How do I tell the difference?

[Emily_xx]

I've been suffering anxiety for the past year and it's getting worse and worse. Not a day goes by that I'm not worried or fearful of something bad happening, even if I know I'm safe. However this is putting me down so much and I'm beginning to avoid doing normal social things that I'd love and enjoy doing because I try to prevent getting anxiety as much as possible but because it's getting worse and making me upset I'm worried it might be depression and I'm just not aware of it?

if anyone has any advice or knows how to tell the difference between just experiencing bad anxiety or depression I'd love to hear them.

thanks 🙂

[LuLu_]

I experience both depression and anxiety together. Its confusing and most of the time I don't know who is talking me or my illness.

Are you receiving any support from perhaps a counsellor, doctor or psychologist? The only way I knew I had both was because I got a diagnosis. Although I was given a diagnosis I was in complete denial. I thought I was fine. So I suggest reaching out if you can and when you feel comfortable. It really clears up a lot of the confusion you have about almost anything. It is a huge step and it takes a lot of courage, for me it was the hardest thing I have ever done. You have taken the first step to finding support which is excellent. Great work.

As I am only speaking from experience I am probably absolutely no help. So I apologise in advance.

I used to think up situations when the smallest thing happened. For example my Mum wouldn't return my call or she would be late and I would think she had been in an accident and that the police would come knocking on my door. I understand this sense of impending doom. I am not sure if you feel this but I get a sense our feelings are similar.

I believe this sense of impending doom is a sign of depression, so is social withdrawal. But these are also signs of anxiety. I may be wrong but those are my thoughts. Please do not feel bad if you do end up having depression. It is not under your control. These things happen.

Sorry for my unhelpful answer. If you ever need anything we are all hear to talk and support you.

x

[Emily_xx]

Thank you your answer is great!

ive been seeing a psychologist for the past couple of months and she has taught me some coping mechanisms and techniques to help try and control my anxiety but I feel like it's getting worse and because it's making me so down and feeling miserable I thought I would consider looking into the depression side because I would rather know I have it and do something about it rather than ignore it although I'm terrified of having it.

Yes! Every day I sense major doom for example if I don't check around my house before I go to sleep that something bad will happen to my family or I and I can't help stropping it.

thank you heaps for replying 🙂

[Emily_xx]

I've also been extremely tired every day. If I go to bed early I'll sleep in until really late and throughout the day it feels like I've had 2 hours sleep. I'm not sure if that contributes to anything but it's definitely not helping either.

[LuLu_]

It is great that you are receiving support. I suppose you should be honest and express your feeling of getting worse to your psychologist. They can't help you if they are unsure of what is going on. It can take a little while for you to feel any better, but if it continues to get worse I would definitely put your hand up and let someone know. You could also say that you are worried that you could also be suffering from depression.

You have a very strong character for wanting to do something to help yourself. I wish I had your strength to actively want change. It can be terrifying not knowing whats going on or even when you know it is still scary. But I suppose depression is just a word to describe your feelings. I know labelling how you feel can be hard. But it doesn't change how amazing you are. Anxiety does not what define you. You are more than what you suffer.

The sense of impending doom is quite unsettling. It makes me feel foolish and silly when the outcome is perfectly fine. But perhaps I don't have control over these things.

Over sleeping and not sleeping enough are signs of depression. But so is eating too much or eating too little. I would try not to focus on diagnosing yourself. Maybe let someone figure it all out for you. It will take some of the pressure off. There is a psychologist called Kati Morton, she has a website and videos on youtube. She helped me understand my anxiety and depression more. She also has tips about getting to sleep.

I understand what you say about only feeling you have been sleeping for a few hours. I tend to stay up till the early hours in the morning and then sleep until late morning, early afternoon. Sleep can be what effects our mood so I would get this addressed. Sleeping well is so important and it feels really nice when you wake up from a big sleep and you feel refreshed. I hope it all works out for you. Please let us know how you go if you can. Good Luck 🙂