Anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are both mood disorders that can occur together or separately, and they can have similar symptoms:
- Anxiety can cause feelings of worry, nervousness, or dread, while depression can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and reduced energy. Both conditions can also cause agitation and restlessness.
- There's no evidence that one disorder causes the other, but many people who develop depression have a history of an anxiety disorder.
- Some of the same treatments can work for both conditions, including psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.
- Healthy lifestyle changes that can help include:
- Improving sleep habits
- Increasing social support
- Using stress-reduction techniques
- Getting regular exercise
- Eating a healthy diet
- Improving sleep habits
- Doctors may recommend antidepressants or benzodiazepines.
- Psychotherapy can help you learn skills to cope with life, change behaviors, and find solutions.
It's important to avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs, as they can make both conditions worse and interfere with treatment.