If you’re feeling the stress pile up, you’re not alone. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s 2024 Mental Health Poll, 43% of U.S. adults are feeling more stress than the previous year (up from 37% in 2023). The economy, the results of the election and personal finances are some of the leading causes of increased stress over the past year.
Despite a rise in stress levels, the poll found that only one in four adults said they talked with a mental health professional. While research shows that some stress is good for you, chronically-elevated stress hormones put you at greater risk for obesity, heart disease and depression.
If you’ve been feeling stressed out, this blog will help you identify the difference between stress and depression. You’ll learn strategies for managing stress and know if it may be time to speak with a mental health professional.
Can Stress Cause Depression?
The short answer is yes—chronic stress can be a factor that leads to depression, and depression can make stress worse. Chronic stress develops from prolonged exposure to stressful circumstances that elevates cortisol in the body to abnormally high levels. Over time, this can lead to depression, as well as other problems, including: anxiety, headaches, digestion trouble, memory and concentration problems, insomnia and heart disease.
Anxiety plays a role in the relationship between stress and depression. The effect of chronic stress on the body can lead to the development of anxiety disorders. Under the DSM-5-TR, some anxiety disorders are:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – when anxiety symptoms occur in a variety of environments and in response to multiple situations. Generalized anxiety symptoms are usually not attributed to a specific and known cause.
- Panic Disorder –when immediate and severe anxiety symptoms (aka “panic attack”) arise in response to an array of causes. These panic attacks also can happen in response to the worry of having a panic attack.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – when anxiety symptoms take the form of obsessive and intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors (or mentally rehearsed behaviors).
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – when long-term anxiety symptoms develop after a trauma or in response to stimulants which trigger memories of that trauma.
Anxiety and depression can heighten the symptoms of one another. For example, people suffering from anxiety disorders might withdraw from social situations and other life activities to avoid triggering anxiety symptoms. This withdrawal can trigger depressive episodes or intensify their symptoms. And people with depression can magnify their symptoms by pulling away from social interactions and vital activities, also leading to more anxiety.
The Common Symptoms of Stress and Depression
It’s not always easy to figure out if you’re dealing with stress, depression or a mix of both. If you’re trying to figure out which one you’re dealing with, know that many symptoms overlap. The chart below provides an overview of each set of symptoms to help you see what you might be experiencing.
| Symptom Type | Stress | Depression |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional Feelings | Irritability, frustration, or being overwhelmed | Sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness |
| Energy Levels | May feel heightened or anxious | Constant fatigue or lack of motivation |
| Sleep Patterns | Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep | Sleeping too much or too little |
| Appetite Changes | Eating too much or too little during stressful periods | Significant, ongoing appetite changes (increase or decrease) |
| Interest in Activities | Can still find enjoyment but may feel distracted | Loss of interest in things you once loved |
Understanding the difference between stress and depression can help you identify what’s going on and take the right steps forward. Stress is usually tied to specific challenges and often improves when the cause is resolved. However, chronic stress can linger and leave you feeling constantly on edge and increases your risk for physical and mental health issues.
When left unchecked, chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to depression, creating a cycle that feels hard to break.
If you’re struggling with a significant drop in energy levels and loss of interest in your life, you may have depression. Other key indicators of depression include persistent feelings of sadness and low self-esteem.
If you’re unsure, take note of overlapping symptoms or how long they’ve lasted. When symptoms begin to negatively impact your life, it’s recommended to speak with a mental health professional. An experienced provider will evaluate your symptoms and determine an appropriate course of treatment to help you find relief.
How to Reduce Stress in Your Life
If stress has become a constant in your life, you’re not powerless. Managing stress is about adopting habits that help you cope in healthy ways, so it doesn’t take over your life. Here are some practical strategies to help you reduce stress and regain control.
1. Pinpoint Your Triggers
Take a step back and identify what’s causing your stress. Whether it’s work deadlines, financial pressures, family dynamics, or something else, recognizing your triggers helps you approach them with a clear plan.
2. Incorporate Relaxation Practices
Stress activates your body’s fight-or-flight response. Counteract it with relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These can calm your mind and reduce physical tension.
3. Stay Physically Active
Exercise is a natural stress reliever. It releases endorphins that improve your mood and reduce the effects of stress hormones. Even a brisk 20-minute walk can make a big difference.
4. Prioritize Your Time and Set Boundaries
Feeling overwhelmed often stems from taking on too much. Learn to say no and focus on what’s most important. Setting boundaries protects your energy and prevents burnout.
5. Nurture Your Relationships
Talking to someone you trust can be incredibly healing. Spend time with supportive friends or family, or join a support group to share your experiences and feel less alone.
6. Sleep Better to Feel Better
Stress and sleep are closely linked. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, and create a calming bedtime routine to improve rest.
7. Limit Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
When stress hits, it’s tempting to rely on alcohol, overeating, or other unhealthy habits. Instead, choose activities that truly support your well-being, like journaling, reading, or spending time in nature.
8. Know When to Seek Help
If stress feels unmanageable or chronic, reaching out to a mental health professional is a strong and positive step. Therapy can provide tools and techniques to help you cope and regain balance in your life.
Which Depression Treatment Is Right for Me?
When dealing with depression, finding the right treatment can often feel like a daunting and frustrating process. If you’ve tried antidepressants or therapy without success, you might be experiencing treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This condition can leave you feeling stuck and unsure of what to do next, but it’s important to remember that there are still effective treatment options available.
Treatment-resistant depression occurs when a person doesn’t experience relief from symptoms after trying two or more antidepressant medications. It can also occur when traditional therapy methods don’t produce the desired results. If you’re dealing with TRD, know there are alternative treatments designed to help break the cycle of chronic depression.
One of the most promising treatments for TRD is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS therapy is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Antidepressants can have negative side effects like weight gain or fatigue, which TMS therapy does not.
At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we specialize in TMS therapy and have seen great success in helping patients who have not responded to traditional treatments. Click here to read some of the life-changing testimonials of those who’ve undergone treatment.
Find the Right Treatment with Michigan Advanced Psychiatry
If you’re stressed about your symptoms, know there is a path forward to relief. At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we take a personalized approach to mental health care. We’ll work with you to evaluate your symptoms and determine the most effective treatment plan for your stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health condition.
Finding the right treatment is a journey, but you can take the first step toward feeling better. If you’re located in Ann Arbor, MI, contact us today to schedule an appointment by calling (734) 436-4886. Contact our Troy, MI office by calling (248) 885-8887.
Visit our partner website in Fort Wayne, IN at advancedpsych-in.com.
