What are the Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety?

The symptoms of depression and anxiety are both physical and psychological. The physical effects of anxiety and depression may affect a person from head to toe. The psychological toll of both of these related conditions can cause much stress and distress. Shakiness and a feeling of fear are especially associated with anxiety, while fatigue as well as a deep sense of sadness is experienced by many people with depression. There are many other symptoms of these conditions that people with one or both of them may experience.

Panic attacks are typically strong symptoms of anxiety. These episodes may be symptoms of depression and anxiety both, though. Physically, the heart may start pounding and breathing quicken during these gripping episodes. Psychologically, a person experiencing a panic attack may be convinced the worst is going to happen no matter how small the incident.

Sexual dysfunction and/or a lack of interest in sex may be signs of both anxiety and depression. Whereas people with depression may experience a change in their level of sexual interest, those with anxiety may simply feel too panicked to be intimate as often. Depressed persons often have symptoms of losing interest in hobbies and other activities they used to enjoy. Appetite changes are other common symptoms of depression and anxiety.

People with anxiety problems as well as those who are depressed may feel guilty and suffer from low self-esteem. Going over the past and telling themselves the things they should have done instead of what they did or didn't do at the time can result in a self-defeating attitude. Depressed people especially may feel unmotivated by everything they feel. Feeling emotionally overwhelmed is one of the main symptoms of depression and anxiety sufferers.

All-over body aches can be physical symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Headaches may be especially present in cases of anxiety, but aching muscles and back pain are common to both conditions. Poor sleep tends to be a sign of anxiety and depression as well. A lack of regular sleep hours may especially be a problem for people battling depression, as they may have a tendency to oversleep and then stay up too late as a result.

Becoming irritated easily can be one of the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Others may notice that those suffering with these conditions may overreact to even the smallest annoyance, when it didn't seem to be in their nature to behave that way before. The cause of this symptom could be anger toward other issues taken inward instead of expressed or an overall behavioral response to stress and/or mental exhaustion.