What is the link between Anxiety and Depression?

Anxiety and Depression can occur at any stage of life and at the same time as well. However, the causes of the conditions may be different but have many similar effects and treatments. It has been estimated that 45% of people with one mental problem are diagnosed with two or more mental problems.

What are the symptoms of Anxiety and Depression?

The symptoms of anxiety are:

• Fear and worry before big events and important gatherings
• Irrational thoughts
• Feeling fatigued easily
• Difficulty in recalling or concentration
• Muscle tension
• Racing heart
• Grinding teeth
• Sleep difficulties, restlessness, and unsatisfying sleep
• Feeling on edge
• Difficulty in controlling worry or fear
• Dread
• Panic 

The symptoms of depression are:

• Feeling down, sad, upset
• Decreased energy, fatigue, sluggish feeling frequently
• Difficulty in recalling or concentration
• Gastrointestinal problems, pain, aches, cramps, etc without any known cause
• Appetite and weight loss
• Suicidal thoughts and attempts
• Feeling of hopelessness
• Anger, irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest and no longer finding pleasure in hobbies or activities

When should an individual seek a doctor for anxiety and depression?

If the symptoms last more than 2 weeks then it indicates that an individual is suffering from anxiety or depression or both. Severe symptoms include:

• Sleeping problems
• Emotional changes that are unexplained
• Lack of interest
• Feeling worthless or helpless

If an individual is not feeling like themselves and wants help understanding, then an individual should seek medical attention.