In the US, almost 20% of adults have some sort of mental illness. So if you’ve been feeling off lately, know that you’re not alone.
On most days, you might be able to push through it. But on others, it can feel like the world’s ending.
Have you been asking yourself, “do I have anxiety or depression?” Then it’s time to learn more about each illness.
Read on to find out if you have anxiety or depression.
What Are Anxiety and Depression?
Let’s first go over the basics.
Anxiety is when you worry and/or think about things excessively, feel like you can’t relax, are restless and agitated, and have issues with focus. On the other hand, depression is when you feel apathetic towards things, or feel hopeless or sad.
Of course, these are very simple breakdowns of each illness, but they should give you a basic idea of them.
Anxiety or Depression Signs
The symptoms of anxiety and depression can be pretty different, but also overlap. Because of this, it can be hard to determine which one you have.
However, these lists of common symptoms might help you get better clarity.
Anxiety Symptoms
We all get anxious from time to time; it’s normal. However, if your symptoms are persistent and they’re interfering with your quality of life, then you might have anxiety.
Here are the symptoms to watch out for:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Racing thoughts
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty sleeping
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Depression Symptoms
With depression, you can have difficulty concentrating as well. However, anxiety has more symptoms that are charged while depression has ones that are more deflated. They include:
- Lack of energy
- Moving/talking slower than usual
- Lack of or increase in appetite
- Physical achiness
- Excessive sleep
Anxiety or Depression: Which One Do I Have?
If you’re still asking, “is it anxiety or depression,” it’s very likely you have both. In fact, it’s very common to have both anxiety and depression, although it can make life more difficult.
The important thing is if you feel like you have one or both disorders, you should seek the help of a professional therapist. They can give you an evaluation and possibly diagnose you.
Not only that, but they can prescribe you medications if necessary. In addition, these professionals can teach you effective methods to cope with the symptoms. For example, you might enjoy the benefits of breathwork, which can decrease the intensity of anxiety within minutes.
Seek Help if You’re Having Trouble
Whether you have anxiety or depression, it’s not something to be ashamed of. We all need a little help in life sometimes, so if you suspect you have these mental health issues, make yourself an appointment with a therapist. From there, you can figure out the best way forward so you can have a better quality of life.
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