Depression and Anxiety: Is It Possible to Have Both?

Most people think of depression and anxiety as opposite ends of the emotional spectrum: one marked by sadness and withdrawal, the other by worry and overstimulation. But in real life, they often go hand in hand.

In fact, having both is more common than you might think. And when the two show up together, they can create a complicated web of symptoms that make diagnosis and treatment more challenging, but not impossible.

At Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy, our skilled providers understand the way these conditions often overlap, and we tailor our treatment plans accordingly, whether through telehealth, in-person visits, or a thoughtful blend of both.

Can you really have depression and anxiety at the same time?

Yes, absolutely. And many people do.

The clinical term for this is comorbid depression and anxiety, meaning both conditions are present at the same time. Researchers estimate that up to 70% of people with anxiety also experience symptoms of depression, and vice versa.

This isn’t just a coincidence. These conditions share similar biological roots — think chemical imbalances, hormonal changes, and even genetic predispositions. They also feed into each other in real-time:

• Chronic worry can drain your energy, leading to hopelessness and fatigue
• Feelings of worthlessness can increase social anxiety and isolation
• Physical symptoms (like insomnia or tension) make both conditions worse

In other words they’re often symbiotic, each one intensifying the other if left untreated.

What does it feel like to have both?

While symptoms can vary, people with both depression and anxiety often describe feeling restless yet exhausted, hopeless yet fearful, or mentally foggy but overstimulated.

You might experience:

• Racing thoughts, but no motivation
• Constant worrying mixed with overwhelming sadness
• Trouble sleeping, either too much or not at all
• Feeling emotionally numb but physically tense
• Social withdrawal paired with intense self-consciousness

This combination can feel confusing and even contradictory, which is why it’s so important to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan.

How we treat both together

At Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy, we take a whole-person, integrated approach to care. Rather than treating anxiety and depression as two unrelated issues, we look at how they interact in your life and body.

Our treatment plans may include:

• Telehealth for accessible, ongoing support
• Medication management that targets both mood and anxiety symptoms
• Psychotherapy for building emotional regulation skills
• Lifestyle coaching to support sleep, nutrition, and stress relief
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, when appropriate, for medication-resistant depression

Because each patient is different, so is each care plan. We work with you to find the right combination of treatments that bring lasting relief, not just symptom masking.

You don’t have to figure this out alone

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, paralyzed, or caught in a cycle of sadness and worry, know this: there’s help, and there’s hope.

Schedule a consultation online today with one of our compassionate providers, or call Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy in Aurora or Chicago, Illinois, or Las Vegas, Nevada. Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or both, we’re here to support your healing: body, mind, and spirit.