Sometimes, mental health struggles are interconnected and can occur at the same time. This phenomenon is known as comorbidity. The most common example of comorbid mental health disorders is the case of depression and anxiety. But why is it that these two disorders often accompany each other?
What is anxiety and depression and how can we recognise them?
Anxiety is a condition where people cannot stop worrying. Anxiety can take many different forms, such as generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or panic disorder.
Common symptoms of anxiety:
- Feeling nervous, restless or tense
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
- Increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Sweating and trembling
- Feeling weak or tired
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- Having trouble sleeping
- Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety.
So, what is the link between anxiety and depression?
Research has shown that between 40-50% of people have both depression and anxiety (High Focus Centres, 2020). It can be said that these two disorders have a cyclical relationship. This means that when people are experiencing symptoms of depression, that can lead to anxiety about the way they feel. At the same time, experiencing constant worrying and anxiety can negatively impact someone’s daily life and relationships, which can lead to feeling depressed.
Risk factors that could lead to anxiety and/or depression include past trauma, genetics, or environmental stressors.
Treatment
Even though anxiety and depression can make everyday life quite difficult, there are ways to help, such as therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety it is important that you speak to your GP and seek out professional help.
Written by Ana-Maria Burlan
For Lyfeproof UK
References
- www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
- www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
- www.highfocuscenters.pyramidhealthcarepa.com/the-relationship-between-depression-and-anxiety/
- www.ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20030305
