If you ask someone to differentiate anxiety from depression, chances are you wouldn’t get an answer with much certainty. That is because many who suffer from anxiety also struggle with depression, and approximately half of those who suffer from depression also experience anxiety.
Anxiety is characterized by persistent worry or fear. People suffering from anxiety think a lot about what may happen in the future, and they tend to believe bad things are going to happen. Meanwhile, depression is characterized by feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem and lack of interest in things. People with depression don’t worry much about what may happen; rather, they think they know that misfortune will befall them.
Causes of depression and anxiety
There’s no straightforward answer as to what causes anxiety or depression. It varies from one individual to another. In general, the more difficulties and challenges one has in life, the higher the chances that one would develop a mental health issue. That said, it certainly doesn’t mean anyone who experiences difficulties will develop mental health issues. It also depends on the individual’s resilience, their support system and other circumstances as well.
Symptoms of depression and anxiety
We have to identify the signs of anxiety and depression before learning to cope with them.
Anxiety
- Persistent worrying that is out of proportion to the circumstances
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Poor concentration
- Rapid heart rate
- Muscle tension
Depression
- Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Feeling empty and pessimistic
- Feelings of guilt
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
Life undoubtedly can be hard at times and full of challenges. It is important to know how to cope with anxiety and depression. Cigna Smart Health offers both physical and mental health-related information and self-help tips. Give it a go. You may find that life can be rather interesting and not so complicated after all!
Sources:
© Cigna Healthcare 2023
Information provided in this article is intended for health and fitness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease (see Terms & Conditions for details). Any health-related information found in this article is available only for your interest and should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician, especially before self-diagnosing any ailment or embarking on any new lifestyle or exercise regime. Any information contained in this article may not be suitable, accurate, complete or reliable. Cigna Healthcare accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of information contained on external websites or resources, or for the security and safety of using them. "Cigna Healthcare" and the "Tree of Life" logo are registered trademarks of Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. in the United States and elsewhere, licensed for use. All products and services are provided by or through operating subsidiaries, and not by The Cigna Group.
