Anxiety and Depression - What are the Differences

By Funmi Salami

A person with anxiety doesnt necessarily have depression and a person who is depressed doesnt always experience anxiety. However, given the similarities in physiological states of those with anxiety and depression, and also given the similar types of environmental triggers, it is no surprise that a person with anxiety is often depressed as well.

Someone who suffers from depression will experience intense feelings of sadness combined with feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and helplessness for weeks, months or even years at a time.

The morning hours of the day seem to harbor the most intense symptoms, however they can be experienced throughout the day. In addition to the afore mentioned symptoms, depression sufferers may also experience fatigue, insomnia, hypersomnia and feelings of guilt. In most cases, people suffering from depression will withdraw from activities that once gave them pleasure and instead endure feelings of restlessness, irritability and thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can also decrease or increase a person's weight in a very minimal period of time.

Researchers believe that there are several factors which cause depression with the first being a chemical imbalance in the brain. Neurotransmitters in the brain secrete or receive chemicals which regulate mood and emotions. These chemicals include dopamine and serotonin. Studies have shown that those diagnosed with depression are lacking one or both of these chemicals or have defective neurotransmitters. No matter the cause, the fact still remains that something is lacking in the brain which results in a mood disorder.

Depression can be triggered by many environmental factors such as stressful situations, drugs whether legal or illegal as well having a pessimistic personality.

An anxiety sufferer is highly susceptible to depression as their pessimistic attitude has their thoughts creating worry and unrealistic scenarios which are extremely negative. Many people experiencing both disorders are lonely and hard to understand which can then result in intense thoughts of suicide or death.

There is a bright side however, both disorders can be treated and are generally treatable with the same methods. Treatment for these disorders can include cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy as well as medications. These methods allow the patient to recognize symptoms and deal with them in a positive way as well as learning how to prevent them all together.

If you believe you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of either of these disorders, seek the assistance of your mental healthcare provider. - 30535

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