It is said that the breakdown of adults happens in an instant, with pressures from work, family, and various other aspects. If not managed in a timely manner, these pressures can destroy a person in minutes.
Depression and anxiety have always been hot topics for discussion. Although these two seem similar, they do have differences and require different treatments and approaches.
5 ways to distinguish depression from anxiety:
1. Based on the age of onset
Depression usually occurs between the ages of 25-35, with young adults being the majority and older adults the next. There is no set age group; anxiety tends to occur more in people over 35, with a concentration in the elderly.
2. Based on disease characteristics
Typical depression patients may exhibit 5 characteristics: “dull, lazy, changed mood, worry, anxiety,” and may also have physical symptoms; while typical anxiety patients have 3 characteristics: “restlessness, agitation, discomfort,” experiencing inexplicable tension, overall discomfort, and mental restlessness.
3. Based on sleep disturbances
Depression patients often experience insomnia and early awakening as the main symptoms; whereas anxiety patients struggle with falling asleep, have nightmares, and are easily startled awake.
4. Based on social interactions
Depression patients tend to avoid social interaction, withdraw from interpersonal relationships, but are not afraid of sudden social contacts; anxiety patients often exhibit restlessness, inexplicable worries about possible events, and no reduction in emotional or volitional activities.
5. Based on emotional expression
People with depression feel sadness, guilt, hopelessness, lack of motivation, loss of pleasure, and indifference to things they used to enjoy; people with anxiety feel helplessness, collapse, agitation, and worry.
Treatment for depression combined with anxiety:
Although anxiety and depression have distinct distinguishing features at the outset, over time, there may be cases of combined depression and anxiety. Symptoms such as depressive emotions, fatigue, lack of focus, worry, anxiety, and sleep disturbances can overlap, with rates exceeding 50%. Some anxiety patients may initially worry about unresolved issues and problems for a long time, affecting their lives, leading to depression; conversely, patients with depression may fall into anxiety due to prolonged feelings of pessimism and helplessness.
For the treatment of anxiety and depression, medication is the primary consideration, followed by psychological therapy, such as listening, guidance, catharsis, encouragement, and support, to help patients alleviate negative emotions, improve cognition, correct biases, take notes, engage in recreational activities, and establish new reflex patterns, including behavioral and psychological ones.
In conclusion: Whether it is depression or anxiety, patients should face them positively, not avoid them, seek medical help early, undergo systematic treatment, have more family support, encouragement, and help patients build confidence, while ensuring good medication adherence, improving treatment compliance, and returning to a better life soon.
