Anxiety disorders and depressive disorders are the most common mental illnesses.
Although depression and anxiety can coexist, they are two different illnesses with specific symptoms and treatments for each.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety results in a feeling of fear, nervousness and worry. It is normal to be anxious at certain times in life, particularly when faced with stressful situations (before an important event, when making an important decision, discovering a new environment, etc.).
Anxiety becomes pathological when it is chronic. If you constantly feel anxious and it impacts your life in a negative way, you may have generalized anxiety disorder.
This results in more debilitating symptoms such as irritability, panic attacks, persistent fatigue, sleep problems and even headaches.
What is depression?
Depressive disorders are characterized by persistent sadness or a lasting loss of the ability to experience interest or pleasure in activities that previously provided them.
The depression can result in many symptoms that vary from one person to another: despair, irritability, lack of energy, loss or increase in appetite, difficulty concentrating, unexplained pain, suicidal thoughts, etc.
What symptoms do you have in common?
It is important to remember that not all people who suffer from depression or anxiety, or both, will experience the same symptoms.
These two diseases can also trigger the same symptoms:
- sleep disorders;
- a drop in energy;
- irritability;
- concentration and memory problems;
- unexplained pain and digestive problems;
- la rumination…
It is normal to feel sad, stressed or anxious at certain times in life. On the other hand, if you have had one or more of the symptoms mentioned above for several weeks or even months, consult your doctor.
Only a healthcare professional can tell you if you suffer from generalized anxiety, depression, or both.
Journalist
May 9, 2024, at 6:10 a.m
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