Anxiety vs depression - what's worse

[CMF]

I suffer both anxiety and depression on and off and have for years.  The last few weeks I've had depression and the last few days anxiety and sometimes both.  I find anxiety harder to cope with.  If I'm depressed I can cry or just sit and do nothing until I can pick myself up and hopefully feel better but anxiety, the sickness, the fear, the constant thoughts going around - it's debilitating, there's no relief .

what do others think? Do you find one easier to handle than the other?

[Zeal]

Hi Can't move forward,

Anxiety and depression are both challenging in their own ways. I can understand your reasoning, however. For me, anxiety has been more of an issue. This is because in my teens I was diagnosed with OCD (which got severe), and mild depression. For some, their depression is severe and their anxiety less dominant.

Anxiety causes the biological "fight or flight" response, meaning that your body and mind is often alert and tense, which is exhausting and frustrating. Both anxiety and depression can negatively impact sleep.

I'm sorry you've had to deal with anxiety and depression for years. Do you still see your GP regularly? Is your GP helpful? It's vital to see a GP who you trust and can relate to. There are coping strategies you can use for your anxiety. For example, if your mind is teeming with anxious thoughts, try imagining the thoughts as clouds floating away. Once you recognize your thoughts as just that, thoughts, it will be easier to let go of them.

Writing or typing your thoughts can also be very helpful. There was a psychology study done in America which found that college students who wrote about issues and conflicts for 20 minutes a day for a period of time, had better grades. This method can be used in different situations. I recommend  typing or writing negative thoughts and comments each day, perhaps an hour or so before you go to bed. This way, you will have a way to get your thoughts out, so that you feel as if they have been "dealt" with. I've done this before, and found that my mind was clearer afterwards. This is not a long-term solution, but is a good coping strategy which works well for some people.

If your anxiety doesn't ease in the next few weeks, seeing a counsellor or psychologist might be a good idea. See your doctor first. They may refer you to someone.

I hope you can find relief.

Best wishes,

SM

[CMF]

Hi,

Thanksfor your response.  ive never been to a gp for these issues I did see a psychologist but found it unhelpful. I know what triggers my anxiety so if I can remove the issue im usually ok.  unfortunately my ex husband is one trigger and my finances another so i cant get et rid of them permantley. ive done the writing  things.down therapy I find it helps with depression.

thanks for your thoughts.  I feel they are opposite feelings one makes me edgy and tense, the other makes me want to sit and do nothing - anxiety vs depression, its weird having them at the same time.