaid in Texas may cover nutritional counseling, so check with your specific Medicaid plan to confirm coverage.
Good sleep hygiene is one of the most important factors in determining our moods. Establishing a set bedtime, avoiding caffeine after a certain hour, or sleep medications may all be helpful tools in keeping your body rested. If you’ve been experiencing poor sleep, talk with a professional to see how you could set yourself up for a successful night’s rest.
Support From Loved Ones
Don’t be afraid to lean on family and friends during hard times. If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, you may feel isolated. Reach out to your loved ones to get support and encouragement. Friends and family can make a difference in your recovery journey.
Many of these treatments should be done concurrently for best results. It’s important to keep in mind that while some methods may work well for others, you may require a different approach. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to addressing mental health conditions, which is why a varied treatment plan is best for helping individuals feel better with time. We recommend scheduling an appointment with a therapist for professional advice on treatment options for your condition.
Take the First Step
Understanding the differences in how anxiety and depression manifest in the body can be empowering. While taking control of your mental health can be intimidating, the best thing you can do is seek support. You are not alone in your struggles, and there are many resources available to help.
Take the first step and reach out to a trusted healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and discuss treatment options. Therapy and medication may be covered by your insurance, so make sure to look into your specific plan’s details. With the right support, you can navigate these challenges and find a path toward a healthier, happier you.