Hi SK,Though the difference is slight anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome, while depression means severe despondency and dejection, typically felt over a period of time and accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy.
It is very common to have anxiety and depression together. Which came first it is often times difficult to tell. Often depression and an anxiety disorders can be treated similarly. In many cases, therapy can be tailored to an individual so that it works to reduce the symptoms of both disorders.
Several forms of psychotherapy are effective. Of these, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) works to replace negative and unproductive thought patterns with more realistic and useful ones. These treatments focus on taking specific steps to overcome anxiety and depression. Treatment often involves facing one’s fears as part of the pathway to recovery. Interpersonal therapy and problem-solving therapy are also effective.
I have anxiety and depression and I suspect my husband has high anxiety but he refuses to accept that he has any problems so it has always been about me.
It makes it extremely difficult to feel like everything is your fault when your spouse will not accept he has issues that need to be worked on also.
What has helped me are many of the self help resources we have listed in out own forum, a wonderful psychiatrist, medications an alternative treatments.
Anxiety self-help overview:
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/anxiety_self_help.htm
http://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/selfhelp/leaflets/anxiety
Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions
Panic attack relief exercises:
http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/
http://www.healthyplace.com/
http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/
http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html
http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I
Free on-line CBT programs:
http://www.moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome
http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome
Joining an online support group (here) was a very wise choice.
A suggestion for your husband:
The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Depression: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Move Through... by Patricia J. Robinson and Kirk D. Strosahl ~ available through Amazon.com
Keep talking to us as support is so very important.
Kindly,
Kitt