Depression vs. Anxiety Disorders

What Are Some Similarities, and Differences?

Here is some brief information for Pastors and Lay-Counselors to help in seeing the differences and similarities in Depression and Anxiety Disorders.  Here are some symptoms that are common to see in both Depression and Anxiety:

• Sleep Disturbances: often waking up early, normal sleep cycles don’t happen to one rarely wakes up refreshed, rarely deep sleep, often awake for hours.
• Poor Concentration:  trouble focusing, brain fog, scattered.
• Increased Fatigue: Cannot “rest” and “relax,” little energy, slowed movements which are often called “psycho-motor retardation.”
• Psycho-motor Agitation: In both cases the sympathetic nervous system is over-activated and stress hormones are fully released.  This can be the pacing, wringing of the hands, or easily startled responses.

Here are some symptoms associated with Depression:

• Depressed or Sad Moods
• Loss of Interest in Things They Used to Like to Do
• Inability to Feel Pleasure or Joy
• Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness
• Hopelessness or Helplessness
• Withdrawing from Others, including Loved Ones
• Appetite Changes, Gaining or Losing Weight
• Self-Injury, Cutting, Suicidal Thinking, Suicide Attempts

Here are some symptoms associated with Anxiety Disorders:

• Excessive Worry or Anxiety,
• Irritability or Anger, Easily Startled Followed by Anger Response
• Muscle Tension,  Stressed
• Obsessions or Compulsions
• Panic Attacks, Fear, Phobic Avoidance of Places or Things

Call our office to set up an appointment to get started with helping your loved one overcome these problems. (661) 972-5953 for counseling in Tehachapi or Bakersfield. Learn more at http://DouglasCowan.me .