How much is anxiety come hand in hand with depression, are they just 2 sides of the same coin for use?
minds spinning at min, cant tell how irrational the fears are
To answer your specific question, you need to be aware there are two diagnostic categories that that mental health professionals work with and use for diagnosing. One is the DSM 5(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and the other is NICE 11 (National Institute For Health and Care and Excellence). They are similar but still different in some ways. Psychiatrists generally use the NICE guidance in the UK and American Psychiatrists the DSM categories. As far as comorbidity (occurring together) is concerned, it means the following in the USA:
'In mental health, one of the more common comorbidities is that of
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and
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. Some estimates show that
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of those with anxiety will also have symptoms of depression, and the numbers are similar for those with depression also experiencing anxiety.'
In the UK we refer often refer to NICE for facts and figures as well as treatment guidelines. It says the following 'More than half of people aged 16 to 64 years who meet the diagnostic criteria for at least 1 common mental health disorder experience comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders.
Specific criteria are used for diagnostic purposes of all mental health disorders. In NICE there is indeed a category for diagnosing anxiety and depression (6A73) which is as follows:
Description
Mixed depressive and anxiety disorder is characterised by symptoms of both anxiety and depression more days than not for a period of two weeks or more. Depressive symptoms include depressed mood or markedly diminished interest or pleasure in activities. There are multiple anxiety symptoms, which may include feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge, not being able to control worrying thoughts, fear that something awful will happen, having trouble relaxing, muscle tension, or sympathetic autonomic symptoms. Neither set of symptoms, considered separately, is sufficiently severe, numerous, or persistent to justify a diagnosis of another depressive disorder or an anxiety or fear-related disorder. The symptoms result in significant distress or significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning. There is no history of manic or mixed episodes, which would indicate the presence of a bipolar disorder.
that a lot will be watching from afar and not have the courage to speak. As daft as it sounds do whatever gives you that spark even if it's for a few mins or if you not sure what that is please don't give up until you find it. You are always welcome as is anyone else to message privately. I am in no means an expert just been through it myself and its lonely and what works for one person will not work for another as everyone is different. Stay safe all.
