Anxiety vs. Depression: How to Tell the Difference
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions, and while they can share some symptoms — like fatigue, trouble concentrating, or changes in sleep — they are fundamentally different in how they affect your mind and body. Often, people feel unsure about which one they’re dealing with, especially since the two can overlap or even occur at the same time.
Understanding the differences between anxiety and depression is an important step toward getting the right support. Let’s break it down.
Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress — it’s that feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear about what’s to come. While everyone experiences anxiety from time to time (before a test, a big meeting, or a life change), chronic anxiety can interfere with daily life and become a disorder.
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
Constant worry or overthinking
Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
A sense of impending doom
Racing heart, tight chest, shortness of breath
Trouble sleeping
Nausea or digestive issues
Muscle tension or trembling
Anxiety is often future-focused. You might feel like you’re always waiting for something bad to happen, even if you can’t name what it is. It’s like your brain is stuck in “what if” mode.
There are different types of anxiety disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, and phobias, but they all share that underlying thread of persistent, excessive fear or worry.
Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch — it’s a mood disorder that affects how you think, feel, and function. While anxiety is rooted in fear and hyperarousal, depression tends to be more about emptiness and lack of energy.
Common symptoms of depression include:
Persistent sadness or low mood
Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
Fatigue or lack of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleeping too much or too little
Thoughts of death or suicide
Depression is often past-focused or inward-directed. You might feel stuck, numb, or like you’re carrying a weight you can’t shake. Getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, or returning a simple text can feel overwhelming.
Absolutely — and many people do. In fact, anxiety and depression often co-occur, a condition known as “comorbid” anxiety and depression. This makes it harder to tease them apart.
Someone might feel deeply sad (a hallmark of depression) while also experiencing intense worry and panic (classic anxiety). They might be exhausted from depression but also too restless to sleep because of anxiety.
When both are present, treatment may require a more nuanced approach, often combining medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes that address both conditions.
If you're unsure whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, or both, ask yourself some reflective questions:
Am I constantly worried about things going wrong?
Do I feel nervous even when there’s no clear reason?
Have I lost interest in things I used to enjoy?
Do I feel like I’m not myself — emotionally or physically?
Are my thoughts racing, or do they feel stuck and heavy?
It’s not about having all the symptoms, but about noticing patterns and how long they've lasted. If these feelings have persisted for more than two weeks and are affecting your ability to function, it’s time to reach out to a mental health professional.
The good news? Both anxiety and depression are treatable. Therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is highly effective for both. Medications like SSRIs can also help manage symptoms, especially when combined with therapy. Lifestyle changes — like regular exercise, consistent sleep, mindfulness, and social support — can make a big impact too.
You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out. A therapist or doctor can help you sort through your symptoms and create a plan that works for you.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to figure out whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or a mix of both. But just knowing that what you're feeling has a name — and that help is available — is an empowering first step.
Mental health isn't a straight line, and everyone’s experience is unique. Whether you're living with worry that won’t quiet down, a heaviness that won’t lift, or both at once, you deserve support. You're not alone — and healing is possible.