Most people are familiar with the terms depression and anxiety. The chances are pretty high that you have experienced feelings of depression or anxiety at some point in your life; however, for some, this is a normal, everyday experience.

Without a clinical assessment, you might be surprised to learn it can be hard to distinguish between depression and anxiety and it is very common for people who experience one or the other to experience both at some point. There are plenty of overlapping symptoms such as the increased desire to spend time alone, low mood, low energy, and feelings of worry.

Five Subtle Differences

Anxiety

1) People who suffer from anxiety tend to focus on concerns or worries that are either happening right now or in the future.

2) Uncontrollable thoughts about what could go wrong, these thoughts can be racing and intrusive at times.

3) Avoidance and attempts to control everything are common coping strategies to try and help reduce feelings of anxiety.

4) People with anxiety can find it challenging to concentrate and focus and can have difficulties falling asleep.

5) The physical symptoms of anxiety can increase anxiety due to the unpleasant feelings of racing heart, tummy distress, shortness of breath, and muscle tension.

Depression

1) People who suffer from depression tend to focus on the past, regrets, or worry that the future is hopeless based on past experiences.

2) Hopelessness often informs decision making, and those suffering from depression often feel like trying will result in failure.

3) Feeling like you are not valued or that you have anything to offer is another hallmark of depression.

4) Low energy and low motivation that come with depression can make it hard to complete normal, day to day tasks such as eating or taking a shower.

5) People with depression can experience physical aches and pains that are not explained medically, which can interfere with sleep and the ability to focus.

While everyone experiences depression and/or anxiety from time to time, know when to seek help. Depression and anxiety are normal emotional feelings when you have encountered a sudden change or loss, but when these feelings persist or if they seem to have started without an obvious cause, you may benefit from talking to someone and having additional support to help you through the difficulties you are experiencing.

If you begin having suicidal thoughts, contact:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
or text ‘HOME’ to 741741

Learn more About Me and the Services I offer.

Tonya Molnar, PhD, LMHC, MHP specializes in insomnia and sleep health, trauma, and chronic pain and illness therapy with additional training in CBT-i for insomnia and CBT for chronic pain and illness management. As she completes her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, it is her honor to serve clients in Washington State using a telemental health approach at this time.