Anxiety and depression are the two most prevalent mental health conditions today, with roughly 16 million Americans facing depression and 40 million battling an anxiety disorder. Often, these conditions co-occur. Studies show that up to two-thirds of individuals with a depressive disorder also face symptoms of anxiety. Similarly, up to 63% of people with anxiety also have depression.
These statistics beg the question: Are anxiety and depression related? And, going deeper, why do anxiety and depression go together?
Let’s explore the relationship between anxiety and depression, and unpack some answers to common questions about these disorders below.
Are Anxiety and Depression the Same Thing?
Anxiety and depression are not the same thing. These conditions are unique disorders, each with their own symptoms, though they can (and often do) occur at the same time.
Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent feelings of worry, fear, and dread. These feelings disrupt a person’s quality of life and get in the way of a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. They also affect other areas of the person’s health. For example, those with anxiety disorders will frequently experience physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive issues, as well as sleep disturbances, excessive fatigue, and low self-esteem. These individuals may also avoid situations, people, or objects that trigger their anxiety and stress, depending on the type of anxiety disorder they have.
Depression, on the other hand, is a disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness. The sad mood can last for months or years, and interferes with a person’s ability to function and feel motivated. People with depression often report low energy, constant tiredness, and a lack of desire to do things they once enjoyed. Those battling depression also might experience physical symptoms like pains, stomachaches, and headaches, as well as irritability, trouble sleeping, and appetite changes.
While anxiety and depression are separate diagnoses, their symptoms can overlap. And, when co-occurring, the symptoms of depression can exacerbate anxiety—and vice versa. For example, many people experiencing clinical depression report anxiety as a persistent symptom. Those battling anxiety often report depressive episodes.
How Are Anxiety and Depression Related?
Anxiety and depression are related, though they have a complicated relationship. It’s not always clear which comes first, as their symptoms can mirror and mask one another.
When a person is depressed, they often isolate themselves from family, friends, and activities. This can cause them to feel anxious and worried about how others perceive them, or about the world outside of them.
Meanwhile, those suffering from anxiety may get overwhelmed by their persistent, negative, and irrational thoughts. Over time, they might start to feel depressed and hopeless about their quality of life.
In any case, it becomes a cycle. As explained by Sally Connolly, LCSW and therapist at Hartgrove Hospital, “When you get anxious, you tend to have this pervasive thinking about some worry or some problem. You feel bad about it. Then you feel like you’ve failed. You move to depression.”
The reverse can also be true.
Why Do Anxiety and Depression Occur Together?
While studies are still being done, there are a variety of potential explanations why anxiety and depression go together so often.
On one hand, both anxiety and depression are thought to originate in—and affect—the same areas of the brain. Specifically, the amygdala (the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions and triggering our stress response) is strongly correlated to both mental health disorders. Research shows that people with depression and anxiety often exhibit an overactive amygdala when exposed to stressors, in turn leading to the exaggerated fear responses and negative emotions associated with both disorders.
Some experts believe that the same genes may be behind both conditions, predisposing an individual to depression and/or anxiety. Additionally, we know for certain that a number of negative experiences—such as trauma, chronic stress, abuse, and substance abuse—especially in early life, can lead to the development of either or both illnesses.
Do I Have Depression or Anxiety?
If you have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression, there is roughly a 60 percent chance you will develop symptoms of the other disorder at some point. Signs you are struggling with both disorders include:
- Pervasive negative thoughts, worries, fears, and emotions that won’t go away
- General body aches, fatigue, and other pains that don’t have a clear cause
- Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and/or waking up in the morning
- Sudden changes in eating habits and weight (gaining or losing)
- Difficulty remembering, making decisions, concentrating
- Feeling overly tired and irritated
- Inability to relax and enjoy oneself in the moment
- An overwhelming feeling of loss of control
- Loss of interest in once-loved activities or hobbies
Treatment for Co-Occurring Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are both very treatable, manageable conditions that can be improved with a blend of psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. If you are facing either illness, it is essential to contact a mental health treatment specialist or primary care clinician who can refer you to support.
However, keep in mind that if you are facing both depression and anxiety, finding an integrated and comprehensive care program is important. Co-occurring disorders (i.e. two or more conditions occurring simultaneously in a person) require a very tailored and specialized treatment approach—one that addresses the entirety of a person’s needs and the symptoms of both conditions. This has been proven most effective when treating anxiety and depression—when both conditions are treated at the same time and place. With that in mind, look for a treatment provider that specializes in co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis, as well as one that will personalize a care plan to your individual needs.
With an integrated and personalized treatment program for anxiety and depression, you might find a blend of modalities such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Among the most effective, evidence-based treatments for anxiety and depression, CBT helps get to the root of the fears, anxieties, thought patterns, and emotions, and teaches clients how to take control back.
- Medications: For some individuals, medications (such as antidepressants) are recommended in combination with psychotherapy methods like CBT.
- Healthy Lifestyle Changes: Physical activity and exercise, combined with good nutrition, adequate sleep, and a healthy dose of Vitamin D from the sun, all play an important role in boosting feel-good hormones in the body and promoting good mental health.
- Holistic, Relaxation Methods: Many treatment programs also encourage meditation and mindfulness techniques, as well as breathing exercises, to help overcome the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Anxiety and depression have a complex relationship, and their symptoms often intertwine. However, rest assured that both disorders are very treatable and very common. The sooner you can get treatment, the sooner you can get back to living a life you love. If you are looking to learn more about integrated treatment for anxiety and depression, do not hesitate to contact Turnbridge at 877-581-1793.
Turnbridge is a recognized mental health treatment provider specializing in co-occurring disorders among adolescents and young adults. Learn more here.