How do you know if it's anxiety or depression?

I have been prescribed anti-depressants in the past for mild depression and they helped. I recently had to go back on them when I had stomach issues because I was taking so much motrin for migraines and so my doc wanted to put me on migraine preventative meds. Apparently anti-depressants can be used as a preventative for migraines. So I'm back on them for that.

BUT I wonder if I have anxiety issues too. When I feel a migraine coming on I freak out because I can't deal with the pain and bam! migraine gets worse. I've also been having freak-out sessions about Kylie starting preschool this fall - more because I want her to have fun, not get made fun of. I'm obsessing over worrying about kids making fun of her clothes, hair, etc - quite honestly stupid things to obsess over and totally NOT like me to do that. I start getting jittery and feel like my heart skips a beat.

Is this just normal or could I have more anxiety issues that need attention. I thought they were more depression-related but I'm really starting to think I have more anxiety issues.

Anyone with experience or knowledge on this - I'd appreciate your insight.

I know when my stress level goes up or I get ticked about something my anxiety kickes in and my heart thumps in my chest and you can feel your heart skip beats and what not. I just clam myself down and take deep breaths

As for Kylie starting school hun dont worrie until something happends bc nothing may happen so dont freak out over it and I know easier said then done just think about all the good things for her

Hey Karen-I have an anxiety disorder. Mine seems to relate directly to my health-I could tell you stories that would make you think I'm insane. Anyways, when I'm having an anxiety attack I can't concentrate on anything-the house, kids, Jas- everything goes to the back of my mind. I get shakey, and my heartbeat often gets irregular and I cry almost constantly. I'm on a generic form of Celexa-an anti-depressant, to treat it. It has done wonders.

What you are describing sounds like it could certainly be anxiety related. Maybe you could talk to your doctor and see if switching to a different anti-depressant would help. You could possibly get on something that would help with both the depression and the anxiety. I hope you get some answers. I know how not fun it can be.

I've only very recently had any experience with anxiety. I still haven't had a full blown attack but I do get chest pains when I'm worked up and according to the doctor it's anxiety. He actually didn't want to put me on meds, he wanted me to go to counseling to find out where it was coming from. So I'm not much help but what you're describing does sound like anxiety to me.

I know what you mean about school, I've had to really stop myself from having the same thoughts. I don't want to overprotect Kylie but I'm terrified that she'll be the girl that gets picked on and left out. I've had to make a huge effort not to let it trickle down to her and I'm going to try desperately to let things unfold for her the way they will. I know it's not easy but I do understand

First of all, I'm sorry you're struggling a bit, Karen. Whether it's anxiety or depression is almost beside the point. According to my shrink, they're on the same continuum, and caused by the same inbalance in our nervous systems- a lack of serotonin- which is the "feel good" chemical. Without it, the feeling of overall well being, satisfaction, and safety is shot, which in turn, makes alot of us very anxious, and others of us, depressed, or a combo of the two. The treatment is basically the same for both- an SSRI- which one works for you depends on alot of different factors- and it often takes a few tries to find the right one and/or dosage. Paxil works like a charm for me- others don't like the side effects, but to me, they're transient, and well worth the vast improvement in my disposition.
Good luck, and kup.

Karen, so sorry you are also dealing with this

sounds like anxiety to me, I also have Generalized anxiety disorder. I take an SSRI (prozac) everyday and I also take Klonopin which is for the anxiety attacks. Hopefully, by next month, I won't need the klonopin too often

I saw my OB first, then my GP, and eventually an psychiatrist who perscribed me the prozac and klonopin. I alse a therapist 2 times per month

Dont really have any answers for you regarding Depression VS Anxiety....but wanted to let you know that I freak out when I think about Sammy starting school. He's 2-1/2 and I dont plan to put him into preschool until he's 4,,,,,but when I think about it - I immediately feel that lump in my throat and I feel like fainting. I dont know why it scares me so much. I think I'm just afraid he's gonna need me and I wont be there
Of course, I tell him how much fun school is gonna be.






Just wanted to let you know you're not alone !

This post has been edited by Sam & Abby's Mom on Jul 13 2007, 09:17 PM

Like Jeanne said, clinical anxiety and depression are similar and have the same cause. Often I've found that a better than even number of family and ER doctors do not take these feelings in their patients seriously. I believe it's really important that you find a doctor, perhaps a specialist, who will work with you until you find a treatment program that works for you, Karen.

I'm sorry you're feeling so on edge. I hope you get relief very soon.

Karen I know what you mean...

I was the picked on kid at school - curly hair, some chunkiness to me, thick glasses...

and my poor poor hcildren are "blessed with curly hair too. I hope they never go through what I went through. It stresses me out.

If anyone does, I'll... well I don't know what I'll do because I'm so far away, but I'll be totally ticked off.

Karen, anxiety and depression are two sides of the same darn coin. I suffer from both. More depression, than anxiety, but certain things will trigger attacks. I imagine that Kylie starting school is a pretty big trigger. I'd definately talk to your doctor, some drugs used to treat depression work equally well for anxiety. Other drugs seem to work for depression alone. Also, the dosage may need to be tweaked a bit to alleviate symptoms. My best decision, mental health-wise, was to start seeing a counselor. It started out as marriage counselling (each working on private issues before getting together), but in all honesty, if Aaron quit going, I'd keep at it. Whatever you do, we're here. And with a mommy like you, Kylie is going to do just fine.

I think anxiety would be more of a nervous feeling and fear, and depression is a more wayed down or sad feeling. I know depending on whats going on in my life I get those feelings time and time again. Hope things get better for you.

This post has been edited by momofone on Jul 17 2007, 02:17 PM

ITA with momofone. I also suffer from both from time to time (normally depending on the month) I know we've discussed this before, but I was prescribed prozac 2 wks out of the month. It helps. I hope you find something that works for you.

Karen, sorry you're having so much trouble with this. There are a number of medications that deal with symptoms of both depression and anxiety. I would talk to your doctor again or find someone to take you seriously.

Rocky I was the same way, I was the skinny, curly head, pimple faced kid at school and was constantly teased. I was also poor and had bad clothes.

I can only hope that my kids don't EVER have to go through that. I do everything I can for them when it comes to what they wear, but only time will tell if they inheret my skin.

Sounds like everyone gave some good answers/advice. I know that I suffer from both, but I can't really distinguish the difference really because they typically come on together. They sorta go hand-in-hand for me. Depression leads to anxiety and vice versa I suppose. I rarely get one WITHOUT the other is what I'm trying to say. I know that for me, anxiety feels like a wave of fear, panic, a losing of control that seems to get worse the more I focus on it. And it's not always seen on the outside. There are days where I can seem as calm as day, but feel like a tornado has hit me inside. This is when the depression typically comes into play because it's hard to tell others how I really feel. DH included. Most of my friends who I've told about my disorder usually say "wow, I would never peg you for someone with anxiety". So it's really something sorta silent in my mind. As for depression, I'm definitely at a better place than I was many years ago with that one. Yeah, I get depressed when my anxiety is at an all time high, but my kids really have helped me value my life more so than say 10 years ago, so it's much easier for me to pull myself up and out of depression these days...thank god for that. Sometimes I just say "oh gosh, it's not worth it Rae" and move on...But that's much easier said than done of course.

You're going through a lot right now Karen. You could very well be experiencing both anxiety and depression...But I really wouldn't worry too much on distinguishing exactly which one it is. You obviously know that something just doesn't feel right, so go with that and maybe talk to your doctor. We're here for you, you know that. But talking to someone else may be helpful right now too.

If you do a depression or anxiety screening, many questions will mimic each other--like Ed and Jeanne and many others said, they are on the same continuum. I suffer more from anxiety but take what is often prescribed for depression (Wellbutrin). If you treat for one, it will more than likely work for both. For me, one can bring about the other---my anxiety is more in ruminating thoughts, obsessive behavior and the depression comes out in being shorter tempered and grumpy.

It looks like many of us deal with similar issues---isn't parenting grand?