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Tell me the difference between depression and anxiety

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Posted 2/8/2018 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
It bothers me that all my doctors list "depression" as one of my illnesses. I don't feel depressed.

I am terribly anxious. I have MS, Graves Disease, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Gastritis, IBS and some others and am taking care of my sick husband. He does some things for himself, but I have to handle all the details of everything else. Sometimes I think I have just spoiled him. He does have a very serious illness and it is slowly getting worse.

Yes, being a 24/7 caregiver while I am a patient myself is draining. But I'll do it as long as I can. I am not suicidal, not depressed about it. I find myself getting mad easily which is really not like me at all. But it's a lot to deal with, you know?

So when I have a panic attack I take a half of a Xanax and things settle down. I have most of the typical symptoms of Anxiety.

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the two?? Thanks.
Posted 2/8/2018 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi ozarker,

Depression: I'm too tired to do that.
Anxiety: I'm too scared to do that.

Depression: Why bother? I'm just going to fail anyway.
Anxiety: I can't do that. If I fail, everything will be so much worse.

Depression: Nobody will ever be my friend because I'm so dull.
Anxiety: I can't open up to people because they might break my heart.

Depression: YOU'RE SUCH AN ***HOLE!
Anxiety: If I tell her she's an ***hole, it will go bad for me.

Depression: My life is overwhelming.
Anxiety: My fear is overwhelming.

From what you described, I think you suffer from both.
Posted 2/8/2018 10:58 PM (GMT 0)

F27 said...
Hi ozarker,

Depression: I'm too tired to do that.
Anxiety: I'm too scared to do that.

Depression: Why bother? I'm just going to fail anyway.
Anxiety: I can't do that. If I fail, everything will be so much worse.

Depression: Nobody will ever be my friend because I'm so dull.
Anxiety: I can't open up to people because they might break my heart.

Depression: YOU'RE SUCH AN ***HOLE!
Anxiety: If I tell her she's an ***hole, it will go bad for me.

Depression: My life is overwhelming.
Anxiety: My fear is overwhelming.

From what you described, I think you suffer from both.



Sorry.. this is not me. I don't see depression in myself by your answers. Fatigue... yes. But, I have MS and have been exhausted for years. I just wish I could get the doctors to take that "diagnosis" off my records.
Posted 2/8/2018 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
I understand, it's difficult when you've been tarred with the depression brush. Non-specific symptoms tend to get lumped into the "Oh well, that's just the depression" category. It's frustrating, to say the least.

Here's a link to the Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire. I've filled out a number of these over the years, and they can be surprisingly informative.
Posted 2/8/2018 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
"I find myself getting mad easily which is not likely at all"

This can easily be interpreted as depression. Some depressed people do get angry. My sister has bipolar depression and anger has been an issue for her to contend with. So yes that is a symptom.

I think with your situation it would be very easy for you to become depressed. And with all your illnesses. And if you are, it will be caught rather early so that is good.

I would check out the link that F27 gave you. Then you can determine for your self how you are feeling because really only you would know. Frankly, I hope that you aren't.

I hope you feel better soon and have some relief.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 2/9/2018 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum.

You are definitely overwhelmed with caused depression.

Many people with depression are in denial, especially caregivers. If they admit it, it is a sign of weakness and they will breakdown, or at least that is the thought process, wether they know it or not.

All this stress is most likely is exasperating your illness's.

Is there anyway you could get at least a part time person to give you some relief? Even if it is someone to clean the house and cook some meals. Anythings at this point would be a weight off of you I think.

I know families can be complicated, but have you any that you can ask for some help a few days a week?
Assuming they won't and not asking, you would be surprised if you asked.

Peace and strength.
Trina
Posted 2/19/2018 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
When I first developed depression, I was so overwhelmed with anxiety I didn't even notice it. I had to really reach rock bottom before I was diagnosed with it, and even then the psychiatric nurse had to convince me I had it, which she did. How? She said my physiological symptoms made it clear.

For me, it was sleep. People with anxiety may have trouble falling asleep, but people with depression have trouble staying asleep, and that was my big issue. I would wake after 2-4 hours every night. And when I really thought about it after that, I didn't really have any desire to live.

With all you are dealing with, I'd be surprised if you weren't at least mildly depressed. Depression isn't a weakness, or giving in, it's about how you really feel. You can have depression but still soldier on each day, in fact most of us have to.
Posted 2/20/2018 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
the 2 are often linked ,, i suffer anxiety which has made me depressed sometimes,, but i can be happy an still i have an anxiety always there still but then the anxiety can make me suddenly feel bad ,, they are linked ,, aslong as your not always down not always crying ect then maybe not depressed but moods vary on time and place ect
Posted 3/8/2018 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the information. I was just going to ask the same question. I saw a counselor for a few years and she said my "official dx" was PTSD/anxiety and agoraphobia. My Dr. thinks I'm depressed.

The information given has helped.
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