Depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day. When a sad mood lasts for a long time and interferes with normal, everyday functioning, you may be depressed.
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What Causes Depression?
Is it possible to have depression and anxiety at the same time?
September 16, 2022 •
6 min read by
Depression and anxiety are different conditions, but they commonly occur together. They also have similar treatments.
Feeling down or having the blues now and then is normal. And everyone feels anxious from time to time — it’s a normal response to stressful situations. But severe or ongoing feelings of depression and anxiety can be a sign of an underlying mental health disorder.
Anxiety may occur as a symptom of clinical (major) depression. It’s also common to have depression that’s triggered by an anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder or separation anxiety disorder. Many people have a diagnosis of both an anxiety disorder and clinical depression.
Symptoms of both conditions usually improve with psychological counseling (psychotherapy), medications, such as antidepressants, or both. Lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep habits, increasing social support, using stress-reduction techniques or getting regular exercise, also may help. If you have either condition, avoid alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs. They can make both conditions worse and interfere with treatment.
What causes anxiety and depression?
Depression and anxiety disorders are different, but they often occur together. Underlying triggers can include nutritional, psychological, physical, emotional, environmental, social, and spiritual factors, as well as genetic tendencies or brain disease.
What about treatments for anxiety and depression?
Just as there are many different experiences of anxiety and depression, there are a variety of options for treatments and coping techniques to help manage symptoms. The recommendations in this section take an integrative mental health approach, which incorporates health-promoting lifestyle changes; evidence-based holistic therapies and healing practices; and mainstream interventions, including psychosocial therapies and the judicious use of prescription medication. We cover each of these areas in detail–click the links or see the menu on the left for more information.
Note that some of the treatments for depression and anxiety overlap, so it is beneficial to learn about both disorders.
How you can start to deal with anxiety and depression
Here are some ways to start to take care of your brain (and the rest of your body) and perhaps alleviate your anxiety and depression. But be sure to read about all the treatment options in the menu (above left).
Have you read?
What to Do When Depression and Anxiety Mix
You’ve noticed some changes lately. Maybe you feel sad, hopeless, or don’t get any joy out of activities that used to be fun. Sounds like depression, right?
Maybe that’s not all. Sometimes you’re worried, afraid, and just plain uneasy. Isn’t that a sign of anxiety?
Not so fast. It’s normal to have ups and downs or to have things you’re concerned about. You might be going through a difficult time. Your doctor can help you figure out if it’s actually a condition and what would help.
Depression and anxiety are like flip sides of the same coin, says therapist Nancy B. Irwin, PsyD. “Being depressed often makes us anxious, and anxiety often makes us depressed.”
If you have both conditions, there are lots of ways to get help.
Talk Therapy (Counseling)
A professional therapist can develop a plan to treat your anxiety and depression at the same time.
Some types of therapy that can help are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy. It teaches you to adjust your thoughts and actions.
- Interpersonal therapy. It shows you how to communicate better.
- Problem-solving therapy. It gives you skills to manage your symptoms.
You can find a therapist who specializes in these through the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Or ask your doctor for a referral.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant drug that treats both depression and anxiety symptoms, such as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), or others such as bupropion and mirtazapine.
Some examples of SSRIs are:
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Vilazodone (Viibryd)
Some examples of SNRIs are:
- Desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Examples of bupropion include:
- Aplenzin
- Wellbutrin
- Wellbutrin SR
- Wellbutrin XL
Tell your doctor about all your symptoms so they can decide which is best. Also mention any supplements you take, even if they are natural, in case they could affect your treatment.
It may take a few weeks or months for your medicine to work. You may have to try a few different kinds before you find one that’s best for you.
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