Anxiety and depression are often mentioned in the same breath, and for good reason. They can occur together, share some overlapping symptoms, and both affect mood and behaviour. But despite these similarities, anxiety disorders and depressive disorders are distinct mental health conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the differences can help those affected—and their loved ones—find the right support and treatment.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger. It’s what makes your heart race before a big presentation or gives you a burst of energy when you need to react quickly. But when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life, it moves into the realm of an anxiety disorder or even a panic disorder.
People with anxiety disorders often experience:
There are different types of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias. Each presents its own challenges, but they all share one core characteristic: excessive fear or worry that disrupts life.
Depression, on the other hand, isn’t about fear or worry—it’s about feeling persistently low, hopeless, or drained of energy. While everyone feels sad or down at times, depression is more than just a bad day or a rough patch - depression affects every aspect of a person’s mental and physical wellbeing. It’s a medical condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
Common signs of depression include:
Unlike anxiety, which is driven by worry about the future, depression-related mental health conditions tend to pull a person into feelings of despair about the past and present.
Absolutely. Many people experience both anxiety and depression at the same time, a condition known as comorbid anxiety and depression. This can make diagnosis and treatment more complex, as symptoms can overlap. For example, someone with both disorders might feel constantly on edge (anxiety) while also struggling with low motivation and exhaustion (depression).
While they are different conditions, they can feed into each other—chronic anxiety can be exhausting and discouraging, potentially leading to depression or making a state of depression worse. Likewise, the persistent feeling of hopelessness from depression can trigger anxiety, particularly around social interactions, stressful situations at work, or daily responsibilities.
Despite their differences, anxiety and depression can often be treated using similar approaches. Treatment is highly individual, and what works for one person may not be effective for another. Here are some of the most common and effective treatment options:
Evidence-based psychological therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), are widely used to help individuals challenge negative thought patterns, build coping strategies, and develop healthier behaviours. Other therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), talk therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies, can also be beneficial for alleviating ongoing feelings of hopelessness or panic.
For some individuals, medication plays a crucial role in managing symptoms. Psychiatrists can assess a patient’s needs and prescribe antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or other psychiatric treatments to support recovery. If previous medications haven’t been effective, next step medication reviews can optimise treatment by identifying alternatives or adjustments.
This approach combines psychiatric medication with therapy, allowing patients to engage more effectively in psychological treatment. For example, certain medications may help reduce the severity of symptoms, enabling individuals to participate more fully in talk therapy sessions.
TMS is a non-invasive, painless, and drug-free treatment that has been clinically proven to help individuals with depression and anxiety, particularly when other treatments have been ineffective.
Simple lifestyle changes, such as engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, practising mindfulness, and prioritising sleep, can significantly impact mental well-being. Support from family, friends, or a peer support group can also provide encouragement and reassurance throughout the recovery process.
Feeling anxious or low from time to time is normal. But when these feelings persist, become overwhelming, or start interfering with work, relationships, or daily life, it’s time to seek professional support. A mental health professional can assess symptoms and recommend a treatment plan tailored to individual needs.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember: help is available, and recovery is possible. Anxiety and depression may be challenging, but with the right support, they can be managed effectively.
At Monarch Mental Health Group, we provide safe, effective, and research-based treatments for anxiety and depression at clinics across Australia. Our experienced team offers psychiatry, psychological therapy, next step medication, medication-assisted psychotherapy, and cutting-edge therapies like rTMS and Deep TMS, ensuring personalised care and better mental health outcomes.
Monarch Mental Health Group provides a range of research-based treatments for anxiety and depression symptoms, including psychological therapy, psychiatry, next step medication, medication-assisted psychotherapy, and advanced therapies like rTMS and Deep TMS. Our clinics throughout Australia offer personalised treatment plans to support recovery from anxiety disorders and depression, including major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.
We have multiple clinic locations across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, including major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Our conveniently located clinics ensure accessible, high-quality mental health care for individuals seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, and other conditions. Contact us today for assistance or more mental health information.
Anxiety conditions are characterised by excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms like restlessness and a racing heart, while depressive conditions involve persistent sadness, loss of interest, and low energy. Anxiety is future-focused, whereas depression often centres on feelings of hopelessness. Monarch Mental Health Group provides tailored treatments for both conditions across our clinics.
Many treatments, including psychological therapy and psychiatry, may be eligible for Medicare rebates or private health insurance coverage. Some advanced, painless, medication-free treatments like rTMS and Deep TMS may also be covered depending on your insurance provider. Our team can assist in checking your eligibility and available funding options.
Yes, anxiety disorders and depressive disorders often occur together. Chronic anxiety can be exhausting and overwhelming, sometimes leading to depression. Likewise, depression can trigger anxiety, particularly around social interactions or daily responsibilities. Monarch Mental Health Group offers comprehensive, evidence-based treatment plans to address both conditions through therapy, psychiatry, TMS for medication resistant cases, and medication-assisted psychotherapy.