Depression and Anxiety: Know the Key Differences and 8 Ways to Distinguish Between Depression and Anxiety

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health disorders, and they often occur together. Studies show that nearly 60% of people with anxiety will also develop depression at some point, and vice versa. Because these conditions frequently overlap, understanding their key differences can help in getting the right treatment.

For those seeking fast, accessible mental health support, TravelDoctor EU offers telehealth consultations for urgent primary care, including anxiety and depression treatment refills. Visit TravelDoctor EU's treatment page for more details.

Prevalence: How Common Are Anxiety and Depression?

• Anxiety is more prevalent than depression. In the U.S., around 19% of adults live with some form of anxiety, while 7% experience depression.

• Among children, anxiety is also more common. Between 2016 and 2019, around 9.4% of children aged 3 to 17 were diagnosed with anxiety, compared to 4.4% with depression.
  

Risk Factors: What Causes Anxiety and Depression?

Both disorders result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Common risk factors include:

Family history of anxiety or depression
Chronic stress or trauma
Hormonal fluctuations (more common in women)
Substance abuse or major life changes

Both anxiety and depression are twice as common in women compared to men, likely due to hormonal and social factors.

When Do Anxiety and Depression Develop?

• Anxiety often appears earlier, usually in childhood or early adolescence.

• Depression tends to develop later, commonly in late adolescence to mid-adulthood.

• If both conditions occur together, anxiety symptoms generally appear first.
  

Symptoms: How to Identify Anxiety vs. Depression

Symptoms of Anxiety:

• Excessive worry and restlessness

• Irritability

• Difficulty concentrating

• Physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, or dizziness

Symptoms of Depression:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness

• Loss of interest in activities

• Fatigue and lack of energy

• Changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping)

Some symptoms overlap, such as difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and unexplained aches. Feeling anxious can also be a symptom of depression, which is why seeking professional diagnosis is crucial. Learn more on WebMD.

Therapy: How Anxiety and Depression Are Treated

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): One of the most effective treatments for both conditions.
CBT for Anxiety: Focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that trigger worry.
CBT for Depression: Helps patients recognize and reframe pessimistic thinking that contributes to low mood.

For virtual therapy consultations, visit TravelDoctor EU to connect with a healthcare provider.

Medications: What Treatments Are Available?

• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, Tricyclics): Used for both depression and anxiety.

• Anxiolytics & Beta-Blockers: Specific medications for anxiety symptoms.

• Medication Does Not Cure Anxiety or Depression, but it helps manage symptoms effectively.

🔬 Alternative Treatments for Anxiety and Depression

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Effective for severe depression that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive treatment for anxiety and depression.

• Psilocybin Therapy: Research suggests that psychedelics may help manage treatment-resistant depression.

Suicide Risk: Understanding the Dangers

Depression and anxiety significantly increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors:

• Anxiety alone doubles the risk of suicide.

• Depression increases the risk by 26 times.

• Those with both anxiety and depression are 54 times more likely to attempt suicide than those without mental illness.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help. Call emergency services or speak to a mental health professional today.

Summary: Key Takeaways

Anxiety is more common than depression, affecting nearly 1 in 5 adults.
Depression tends to appear later in life, while anxiety often develops earlier.
Symptoms overlap, but anxiety involves excessive worry, while depression causes persistent sadness.
Therapy and medication can be effective for both conditions.
Seeking professional help is crucial—consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

For urgent primary care, schedule a telehealth visit with TravelDoctor EU.

FAQs: Common Questions About Anxiety and Depression

1. Can I have both anxiety and depression at the same time?
Yes, it is common to experience both conditions together. Symptoms may overlap, making it harder to distinguish between them.

2. How can I tell if I have anxiety or depression?
A mental health professional can help with an accurate diagnosis. Anxiety is linked to excessive worry, while depression causes ongoing sadness and lack of motivation.

3. What are the best treatment options?
Therapy (CBT), medication, and lifestyle changes are all effective. Some individuals benefit from a combination of treatments.

4. Is telehealth a good option for mental health treatment?
Yes! Online consultations allow you to speak with a doctor from anywhere. TravelDoctor EU provides telehealth services for urgent primary care.

5. When should I seek professional help?
If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, interfere with daily life, or include thoughts of self-harm, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Get Professional Help Today!

• Need urgent care? Book a telehealth consultation with TravelDoctor EU.

• Looking for diagnosis and treatment options? Visit TravelDoctor EU’s What We Treat page.

Your mental health matters—don’t wait to seek support!