Differences between Depression and Anxiety
Although a thin line separates the two illnesses, they are different. A person can have either depression or anxiety or even both.
In most cases, anxiety is a notable symptom of depression. Identifying each of them may require some tact which is why when any of the related symptoms are observed, you should see a psychologist as soon as you can.
There are both physical and mental aspects of depression and anxiety disorder. Let's focus on the mental differences to avoid any confusion in the physical symptoms which can easily be confused with other ailments. However, it is worthy to mention that depression and anxiety have many physical observable symptoms.
Below are the mental differences between the two:
Symptoms of Anxiety
1. Persistent worry about life in general
This is not just some concern about issues. It is a worry that interferes with other aspects of life making the person affected lose control of his/her feelings.
2. Fear of things going wrong
Fear of the unknown creates the problem of racing thoughts in persons with anxiety. It is a deep-rooted fear which controls those affected.
3. Social Withdrawal
A person with anxiety tries to avoid issues and situations that expose them to those hurtful feelings and fear.
Symptoms of Depression
1 Feeling of hopelessness
People that experience depression feels hopeless by their condition. They do not see or look forward to anything good but only feel hurt and feel like giving up.
2 Disinterested in life
Depression doesn't give those affected the thought of things getting better. This makes them feel hurt all the time and lose interest in everything. In most cases, those around are the saviors who try to find help for their friends or relatives experiencing depression.
3 Thinking about death
Death is inevitable but to a person experiencing depression, it is an everyday moment reality that hurts them even though they can't do anything about it.
4 Loss of self-worth
They see only the negative side of life and their selves and feel like they are of no value. They feel that nobody loves them notwithstanding the efforts by loved ones to make them better.
The approach to handling depression and anxiety should often depend on a Professional. That is why they should be consulted on all cases of depression and anxiety.
Speak with a Psychiatrist today about your experience with depression and find help very close to you in any of our centers in Nigeria.