Why Depression and Anxiety Go Hand-in-Hand
It's not uncommon for people with anxiety or depression to experience both.
The thing about these two mental illnesses is that they are very difficult to live with. Whether together or on their own, they can make normal daily life tough to get through.
If you have depression, you might recall a time when you were feeling down about yourself, losing interest in the things you once enjoyed. Feelings and behaviors like those tied to depression tend to leave room for anxiety to creep in too. Do you remember feeling anxious about the fact that you were no longer interested in or able to do the things you once did? Maybe thoughts of worry crept in as you noticed how hopeless you felt, causing you to stress over your future.
Despite exactly how it starts, the two can occur so closely together that it's hard to know which one is causing the other or if they're just both happening at the same time.
So what's going on here? Well, anxiety can happen as a symptom of depression. However, it is also common for an anxiety disorder like generalized anxiety disorder to trigger depression. Many people with anxiety experience bouts of depression and many are even diagnosed with both disorders.
You might be thinking, isn't depression characterized as persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness? Whereas anxiety is marked by rapid breathing or feelings of impending doom? And yes, these are undoubtedly distinguishable symptoms for each condition. But the truth is symptoms of anxiety and depression often co-occur.
Despite the distinct symptoms of depression and anxiety, there is often overlap in symptoms. Irritability, decreased concentration, and difficulty sleeping are a few of these symptoms. That said, it is not just that one condition, mood, thought, or feeling can trigger another that makes it harder to get to the root of our emotions and struggles. These conditions share similar symptoms, making it harder to know how to help ourselves and move forward.
It's natural to feel blue or down from time to time, and everyone gets nervous from time to time too. These are both normal reactions to stressful scenarios. However, persistent feelings of sadness and worry might be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition. You might not know which one it is yet, but that's where therapy comes into play.
A mental health professional can help you determine which condition you are experiencing. But more importantly, a therapist will help identify your unique and specific needs to receive the most effective support and treatment.
Before we get hung up on the labels, let's address all aspects of your life and mental health to understand better what you're going through. Therapy can often help you learn about your condition and the root of your struggles in a non-judgemental way. It also provides a safe space for you to work through difficult emotions and develop and explore coping strategies that will help you lead a healthier and happier life.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional advice of your own attorney, accountant, physician, or financial advisor. Always check with your own physician, attorney, financial advisor, accountant, or other business or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
