How Anxiety and Depression Often Happen Together — What You Need to Know and How Therapy Can Help
Anxiety and depression are different mental health problems, but they often happen at the same time. Many people feel both, and it can make life feel really hard. This is called a dual diagnosis. For BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) women, the experience of anxiety and depression may feel even more challenging because of unique stressors like racism, cultural expectations, and discrimination. Understanding how anxiety and depression work together can help you find better ways to feel better.
Why Do Anxiety and Depression Happen Together?
Anxiety and depression have some of the same causes, like:
Family History: If someone in your family has anxiety or depression, you might too.
Brain Chemicals: Chemicals in the brain, like serotonin and dopamine, affect both conditions.
Stressful Life Events: Things like trauma, long stress, or big losses can cause both anxiety and depression.
When you have both, it can feel like a cycle. Anxiety can make you feel sad, and sadness can make you feel anxious. But there is hope. Therapies like Brainspotting and EMDR help heal the root causes, like trauma and stress.
Therapies That Help With Anxiety and Depression
Brainspotting: This therapy uses eye positions to help find and release painful feelings inside your brain. It helps with the feelings that cause anxiety and depression.
EMDR: This therapy uses guided eye movements to help your brain process bad memories and feel better. It helps with both anxiety and depression.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): MBCT teaches you how to notice your thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. This can calm your anxiety and depression.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT helps you accept your feelings and focus on what matters most to you, even when you feel anxious or sad.
Somatic Therapy: This therapy focuses on how your body holds stress and emotions. It uses movement and body awareness to help you feel better.
Using More Than One Therapy Can Help Even More
Combining therapies can work really well, like:
Brainspotting to heal old wounds.
EMDR to process upsetting memories.
Mindfulness and somatic work to help your body and mind handle stress better.
Anxiety and depression can be treated, and healing is possible. If you feel stuck with both, therapy can help you break free and feel in control again. You don’t have to do this alone — help is available.
Looking for support in Walnut Creek, Oakland, or the greater San Francisco Bay Area?
At Empowered Mind Therapy Center, we are dedicated to offering compassionate care and unwavering support for individuals who are seeking personal growth and healing. Our highly experienced therapists specialize in trauma-informed therapy, ensuring you receive the utmost care and understanding.
Whether you call Walnut Creek, Hayward, or any other corner of the San Francisco Bay Area home, rest assured that we offer evidence-based treatment options customized to meet your unique needs. Our goal is to empower and support you on your path to healing and personal growth.
Our commitment to your well-being is unwavering. Let us be your source of strength and support as you journey towards healing and resilience.
If you're interested in starting counseling at Empowered Mind Therapy, follow these steps:
Get in touch with our Intake Coordinator at 925-257-0205 or book your free consultation.
Get started on your healing journey and finally feel better.
Other Services We Offer in the San Francisco Bay Area & Throughout California
In addition to providing online therapy, we also offer a variety of counseling services for women of color. This includes relief and support for depression, processing trauma, anxiety support, and relationship issues. Our caring therapists also offer Brainspotting, EMDR & EMDR Intensives. All of these services are available in person at our Walnut Creek, CA-based therapy practice or online throughout California.
About The Author
Jessica Hernandez, LCSW is a clinical therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing therapy services at Empowered Mind Therapy Center, a therapy community where women of color thrive.