Know the difference between Depression and Anxiety disorder

These are not incurable diseases; however studies have shown that at least one in six South Africans lives with some type of mental illness. Although most people have their opinions of depression and anxiety, both are very real and scary.

Although two very different things, they are treated more or less the same, with tablets and professional help, talking about your feelings and even checking into a mental hospital for a couple of days or weeks, depending on the severity.

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In this article I will set out to help more members of the public understand the difference between the two and their symptoms. You can also help someone in need of assistance.

After consulting a local social worker, we can give you the following confirmed symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Now I’m not saying you should diagnose yourself with severe depression or anxiety, but this might help you see that something is wrong and give you the nudge you need to go for professional help.

Symptoms of depression

• Depressed mood
• Lack of interest in any activities
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Struggling to sleep or sleeping too much
• Slowing of movement
• Lack of energy
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Trouble concentrating
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviours.
• Dicurouged about the future
• Sadness and crying
• Feelings of guilt
• Self-blame, feelings of guilt

If you experience a couple of these symptoms, please be sure to contact a professional for help.

Symptoms of anxiety

• Excessive stressing over things you have no power over
• Irritability caused by little things
• Having tense muscles
• Being easily fatigued
• Having trouble to concentrate for long periods of time
• Struggling to sleep, waking up many times or sleepwalking and talking
• Restlessness in body or mind (restless legs are quite common).
• Feeling of overwhelmedness
• Unable to make decisions
• Biting of nails
• Always expecting the worst in every situation

If you experience a few of these symptoms, please be sure to contact a professional for help.

All in all, these are not easy disorders to have and to live with. And it’s not something to be ashamed of.

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Be brave and be strong because you are worth being on this planet. Despite what the disorder makes you believe, you are worthy of love and you are worthy to love another. You are beautiful and you are a light in someone’s life even if you don’t know it.

It is always best to seek help and not choose to battle the demons on your own.

Here are some places that can assist you:

Akeso Behavioural Healthcare Group 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT 

South African Depression and Anxiety Group

 Suicide Crisis Helpline