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Mental Health HomepageConditions LibraryConditions CategoryConditions CategoryAnxiety vs. Depression: What’s the Difference?
Table of Contents:OverviewWhat Is the Difference Between Anxiety and Depression?What Is Anxiety?What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety?What is Depression?What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?How to Know if You Have Anxiety or DepressionHow to Seek Treatment for Anxiety or Depression
Anxiety DisorderRead Time: 8 Minutes
Published On: October 7, 2021
Reviewed On: October 7, 2021
Updated On: May 6, 2024
OverviewAnxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions we see. And thoughAnxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions we see. And though they’re frequently confused, they’re actually different classes of disorders. Some of the confusion stems from an overlap in symptoms and in the fact that they often co-occur. But despite sharing some symptoms, there is a significant difference between anxiety and depression in the actual definition of each condition.On a high level,anxietyinvolves excessive worrying or stress about the outcome of a situation.Depression, on the other hand, is a mood disorder that causes overwhelming feelings of sadness or apathy.We’ll dive into the key differences below and review each mental health condition in more detail.
Overview
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions we see. And though
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions we see. And though they’re frequently confused, they’re actually different classes of disorders. Some of the confusion stems from an overlap in symptoms and in the fact that they often co-occur. But despite sharing some symptoms, there is a significant difference between anxiety and depression in the actual definition of each condition.
On a high level,anxietyinvolves excessive worrying or stress about the outcome of a situation.Depression, on the other hand, is a mood disorder that causes overwhelming feelings of sadness or apathy.
We’ll dive into the key differences below and review each mental health condition in more detail.
What Is the Difference Between Anxiety and Depression?Part of the reason why anxiety vs depression can be difficult for many people to identify is that there are overlapping symptoms in the two conditions. Also, keep in mind that many people diagnosed with major depressive disorder may also have an anxiety disorder. In fact,nearly halfof all people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.So,what is the difference between anxiety and depression?While there are many common symptoms between anxiety and depression — such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating — there are also some blatant differences. For example, excessive worry is more common with anxiety, whereas thoughts of suicide are more prevalent with depression.Anxiety and depression also fall into different classifications of disorders. Anxiety is its own class, and depression is a separate mood disorder. Finally, another difference between the two conditions is that they’re sometimes treated with different medications.To best understand the differences listed above, it’s important to review these disorders in-depth.
What Is the Difference Between Anxiety and Depression?
Part of the reason why anxiety vs depression can be difficult for many people to identify is that there are overlapping symptoms in the two conditions. Also, keep in mind that many people diagnosed with major depressive disorder may also have an anxiety disorder. In fact,nearly halfof all people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
So,what is the difference between anxiety and depression?
While there are many common symptoms between anxiety and depression — such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating — there are also some blatant differences. For example, excessive worry is more common with anxiety, whereas thoughts of suicide are more prevalent with depression.
Anxiety and depression also fall into different classifications of disorders. Anxiety is its own class, and depression is a separate mood disorder. Finally, another difference between the two conditions is that they’re sometimes treated with different medications.
To best understand the differences listed above, it’s important to review these disorders in-depth.
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What Is Anxiety?Anxiety, in and of itself, is a natural reaction to overwhelming stress or fear. It’s a normal response that occurs any time we’re exposed to a perceived potential danger. Feeling anxious can actually be good sometimes. It’s our body’s reactive, natural warning sign to threats. But anxietydisordersaffect more than40 million American adults, and they can become debilitating if not treated.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety, in and of itself, is a natural reaction to overwhelming stress or fear. It’s a normal response that occurs any time we’re exposed to a perceived potential danger. Feeling anxious can actually be good sometimes. It’s our body’s reactive, natural warning sign to threats. But anxietydisordersaffect more than40 million American adults, and they can become debilitating if not treated.
Expert Insight
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), MAKate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:Generalized anxiety disorderSocial anxiety disorderPanic disorderSeparation anxietySpecific phobias
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety?If you’re wonderingwhat is the difference between anxiety and depression, looking at the signs and symptoms of each can help. First, let’s start with thesigns and symptoms of anxiety.Anxiety can present itself in any of the symptoms below:RestlessnessDifficulty concentratingNauseaPanic attacksIsolating yourself from othersFatigueSweatingAnxietychest painObsessive thought patternsRuminationInsomniaIrritabilityChanges in appetite
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety?
If you’re wonderingwhat is the difference between anxiety and depression, looking at the signs and symptoms of each can help. First, let’s start with thesigns and symptoms of anxiety.
Anxiety can present itself in any of the symptoms below:
Keep in mind thatanxiety in teensand children may look a bit different than it does in adults. Your best course of action is to speak with a mental health professional, like a licensed therapist.
What is Depression?Depressionis a mood disorder that’s more than justfeeling down, or having a bad day. People who are clinically depressed have extreme sadness orapathythat lasts for several days, weeks, or even months on end. Their feelings will be persistent through the day, and will occur more days than not. Depression interferes with daily functioning and can result in feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.Like anxiety, there are different forms of depression and depression-related conditions. Some common forms of depression include:Major depressive disorder(MDD)Atypical depressionPostnatal depression (PND) orpostpartum depression(PPD)Psychotic depressionSeasonal affective disorder(SAD)
What is Depression?
Depressionis a mood disorder that’s more than justfeeling down, or having a bad day. People who are clinically depressed have extreme sadness orapathythat lasts for several days, weeks, or even months on end. Their feelings will be persistent through the day, and will occur more days than not. Depression interferes with daily functioning and can result in feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
Like anxiety, there are different forms of depression and depression-related conditions. Some common forms of depression include:
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?If you think you may have depression and are wonderingwhat depression feels like,start with learning some of the common symptoms. Some of the major depression symptoms and signs may include:Feeling sad or anxious more often than notHaving (often uncontrollable) bouts of cryingIrritabilityRestlessnessSleep difficulties, including sleeping too much or not enough or having a hard time falling or staying asleepHaving unexplained aches and pains, headaches, or stomach problems for no apparent reasonFatigue even after sleepingLoss of interest in things you once enjoyedChange in appetiteDifficulty concentratingHaving a hard time remembering thingsFinding it extremely difficult to make decisionsFeelings of guilt or worthlessnessFeeling helplessHaving thoughts of self-harm or suicide
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?
If you think you may have depression and are wonderingwhat depression feels like,start with learning some of the common symptoms. Some of the major depression symptoms and signs may include:
How to Know if You Have Anxiety or DepressionDespite being different conditions, it’s so common for anxiety and depression to occur simultaneously. Therefore, knowing which you have can be tricky. The answer may be both.“It’s normal to experience symptoms of anxiety during stressful times, like if you’re moving or about to give a big presentation. But if you’re noticing you’re feeling anxious for a more prolonged period of time, it might be helpful to consult with a trained mental health professional for an assessment. From there, you can ask for treatment options and recommendations. There’s lots of support out there for you, and you deserve it,” Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC said.Diagnosis of either anxiety or depression requires a persistent time period of experienced symptoms and an appointment from a licensed therapist. Anxiety symptoms will likely be present for several months, and depressive symptoms generally must exist for at least several weeks. Additionally, symptoms must cause impairment. That is, they need to be interfering with your daily life and your ability to function.Wondering if you have anxiety? Take our freeanxiety test. If you’re wondering if it’s depression, you can also take ourdepression test.
How to Know if You Have Anxiety or Depression
Despite being different conditions, it’s so common for anxiety and depression to occur simultaneously. Therefore, knowing which you have can be tricky. The answer may be both.
“It’s normal to experience symptoms of anxiety during stressful times, like if you’re moving or about to give a big presentation. But if you’re noticing you’re feeling anxious for a more prolonged period of time, it might be helpful to consult with a trained mental health professional for an assessment. From there, you can ask for treatment options and recommendations. There’s lots of support out there for you, and you deserve it,” Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC said.
Diagnosis of either anxiety or depression requires a persistent time period of experienced symptoms and an appointment from a licensed therapist. Anxiety symptoms will likely be present for several months, and depressive symptoms generally must exist for at least several weeks. Additionally, symptoms must cause impairment. That is, they need to be interfering with your daily life and your ability to function.
Wondering if you have anxiety? Take our freeanxiety test. If you’re wondering if it’s depression, you can also take ourdepression test.
How to Seek Treatment for Anxiety or Depression
There is some good news for anyone who has anxiety or depression. First, you should know that there’s help and effective treatment for both conditions. Learning what options are available to you is step one.
It’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for any mental health condition. It may take some time, and you may need to try a few different routes. With diligence and support, you can find a path that leads you to a healthier, more productive, peaceful life.
Treatment options if you have anxiety:
Wonderinghow to deal with anxiety? The following treatment methods can help you deal with your anxiety symptoms:
Treatment options if you have depression:
Need help figuring outhow to manage depression? You can also use one or all of the treatment below.
Knowing how to deal with anxiety vs. depression (or how to handle both) canfeel overwhelmingin the beginning, but you can find a way to manage and treat both conditions. There’s help available, and even just researching and learning more about them, as you have today, shows you’re on the right track.
See ReferencesAnxiety Disorders - Facts & StatisticsAnxiety & Depression Association of America. Accessed September 8, 2021.Mental Health Conditions: Depression and AnxietyCDC. ublished 2021. Accessed September 8, 2021.Anxiety DisordersNational Institute of Mental Health. Published 2018. Accessed September 8, 2021.What is Depression?Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Accessed September 8, 2021.Major DepressionNational Institute of Mental Health. Accessed September 8, 2021.
See References
Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Accessed September 8, 2021.
CDC. ublished 2021. Accessed September 8, 2021.
National Institute of Mental Health. Published 2018. Accessed September 8, 2021.
National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed September 8, 2021.
Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHCKate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC, was the Senior Clinical Manager at Talkspace until 2022, and is a clinical therapist licensed in CT and NY. A member of the American Psychological Association (APA), Kate completed her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA.
She has over 10 years of experience working with adults on a variety of issues, specializing in eating disorders and working with people going through life stressors such as finding your purpose, career changes, and connecting with your intuition.
Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC, was the Senior Clinical Manager at Talkspace until 2022, and is a clinical therapist licensed in CT and NY. A member of the American Psychological Association (APA), Kate completed her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA.
She has over 10 years of experience working with adults on a variety of issues, specializing in eating disorders and working with people going through life stressors such as finding your purpose, career changes, and connecting with your intuition.
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