Do You Suffer From Depression and Anxiety Disorder?

A diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or having panic attacks doesn’t automatically mean there will be a co-occurring diagnosis of depression. However, many people with an anxiety diagnosis do suffer from clinical depression, even if only from time-to-time. In my case, I have both bipolar and anxiety disorders. Like many others, I have found that serious anxiety can lead to depression.

Depression, by itself, is nothing to trifle with. Loss of energy, willpower, and even suicidal thoughts are just some of the burdens of living with clinical depression. The chronic worrying or paranoia that comes from high anxiety is emotionally drowning. A typical bout of anxiety is more an all-consuming dwelling on the worst case scenario. Aside from the negative thoughts, your body can experience rapid heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, and even nausea and vomiting. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that going through something like that, or even simply being afraid of going through something like that, can lead to depression.

Differences Between Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety frequently occur together in a person, but there are significant differences between the two conditions. Anxiety tends to make a person feel worried, as though something or someone is coming to hurt them. It can elicit the “fight or flight” reaction in the body or make a person feel like everyone hates him or her. It leaves a person feeling as though he or she has done something wrong or that there is some corrective action he or she needs to take for defense.

Depression, on the other hand, is a sluggish, lonely, and heavy feeling. The physical sensations are typically feeling tired, feeling abandoned, and having great difficulty in finding motivation to do anything. The desire to sleep and shut out the world takes over. It is often described as a dark place devoid of hope. (What Does Depression Feel Like?)

Anxiety and Depression Can Be Treated Together

If you are unlucky enough to suffer from both depression and anxiety, the good news is that they can be treated together much of the time. Your treatment plan will be geared toward helping you to manage both illnesses with medication, psychotherapy, or both. Other, non-medical, steps can be taken as well. One might consider mindfulness or other relaxation techniques, support groups, or an exercise regimen.

Having both anxiety and depression is a challenge, but it is not an insurmountable one. Working hard and taking small steps each day can lead to a lifetime of wellness and happiness.

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