Experiencing Co-Occurring
Depression and Anxiety

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly battling feelings of sadness and anxiety? It’s tough, right? Well, you’re not alone. More and more research is showing that depression and anxiety aren’t separate problems—they’re actually two sides of the same coin.

Picture it like this: depression is like feeling stuck in a fog of despair and anger, while anxiety is like having your mind racing a mile a minute with irrational fears and worries. They might seem different, but they often go hand in hand.

Think of them as fraternal twins—related but with their own unique quirks. And just like twins, they can make life a bit more challenging. It’s not easy to navigate when you’re dealing with both at once.

Who is at risk?

People with a family history of depression and/or anxiety are at a higher risk of developing both conditions. Dr. Joseph Himle, Associate Director of the Anxiety Disorders Unit at the University of Michigan, emphasizes the importance of considering family history when assessing someone’s risk for these disorders.

In addition to genetic predisposition, factors such as age and the type of anxiety disorder can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Developing anxiety later in life, particularly after age 40, is linked to a higher likelihood of developing depression. Similarly, experiencing depression at a younger age increases vulnerability to panic attacks later in life. Certain types of anxiety disorders, such as social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder, are strongly associated with depression.

It’s worth noting that anxiety often precedes depression, with depression typically occurring several years after the onset of anxiety. Early recognition of anxiety symptoms and timely intervention are crucial for preventing depression. Since anxiety typically emerges in late childhood or early puberty, prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of developing depression later on. According to psychologist Dr. Michael Yapko, aggressive treatment of anxiety can effectively prevent the onset of depression.

Disabling the Double Trouble

But here’s the thing: recognizing that you’re dealing with both depression and anxiety is the first step towards getting the help you need. And trust me, help is out there. There are therapists who specialize in treating these exact issues, and they can offer you the support and guidance you need to start feeling better.

It’s important to understand that anxiety and depression often go hand in hand, and when they do, it can make things a lot more challenging. Clinicians call this combination “double trouble” because the symptoms of both conditions can become more severe and harder to treat.

In fact, research shows that people with both depression and anxiety have a higher risk of suicide compared to those with just one of the conditions. That’s why it’s crucial to seek help as soon as you recognize the symptoms.

The good news is that both anxiety and depression are treatable. Seeking help early gives you the best chance at finding relief and preventing these conditions from becoming chronic.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these twin troubles, don’t hesitate to reach out. You deserve to live a life free from depression and anxiety. Give Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC a call today and take that first step towards healing.