Depression Vs Anxiety – How to Tell the Difference
There’s a good chance you know someone who struggles with anxiety or depression, two of the most prevalent mental health disorders. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to distinguish between them both.
People experiencing depression typically feel sad and hopeless most of the time. They lack energy or motivation to pursue activities they once enjoyed, and may even consider harming themselves.
They may experience thoughts of self-harm and have difficulty sleeping or staying awake. Their symptoms can last for weeks or months, potentially impacting their relationships and job opportunities as well.
Their symptoms may be brought on by an event or shift in their environment, though they aren’t always indicative of a larger issue. While these symptoms can often be treated on their own, removing them completely may prove challenging.
When symptoms become persistent and disruptive to one’s daily life, they should seek professional treatment from a mental health professional. This could involve talk therapy or medications.
To determine if you or a loved one are struggling with depression or anxiety, keep track of your symptoms for several weeks. If these become persistent or are interfering with daily tasks like work, school or socializing with friends, seek treatment immediately rather than waiting.
Gaining control of your emotions and seeking professional assistance from a mental health professional can make all the difference. They may teach you new ways to cope with them, enabling you to get back to living life fully.
