What is the Relationship Between Depression and Anxiety?

We all experience brief and temporary moments of sadness, just like we all experience feelings of anxiety from time to time. These feelings are completely normal – in fact, the body is equipped to control and regulate these feelings to ensure they don’t overstay their welcome.

Unfortunately, some people experience excessive, prolonged, and extreme moments of sadness or anxiety. As a result, over 280 million people worldwide have depression, and more than 700,000 people die from suicide. Another 270 million people have an anxiety disorder. 

Depression and anxiety disorders are two of the most common mental illnesses in the entire world. And while hundreds of millions of people suffer from the consequences every day, most of those people won’t receive the proper treatment or won’t receive treatment at all. 

What are the Signs of Depression?

There’s no single cause of depression, and it can sneak up on someone rather quickly, but we’re also very good (to a fault) at hiding the signs and symptoms of depression. Most of us will brush them off as normal feelings, even when they’re not. That’s why it’s best to be honest with yourself.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common signs of depression:

• Chronic feelings of sadness or persistent “numb” feelings
• Extreme moments of irritability or angst
• Feeling hopeless or pessimistic often
• Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
• Loss of interest, even in things you once enjoyed
• Lack of energy, extreme fatigue, exhaustion
• Slowed movements or speech
• Having a hard time sitting still, feeling restless
• Having a hard time concentrating, staying focused, or remembering things
• Having a hard time falling asleep or waking up regularly
• Unexplained weight changes or changes to one’s appetite
• Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm
• Unexplained aches, pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive issues

If left undetected, untreated, or mistreated, depression can further damage an individual’s mental health, undermining their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health. If you or someone you know is showing signs of depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for medical help. 

What are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder?

There’s nothing wrong with feeling anxious at times throughout the day – whether you have a big meeting coming up, a test at school, or other major life event. When these feelings of anxiety start to interfere with your ability to live a quality life, you might have an anxiety disorder. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common symptoms of an anxiety disorder:

• Extreme moments of worry or nervousness
• Feeling restless or having a rapid heart rate
• Feeling like you’re in danger when you’re not
• Frequent moments of panic or doom
• Breathing rapidly, sweating, or trembling
• Having a hard time concentrating or staying focused
• Feeling weak, exhausted, tired, or fatigued

There are several different types of anxiety disorders, but the most common include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder.
• Social anxiety disorder.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Panic disorder.
• Specific phobias.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Separation anxiety. 

What is the Relationship Between Depression and Anxiety?

Did you know that roughly 50% of all patients diagnosed with depression will also suffer from an anxiety disorder? While doctors and researchers aren’t quite sure why the two mental illnesses are so closely connected, the relationship between depression and anxiety is relatively obvious. 

With that said, there are several theories about why the two are often diagnosed together. For example, some healthcare professionals believe anxiety and depression have similar biological mechanisms in the brain, while others believe it might be the similarities in signs and symptoms.

While we still have some learning to do before we fully understand the relationship, what we do know is that those with depression are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder – and vice versa. Not only that, but the presence of both is much more difficult to treat.

How to Find Mental Health Treatment for Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Florida

Hundreds of millions of people around the world are living with anxiety, depression, or both on any given day. While they’re both treatable conditions, a lot of people won’t receive proper treatment, and it will only result in the symptoms and consequences worsening over time. 

If you or someone you know is searching for quality mental health treatment for depression and anxiety in Florida, then you’ve come to the right place. At Prevail Recovery Center, we take pride in our human-based, personalized, and tailored approach to treating mental health patients. 
Prevail Recovery Center is a Florida rehab and dual diagnosis center. To learn more about our recovery center or to take a tour and see it for yourself, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our friendly staff can’t wait to welcome you to our beautiful facility.