The Link Between Anxiety and Depression
Although at first appearance they may seem extremely similar, depression and anxiety disorders are not the same.
A depressive state shows emotions such as hopelessness, confusion and despair.
Anxiety sufferers show predominantly fear and panic but this tends to be in situations where most people would not warrant such feelings. These emotions often cause constant worry and anxiousness.
Energy levels are usually very low in people suffering from depression; this causes overwhelmed feelings towards every day activities and general life.
Although no one knows exactly why, a great percentage of depression cases are often also treated for anxiety. Being both anxious and depressed is a great challenge to over come, and it is noted by many physicians that when suffering from both of these illnesses, they are more severe than in cases where only one of these conditions occur.
In an instance where both illnesses are present, depression becomes more chronic and resistant to treatment. Depression exacerbated by anxiety has a much higher suicide rate than simply depression alone.
The co-existence of anxiety and depression often means a slower recovery. In a person with both conditions there is also a greater chance that anxiety and/or depression will recur once the person has recovered. Also due to the overlap in some symptoms relating to both disorders it is likely that the presence of any anxiety disorder may mask the depression and go un-noticed.
As many as two in every five people suffering from anxiety/depression fail to be treated for both conditions. The consequences of this not being treated are serious and include much higher rates of disability and more frequent medical visits.
