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The terms “anxious” and “depressed” get thrown around a lot in casual conversation—and for good reason. Both arenormal emotionsto experience, routinely occurring in response to high-stakes or potentially dangerous situations (in the case of anxiety) or disappointing, upsetting circumstances (in the case of depression).valentinrussanov / Getty ImagesThe relationship between these emotions—and their associated clinical conditions, anxiety disorders and mood disorders—is complex and somewhat idiosyncratic.For one person, anxiety can lead to avoidance and isolation. Isolation can result in a lack of opportunity for pleasurable experiences, which then leads to low mood. For others, the emotions may flow in the opposite direction. Feeling down may zap someone of the energy to do things they typically enjoy, and attempts to re-engage with the world after being out of practice may result in nervousness.Understanding the distinctions between the two emotions (anxiety vs. depression) and characterizing the severity of the problem can help you to determine how to feel better.
The terms “anxious” and “depressed” get thrown around a lot in casual conversation—and for good reason. Both arenormal emotionsto experience, routinely occurring in response to high-stakes or potentially dangerous situations (in the case of anxiety) or disappointing, upsetting circumstances (in the case of depression).
valentinrussanov / Getty Images
The relationship between these emotions—and their associated clinical conditions, anxiety disorders and mood disorders—is complex and somewhat idiosyncratic.
For one person, anxiety can lead to avoidance and isolation. Isolation can result in a lack of opportunity for pleasurable experiences, which then leads to low mood. For others, the emotions may flow in the opposite direction. Feeling down may zap someone of the energy to do things they typically enjoy, and attempts to re-engage with the world after being out of practice may result in nervousness.
Understanding the distinctions between the two emotions (anxiety vs. depression) and characterizing the severity of the problem can help you to determine how to feel better.
The Relationship Between Anxiety and Depression
While the biological underpinnings of these problems are similar, anxiety and depression are experienced differently. In this way, the two states might be considered two sides of the same coin.
Anxiety and depression can occur sequentially (one in reaction to the other), orthey can co-occur. When anxiety and mood problems reach the threshold for clinical diagnosis simultaneously, the specific diagnoses are consideredcomorbidconditions.
What to Know About the DASS-21 Depression Anxiety Scale
Mental Differences: Anxiety vs. Depression
Anxiety and depression have distinct psychological features. Their mental markers (symptoms or expressions of the condition) are different.
Mental Markers of Anxiety
People with anxiety may:
Obsessions are unrealistic thoughts or mental impulses (sometimes with a magical quality) that extend beyond everyday worries. They are the hallmark mental manifestation of anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Simply put, people with anxiety are mentally preoccupied with worry to a degree that is disproportionate with actual risk or reality.
Mental Markers of Depression
People with depression may:
AnxietyWorry about the immediate or long-term futureHave uncontrollable, racing thoughtsAvoid situations that could cause anxietyThink about death due to perceived dangerDepressionFeel hopeless about themselves, others, the worldBelieve it is not worth tryingFeel worthlessThink about death due to a persistent belief that life is not worth living
AnxietyWorry about the immediate or long-term futureHave uncontrollable, racing thoughtsAvoid situations that could cause anxietyThink about death due to perceived danger
Worry about the immediate or long-term future
Have uncontrollable, racing thoughts
Avoid situations that could cause anxiety
Think about death due to perceived danger
DepressionFeel hopeless about themselves, others, the worldBelieve it is not worth tryingFeel worthlessThink about death due to a persistent belief that life is not worth living
Feel hopeless about themselves, others, the world
Believe it is not worth trying
Feel worthless
Think about death due to a persistent belief that life is not worth living
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Physical Differences: Anxiety vs. Depression
The physical symptoms of both anxiety or depression can be exhausting for the afflicted individual.
Physical Signs of Anxiety
The physical state of anxiety can be conceptualized overall as that ofheightened arousal. Specific characteristics include:
Physical Signs of Depression
Symptom SeverityIt is not unusual to experience brief periods of low mood or anxiety, particularly in response to certain life stressors (for example, loss of a loved one, receiving a diagnosis of a physical illness, starting a new job or school, experiencing financial problems, etc.).To meet the diagnostic threshold of an anxiety disorder, however, symptoms must be persistent (often for several months) and impairing.Mood disorders are diagnosed when the associated symptoms occur more often than not for at least a couple of weeks.To assess the severity of your symptoms:Ask yourself some key questions about how much the symptoms are getting in the way of your day-to-day functioning. You might also ask trusted friends and family members if they have noticed changes in you and your behavior, and if so, what those changes are.Read about typical presentations of mild, moderate, and severe versions of depression or anxiety.Track your psychological and physical symptomsfor a week or two to get an accurate representation of fluctuations in mood and anxiety.
Symptom Severity
It is not unusual to experience brief periods of low mood or anxiety, particularly in response to certain life stressors (for example, loss of a loved one, receiving a diagnosis of a physical illness, starting a new job or school, experiencing financial problems, etc.).
To meet the diagnostic threshold of an anxiety disorder, however, symptoms must be persistent (often for several months) and impairing.
Mood disorders are diagnosed when the associated symptoms occur more often than not for at least a couple of weeks.
To assess the severity of your symptoms:
Treatment for Anxiety and DepressionEven if you decide that your anxiety or mood problem is a low-grade issue for you, it is still worth working on. Consider how much it is interfering with your life, and in what ways, to determine what kinds of interventions might be helpful.Self-Help ApproachesIf your symptoms are mild, tending to ebb and flow, or if you have had formal treatment previously and are concerned about relapse, self-help interventions can be a reasonable place to start.These approaches can include self-help books and phone apps that adapt evidence-based psychotherapies or offer a way to practice skills that target a symptom (such asmindfulness meditationfor anger or anxiety).If your symptoms are persistent, are impacting your relationships and ability to fulfill various responsibilities, or are clearly noticeable to others, then more formal treatment is worth considering.PsychotherapyFor depression and/or anxiety problems, there are several types of talk therapy. In structured psychotherapy, likecognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), the treatment approach for anxiety and depression can vary slightly. For both issues, CBT will teach you how to work with unhelpful thought traps. And, for either problem, CBT is likely to ask that youdomore behaviorally.For anxiety, the goal is to minimize avoidant behavior and to help you disconfirm a feared consequence. For depression, the goal is to help you experience positive emotion, a surge in energy (even if briefly), or another type of pleasant interaction with the world. The theory is that activating behavior, even when—or especially when—your energy or mood is low, can result in some type of positive reward.Inpsychodynamic talk therapy, sessions for anxiety and depression may look more alike than different. You will be asked to speak freely about the past and the present in order to become aware of unconscious thoughts and conflicts underlying your symptoms.Do not despair if you think you are experiencing separate, co-occurring anxiety and mood symptoms. There is an overlap in effective psychotherapies for these problems.The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.MedicationsA group of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been shown to be helpful for both anxiety and depression. Other medications that may be used depending on your symptoms include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and anti-anxiety medications.
Treatment for Anxiety and Depression
Even if you decide that your anxiety or mood problem is a low-grade issue for you, it is still worth working on. Consider how much it is interfering with your life, and in what ways, to determine what kinds of interventions might be helpful.
Self-Help Approaches
If your symptoms are mild, tending to ebb and flow, or if you have had formal treatment previously and are concerned about relapse, self-help interventions can be a reasonable place to start.
These approaches can include self-help books and phone apps that adapt evidence-based psychotherapies or offer a way to practice skills that target a symptom (such asmindfulness meditationfor anger or anxiety).
If your symptoms are persistent, are impacting your relationships and ability to fulfill various responsibilities, or are clearly noticeable to others, then more formal treatment is worth considering.
Psychotherapy
For depression and/or anxiety problems, there are several types of talk therapy. In structured psychotherapy, likecognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), the treatment approach for anxiety and depression can vary slightly. For both issues, CBT will teach you how to work with unhelpful thought traps. And, for either problem, CBT is likely to ask that youdomore behaviorally.
For anxiety, the goal is to minimize avoidant behavior and to help you disconfirm a feared consequence. For depression, the goal is to help you experience positive emotion, a surge in energy (even if briefly), or another type of pleasant interaction with the world. The theory is that activating behavior, even when—or especially when—your energy or mood is low, can result in some type of positive reward.
Inpsychodynamic talk therapy, sessions for anxiety and depression may look more alike than different. You will be asked to speak freely about the past and the present in order to become aware of unconscious thoughts and conflicts underlying your symptoms.
Do not despair if you think you are experiencing separate, co-occurring anxiety and mood symptoms. There is an overlap in effective psychotherapies for these problems.
The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.
Medications
A group of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been shown to be helpful for both anxiety and depression. Other medications that may be used depending on your symptoms include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and anti-anxiety medications.
How to Seek Help
You can also research local referrals via national organizations including:
Bear in mind that while effective treatment for anxiety or depression need not be a long-term commitment, it is likely to require regular, ongoing appointments at least in the short term (say, six to 12 months). Therefore, it is critical to find a professional you trust and with whom you feel comfortable speaking about your symptoms.
It is equally important to make sure that you find a clinician that you can afford. Before making the commitment to ongoing care, you may want to meet with a couple of providers to get a feel for their therapeutic styles and their treatment recommendations. You can then use this information to determine which path forward feels best to you.
6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Watson D, Naragon-Gainey K.Personality, emotions, and the emotional disorders.Clin Psychol Sci. 2014;2(4):422-442. doi:10.1177/2167702614536162Deakin J.The role of serotonin in depression and anxiety.Eur Psychiatry.1998;13 Suppl 2:57s-63s. doi:10.1016/S0924-9338(98)80015-1Otte C, Gold SM, Penninx BW, et al.Major depressive disorder.Nat Rev Dis Primers.2016;2:16065. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2016.65Cisler JM, Olatunji BO.Emotion regulation and anxiety disorders.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2012;14(3):182-187. doi:10.1007/s11920-012-0262-2Bystritsky A, Khalsa SS, Cameron ME, Schiffman J.Current diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders.P T. 2013;38(1):30-57.David D, Cristea I, Hofmann SG.Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy.Front Psychiatry. 2018;9:4. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004Additional ReadingAmerican Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
6 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Watson D, Naragon-Gainey K.Personality, emotions, and the emotional disorders.Clin Psychol Sci. 2014;2(4):422-442. doi:10.1177/2167702614536162Deakin J.The role of serotonin in depression and anxiety.Eur Psychiatry.1998;13 Suppl 2:57s-63s. doi:10.1016/S0924-9338(98)80015-1Otte C, Gold SM, Penninx BW, et al.Major depressive disorder.Nat Rev Dis Primers.2016;2:16065. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2016.65Cisler JM, Olatunji BO.Emotion regulation and anxiety disorders.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2012;14(3):182-187. doi:10.1007/s11920-012-0262-2Bystritsky A, Khalsa SS, Cameron ME, Schiffman J.Current diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders.P T. 2013;38(1):30-57.David D, Cristea I, Hofmann SG.Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy.Front Psychiatry. 2018;9:4. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004Additional ReadingAmerican Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Watson D, Naragon-Gainey K.Personality, emotions, and the emotional disorders.Clin Psychol Sci. 2014;2(4):422-442. doi:10.1177/2167702614536162Deakin J.The role of serotonin in depression and anxiety.Eur Psychiatry.1998;13 Suppl 2:57s-63s. doi:10.1016/S0924-9338(98)80015-1Otte C, Gold SM, Penninx BW, et al.Major depressive disorder.Nat Rev Dis Primers.2016;2:16065. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2016.65Cisler JM, Olatunji BO.Emotion regulation and anxiety disorders.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2012;14(3):182-187. doi:10.1007/s11920-012-0262-2Bystritsky A, Khalsa SS, Cameron ME, Schiffman J.Current diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders.P T. 2013;38(1):30-57.David D, Cristea I, Hofmann SG.Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy.Front Psychiatry. 2018;9:4. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004
Watson D, Naragon-Gainey K.Personality, emotions, and the emotional disorders.Clin Psychol Sci. 2014;2(4):422-442. doi:10.1177/2167702614536162
Deakin J.The role of serotonin in depression and anxiety.Eur Psychiatry.1998;13 Suppl 2:57s-63s. doi:10.1016/S0924-9338(98)80015-1
Otte C, Gold SM, Penninx BW, et al.Major depressive disorder.Nat Rev Dis Primers.2016;2:16065. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2016.65
Cisler JM, Olatunji BO.Emotion regulation and anxiety disorders.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2012;14(3):182-187. doi:10.1007/s11920-012-0262-2
Bystritsky A, Khalsa SS, Cameron ME, Schiffman J.Current diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders.P T. 2013;38(1):30-57.
David D, Cristea I, Hofmann SG.Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy.Front Psychiatry. 2018;9:4. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
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