Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health struggles out there. Even though they can show up together, they’re actually pretty different. Knowing how they differ can make it easier to figure out what’s going on and how to get help.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is when your mind just won’t calm down. Anxiety feels like your brain is stuck on overdrive. It’s that constant worry and fear that won’t leave you alone. People dealing with anxiety often have nonstop, racing thoughts that can even show up physically—think of a pounding heart, sweaty palms, shaking, or feeling like you can’t catch your breath. Anxiety comes in many forms, like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias.
What is Depression?
You know that empty, heavy feeling that just lingers? Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s like this heavy weight of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness that doesn’t go away. It can suck the joy out of things you used to love. You might feel drained all the time, have trouble focusing, sleep too much or too little, lose your appetite, don’t want to participate in activities anymore, or even have thoughts of self-harm. Depression can make everything feel overwhelming and pointless.
How are Anxiety and Depression different?
They are different but connected. Even though anxiety and depression are different, they can overlap. A lot of people with depression also have anxiety, like worrying about the future or feeling restless. And living with anxiety for too long can lead to depression. Understanding both can help you figure out the best way to feel better.
Getting the right help is really important. Each condition comes with its own set of challenges, but the good news is that both are treatable with therapists like the ones at Evolve Counseling Fort Collins.
What Does Anxiety Look Like?
It’s more than everyday worries. It’s normal to stress about a test or a big presentation, but anxiety is when that worry takes over many aspects of your life. If you find yourself constantly worrying, even when there’s nothing wrong, it might be more than just stress.
- Nonstop worrying about things that don’t make sense like whether you locked the door, even after checking multiple times.
- Overthinking everything such as replaying that text you sent five times or stressing over what outfit to wear to work.
- Always imagining the worst-case scenario. Even though it’s very unlikely to happen.
- Struggling to make simple decisions like, should you eat at Taco Bell or McDonald’s?
- Feeling restless or on edge about everything like tapping your foot nonstop or pacing back and forth without realizing it.
- Trouble concentrating with many things like reading the same page over and over because your mind keeps drifting.
- Physical symptoms like muscle tension, chest tightness, fatigue, or a racing heart
Living in a constant state of anxiety can wear your body down and mess with your health.
What Does Depression Look Like?
Depression is more than just feeling down or sad. Everyone feels down sometimes, but depression hits harder and lasts longer. It messes with your daily life in a big way.
- Feeling sad or hopeless all the time or waking up each day already feeling defeated.
- Losing interest in things you used to love like hobbies or spending time with others.
- Sleeping too much or too little and staying in bed all day or struggling to fall asleep at night.
- Always feeling tired or exhausted even after a full night’s sleep.
- Changes in appetite like eating way more than usual or barely eating at all.
- Random aches, pains, or headaches.
- Struggling to finish even small tasks like simple chores like doing the laundry.
- Having thoughts about hurting yourself or feeling like life isn’t worth living.
- Feeling worthless or like you can’t do anything right or that nothing you do is ever good enough.
When Anxiety and Depression Mix
It’s pretty common for anxiety and depression to show up together. In fact, about half the people diagnosed with depression also have anxiety. Sometimes it’s hard to tell which came first because they feed off each other. The inability to control anxiety can create feelings of being stuck or hopeless, which can lead to depression. On the flip side, feeling depressed can make you anxious about everything you’re not getting done or worrying if you’re “enough”.
Sometimes depression brings a sense of anxious distress—you feel like you’re losing control, which can raise the risk of self-harm. That’s why getting the right kind of help is so important.
How Do You Treat Anxiety and Depression?
Treating Anxiety
The good news is that both anxiety and depression are treatable. Treating anxiety usually involves a mix of therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common and effective treatments—it helps you challenge negative thoughts and manage worry. Practicing mindfulness through activities like meditation or deep breathing can help quiet a busy mind.Staying physically active, cutting back on caffeine, and getting enough sleep can make a big difference too. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication like anti-anxiety meds or antidepressants to help balance brain chemistry.
Treating Depression
Depression treatment often includes therapy, medication, and self-care strategies. Therapies like CBT or interpersonal therapy can help you navigate negative thoughts and relationship issues. Antidepressant medications can help regulate mood. Beyond that, building small, positive routines, like getting outside for fresh air, staying connected with loved ones, or setting tiny daily goals, can help lift some of the weight. Support groups can also be a great way to feel less alone.
How To Treat Both Anxiety and Depression Together
How to Treat Anxiety and Depression Together When anxiety and depression happen together, treatment often combines different approaches. Therapy is key—CBT can address both anxious thoughts and depressive feelings. Medication may target both conditions, depending on what works best for you. Lifestyle changes, like improving sleep, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques, can support both mental health struggles. Some people also find mindfulness practices helpful for managing both anxiety and depression.
The good news is that both anxiety and depression are treatable. Through therapy, medication, and active routines can all help treat anxiety and depression. And the more we talk about mental health, the less scary it becomes to reach out for support.
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, remember: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Taking that first step to ask for help is huge. You deserve to feel better—and with the right care, you will.
Where To Get Help With Anxiety and Depression
Right here in Fort Collins, Evolve Counseling is your local resource for experienced support in managing anxiety and depression. Whether you’re a high school student, college student at CSU, or just navigating life’s ups and downs, we’ve got your back. Lindsey Phillips, LPC, and Ben Smith, LPC, specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and bring years of experience to help you work through anxiety and depression. Whether you prefer to meet in person or chat online, we’re here to help you take control of your mental health and start feeling better. Let’s take that first step together.
