© Copyright www.BestStressReliefActivities.com – All Rights Reserved Although stress and depression have similarities, and one may often be mistaken for the other, the difference between stress and depression lies in the following: Nature and symptoms of each Purpose of each Causes of each Remedies of each

Stress is physical, mental or emotional tension that results from everyday life. The body responds as if you are in danger, and produces hormones that make you feel more alert and more energized. This is called the “flight or fight” response. The hormones go back to normal levels when the “threat” is gone. Stress is normal and may even be healthy if it is only occasional. If it lasts for a long time though, it may lead to serious health problems such as peptic ulcers and heart disease. It may also lead to depression. Nature and symptoms © Copyright www.BestStressReliefActivities.com – All Rights Reserved

Depression, on the other hand is defined as a state of low mood and aversion to activity. That is the first difference between stress and depression.  While stress, at least initially, results in heightened activity, depression results in reduced activity.  Another difference between stress and depression is that stress may only last for a short period, like a few minutes. Depression symptoms must last for most of the day, either daily or almost daily for two weeks, for the condition to be diagnosed as depression. Also, depression symptoms may include thoughts of death and suicide, which is not usually a symptom of stress. Nature and symptoms © Copyright www.BestStressReliefActivities.com – All Rights Reserved

As for purpose, the difference between stress and depression is that stress may actually be useful and healthy, giving the body that extra boost when hurrying to finish a race, save furniture in a fire or beat a deadline. On the other hand, depression has no use at all. It even interferes in a person’s ability to function at work or in relationships. Purpose © Copyright www.BestStressReliefActivities.com – All Rights Reserved

When it comes to what causes it, the difference between stress and depression is that stress is often caused by external stimuli such as personal problems, general health problems, and  unusually busy schedule, the death of a parent and major life changes such as divorce, getting married or having children. Depression, on the other hand, is caused by changes in the brain’s neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine or noradrenalin. These changes may be caused by genetics, medications, hormonal changes, aging, brain injuries, seasonal changes and social circumstances. Causes © Copyright www.BestStressReliefActivities.com – All Rights Reserved

The last difference between stress and depression pertains to remedies for each condition. Most of the time, stress may be sufficiently remedied by lifestyle changes. Depression normally requires professional help and medication. Remedies © Copyright www.BestStressReliefActivities.com – All Rights Reserved

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