Anxiety vs. Depression: Key Differences and How They Overlap

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions - and while they’re very different, they often show up together. Understanding how they overlap can be the first step toward recognizing when it’s time to seek help. At Scenic Counseling Services, we provide professional mental health counseling in Foley to support individuals experiencing symptoms of either or both.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural stress response - but when fear and worry become constant or overwhelming, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. People with anxiety often feel like they are always “on edge,” worrying about future events or possible outcomes.

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Persistent worry or racing thoughts

• Increased heart rate or shortness of breath

• Restlessness and difficulty sleeping

• Irritability or feelings of danger

• Physical symptoms such as sweating or stomach discomfort

What Is Depression?

Depression affects how you feel, think, and carry out daily activities. It is more than just sadness - it can feel like a persistent emotional “numbness” or hopelessness that doesn’t improve on its own.

Common depression symptoms include:

• Low mood and loss of interest in activities

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Low energy or fatigue

• Difficulties concentrating

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Depression is often tied to the past - negative thoughts about what has already happened or a feeling of being stuck.

How Anxiety and Depression Overlap

Even though anxiety and depression have unique characteristics, they frequently occur together. In fact, it’s estimated that about half of people diagnosed with one condition experience symptoms of the other.

You may experience:

• Worrying constantly but also feeling hopeless

• Difficulty sleeping and withdrawing from daily life

• Overthinking paired with low motivation

• Physical tension alongside emotional numbness

This combination can feel confusing - one moment you’re overwhelmed with worry, the next you feel completely shut down. Understanding this overlap is key to developing the right treatment plan.

When Should You Seek Help?

If anxiety or depression symptoms are interfering with your daily life, relationships, work, or sense of wellbeing, reaching out for support is important. You don’t have to wait until things feel unmanageable.

Professional counseling provides:

• A safe and supportive space to process emotions

• Guidance for developing healthy coping strategies

• Tools to manage stress, negative thoughts, and triggers

• Hope and direction for a more balanced life

Find Support with Professional Mental Health Counseling in Foley

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or both, help is available. LaTonja Autrey, M.S., ALC, NCC, is here to listen, guide, and support your path toward healing.

If anxiety, depression, or a combination of both is affecting your daily life, schedule a consultation with Scenic Counseling Services to get the support you need. Visit our office in Foley, Alabama, or call (251) 261-3100 today.