The Link Between Depression and Anxiety

We often find ourselves feeling down or anxious in certain situations. It could be interrelated, such that our anxious thoughts lead to low moods or sadness and can give rise to fear or anxiety. When these feelings escalate, it can lead to depression or severe anxiety. Let’s see how depression and anxiety are correlated and how they coexist. 

What Is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder caused by persistent feelings of elevated sadness or low moods. The symptoms include loss of interest/pleasure, fatigue, feeling worthless, decreased concentration, and insomnia, which can often occur daily and last for at least two weeks.

Anxiety and its symptoms

Anxiety occurs due to excessive stress and feelings of fear, excessive sweating, muscle tension, insomnia, and restlessness. These can often interfere with your daily functioning and makes you overlook positive situations or feelings. You might often think or react in a negative manner because of these feelings dominating how you feel. While anxiety can be difficult to cope with, a therapist or a psychiatrist might be able to help a lot.

How are anxiety and depression linked?

Now, let’s come to the important question - how are the two disorders linked? It’s a pattern of recurring feelings. A sad or lowered mood can often lead to feelings of fear, impending doom and nervousness. Likewise, our anxious thought can make us feel gloomy and hopeless. Depression and anxiety also have a lot of overlapping symptoms, such as::

• Irregular sleep patterns
• Physical weakness
• Low energy levels
• Higher feelings of fatigue and irritability
• Inability to concentrate 
• Emotional Rumination 
• Also read: 5 Therapist Recommended Techniques to Deal With Intrusive Thoughts

Diagnosing depression and anxiety

The diagnosis of depression and anxiety usually involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or primary care physician. Here are some common methods used for diagnosing depression and anxiety:

• Clinical Interview: A healthcare professional will ask questions about your symptoms, family history, medical history, and personal life. They may also use assessment tools to help identify the severity of your depression or anxiety.
• Diagnostic Criteria: A healthcare professional may use diagnostic criteria, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to help diagnose depression and anxiety.
• Self-Report Measures: You may be asked to fill out self-report measures, such as questionnaires or surveys, to help assess the severity of your depression or anxiety symptoms.
• Also read: How Does Anxiety Affect Your Physical Health?

How to deal with anxiety and depression 

Depression and anxiety are mental health conditions that can be treated through a variety of approaches. Some of the most common treatments include:

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy or psychotherapy involves working with a mental health professional to explore your feelings, behaviours, and thoughts. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that is often used to treat depression and anxiety. CBT can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.

Medication

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be effective in treating depression and anxiety. It's important to work with a doctor to find the right medication and dosage for your specific needs.

Lifestyle changes

Making changes to your lifestyle can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. This may include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, reducing alcohol and drug use, and finding ways to manage stress.

Mindfulness practices

Mindfulness meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. These practices can help you focus on the present moment and develop a greater sense of calm and well-being.

Support groups 

Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and help you feel less alone in your struggle with depression or anxiety. Support groups can be found online or in person and are often led by mental health professionals or peers with similar experiences.

It's important to work with a mental health professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. In some cases, a combination of these approaches may be recommended.

Also read: How Do I Talk To Someone About My Depression Or Anxiety?

Depression and anxiety are treatable conditions, and a proper diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, it's important to seek help from a healthcare professional.