Do you ever feel drained for no reason, stuck in a mental loop, or overwhelmed by even the smallest thing? While there may be nothing you can point to that’s causing you to feel out of sorts, your feelings may be signs of a mental health struggle.

Anxiety and depression don’t always show up the way we expect. They can affect anyone regardless of age, background, or how “put together” life might look from the outside. Often, the signs are subtle and you may feel emotional numbness, irritability, or a constant pressure to push through. Many people don’t realize they’re struggling because they’ve gotten so good at functioning in spite of their feelings.

But over time, these symptoms can take a toll. In this post, we’re shining a spotlight on the signs of anxiety and depression so that you can recognize them and seek support if needed.

Defining Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health struggles that people face. And both can take a severe toll on your emotional and physical well-being. While many people think of anxiety as panic and depression as extreme sadness, it is not always that simple.

If you experience frequent worry, stress and, uneasiness then you might be experiencing anxiety. It's the body’s natural response to perceived danger, but it can become disruptive when those responses occur frequently or during inconvenient times.

Depression is a significant mental health disorder that negatively impacts how you function, think, see yourself, and perceive the world. It can make everything feel less meaningful, pulling you away from things you enjoy and the people you care about.

Can You Have Anxiety and Depression Together?

Both conditions can occur at the same time, and it's more common than you think. Anxiety is driven by fear and overthinking, while depression brings low energy and disconnection. They are different but often overlap, share symptoms, and respond to the same treatments. And, experiencing anxiety and depression at the same time can leave you feeling mentally and emotionally drained.

The Symptoms You Might Miss

Anxiety and depression often show up in subtle ways. If you relate to the signs below, it might be time to seek support such as anxiety counselling or depression counselling:

Loss of Focus. Mental health issues lead to poor concentration. You might struggle to finish tasks, lose track of what you are doing, or feel like your brain just can't keep up.
Persistent Low Mood. Both anxiety and depression can make you feel like you’re stuck in neutral, where you don't feel joy or motivation, just flat and emotionless.
Change in Appetite. When your mental health is suffering due to stress and anxiety, it can cause you to lose your appetite. And, sometimes, your appetite may increase as a way to cope with or suppress uncomfortable emotions.
Irritability or Short-Temperedness. When your mind is under constant strain, even small things can set you off, leaving you reactive, even when you don’t mean to be.
Over-Working. You might drive yourself to stay busy by overworking, just to avoid slowing down and feeling any uncomfortable emotions. But underneath it all, you feel drained and hollow. It's a way to avoid facing what's really bothering you.
Sleep Issues. Anxiety can keep your mind racing, making it hard to sleep even when your body is exhausted. In the case of depression, you might experience the opposite and sleep for longer than usual but without feeling rested afterwards.
Social-Isolation. When you’re dealing with both anxiety and depression, social interaction can feel exhausting, so you start pulling away in order to cope.
Faking Emotions. When you're feeling emotionally off balance, hiding your feelings can become a habit. You might look fine on the outside, but inside, you’re struggling and worn out.
Intrusive and Dark Thoughts. Anxiety and depression can trigger distressing thoughts that can be repetitive, and hard to control. These thoughts might include obsessing over worst-case scenarios, self-criticism, or thoughts that feel disturbing and out of character for you.

Coping with Anxiety and Depression

Do any of the above symptoms resonate with you? Seeking out the proper support and talking to an expert can help. Through anxiety counselling, you’ll learn strategies to better manage emotional discomfort and regain a sense of control. Simple practices like anxiety breathing techniques can also calm your body's response and bring relief during intense moments.

Seeking depression counselling is an important step when you’re struggling with persistent sadness, low motivation, or a loss of interest in things you once cared about. A therapist can help you rebuild your sense of identity, find meaning in your life, and restore your emotional well-being.

Furthermore, therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR Therapy), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other approaches can offer lasting relief. They work by helping you to address harmful thought patterns and process trauma, allowing you to move forward with a renewed sense of peace.

Mental Health Support with Wild Sage Therapy

a woman sitting with her tea while waiting for mental health support from Wild Sage Therapy

Dealing with anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. Support is available, and things can start feeling lighter with the right help.

At Wild Sage Therapy, we are a women-owned online practice serving millennials and Gen Z clients in Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Toronto, and surrounding areas. Our trained therapists specialize in helping clients feel more grounded as they navigate mental health concerns. Contact Wild Sage Therapy today and book your free consultation.

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