The difference between depression and anxiety

One in four people in the UK experience a mental health issue each year. This means that it’s very likely you will know someone who has been affected by either depression or anxiety, which are two of the most common mental health conditions.

 

You have probably heard of the term’s ‘anxiety’ and ‘depression’ a lot, and often they are used alongside each other. This blog will look at what the terms really mean, and the key differences between anxiety and depression.

 

In simple terms, depression is a persistent feeling of sadness, and anxiety involves fear or worry that you can’t control.

 

People with depression often have no energy or interest in activities they once enjoyed. They may think about hurting themselves or see no way out of the way they are feeling. They may feel guilt, helplessness and low confidence. In some cases, they may have thoughts of death and suicide.

 

People with anxiety may feel irritable, restless or on edge which can be exhausting. Anxiety disorders can include phobias and panic disorders, but the most common is ‘General Anxiety Disorder’ (GAD) which affects 5 out of 100 of us in the UK.

 

GAD has two core symptoms – excessive anxiety and nervousness, worrying or dread on most days which you are unable to control. This could be a worry about a range of things, and there may be no obvious cause for the anxiety.

 

Anxiety and depression do share a lot of physical symptoms, such as fatigue or tiredness, difficulty sleeping, weight changes, headaches, sweating, aching, dizziness and shortness of breath.

 

However, they are not the same and it is possible (and common) to suffer from both at the same time. The way they are treated is the same, and it is always possible to get help if you feel you need it.

 

There are two types of treatments:

 

1) Psychological treatments

2) Medication

 

Psychological treatments involve talking with a trained professional. This could be through counselling or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which aims to address the way your thoughts, feelings and behaviour interact and impact your everyday life. Often CBT breaks down overwhelming problems into more manageable chunks and empowers you to break out of a vicious cycle.

 

Medication can also be beneficial to people suffering with anxiety or depression. The most common ones are called ‘Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors’ (SSRIs) which increase levels of serotonin in the brain. However, there are lots of others you may be offered by your doctor.

 

Treatment for both anxiety and depression will often involve both psychological treatments and medication, but it may also be suggested that you review your lifestyle or look into external factors which may not be helping your mental health.

 

To conclude, anxiety and depression are two separate health conditions, but it is clear to see why they may often be grouped together. They have many overlapping symptoms and are often treated in the same way.

 

If you feel you may be suffering from anxiety and/or depression, it is important to talk to your GP and get help and support to make you feel better.

 

If you’re feeling particularly low, there is always someone to talk to via The Samaritans or via NHS111.

 

If you or your business is looking for courses and support regarding mental health, including how to recognize and handle anxiety and depression in the workplace, visit www.bnsheconsultancy.com,  email info@bnshe.co.uk and we will be happy to help.

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