‘I Think I Have Anxiety’: Why People Are Misidentifying Depression

As a psychologist working with adults of all ages, I have noticed a consistent pattern in my practice: many clients arrive convinced they are struggling with anxiety, but when I explore their symptoms more deeply and use validated psychometric assessments, the picture that emerges is actually more aligned with depression than classic anxiety.

This is not a matter of clients being ‘wrong’ about their experiences, they are experiencing genuine distress and doing their best to make sense of it. But understanding why this misattribution happens so frequently can help us all recognise depression earlier and access the right support.

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The Cultural Narrative Around Anxiety

Over the past decade, anxiety has become the predominant framework people use to understand emotional distress. It is discussed openly in schools, normalised in work conversations, and highly visible on social media platforms. While this increased awareness has reduced stigma in important ways, it has also created a kind of diagnostic shorthand where ‘anxiety’ becomes the default explanation for any psychological discomfort.

Depression, despite also experiencing reduced stigma, still carries heavier connotations. Saying ‘I have anxiety’ can feel like ‘I care deeply’ or ‘I am highly sensitive.’ Saying ‘I have depression’ can feel like admitting to fundamental incapacity or hopelessness, interpretations many young people understandably want to avoid.

When Symptoms Look Similar

Many symptoms overlap between anxiety and depression: difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbance, restlessness, irritability, physical tension. Clients may focus on these shared experiences and interpret them through an anxiety lens because they feel activated, unsettled, or unable to switch off.

However, the quality of these symptoms differs significantly. The concentration difficulties in depression, cognitive slowing, pervasive rumination, lack of interest in previously engaging activities, feel different from anxiety's racing thoughts and hypervigilance. But without a clear framework to distinguish between them, ‘I cannot focus’ or ‘I cannot sleep’ gets coded as ‘I must be anxious.’

The Missing Piece: Recognising Anhedonia

One of the core symptoms of depression is anhedonia, reduced ability to experience pleasure or interest in activities. This is particularly challenging for young people to identify as pathological because it is an absence rather than a presence.

Where anxiety announces itself with worry, physical symptoms, and mental activity, depression quietly removes colour from experiences. A person might attribute their lack of motivation to external factors: ‘There is nothing interesting to do,’ ‘I am just stressed about exams/work,’ ‘Everyone feels this way.’ They may not recognise that this pervasive lack of pleasure or energy is a significant clinical symptom.

The absence of something is always harder to notice than the presence of something uncomfortable.

The Social Media Effect

Anxiety content is highly shareable online, quick symptom checklists, relatable memes, ‘13 signs you have anxiety’ posts. This content circulates widely in people's feeds and creates a common language for distress.

Depression content, while present, tends to be more heavily moderated, trigger-tagged, or serious in tone. It is less likely to appear in the casual scrolling that shapes young people's understanding of mental health. This creates an echo chamber where anxiety is both more visible and more discussed.

What This Means for Getting Help

If you are someone reading this and thinking, ‘Wait, maybe what I am experiencing is not just anxiety,’ I want you to know that seeking clarity is valuable. Depression is highly treatable, and accurate identification means you can access the most effective interventions for what you are experiencing.

If you are a parent or carer, educator, manager, or support person, consider that when your people say they are anxious, it is worth exploring further. Are they also experiencing low mood, reduced pleasure in activities they used to enjoy, feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite, or excessive guilt? These additional symptoms might point toward depression or a mixed presentation.

Moving Forward

At Behavioural Edge Psychology, I use comprehensive, reliable, and valid psychometric assessments understand each person's unique presentation. I do not just take presenting symptoms at face value; I explore the full picture together to ensure you receive support that truly fits your needs.

Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or a combination of both, you deserve care that recognises your experience with accuracy and compassion. Understanding what you are truly dealing with is the first step toward feeling better.

About Behavioural Edge Psychology

Behavioural Edge Psychology is a specialised psychology practice in Victoria, Australia, offering the unique intersection of individual therapeutic support and organisational psychology expertise.

Dr. Sarah Fischer holds both a Masters and PhD in Psychology with AHPRA registration, providing:

·      Individual therapy for adults using evidence-based models

·      Workplace psychosocial risk assessments

·      Fitness-for-work psychological evaluations

·      Psychological injury claim assessments

·      Individual therapy for work-related psychological conditions

·      Organisational psychology consultancy

·      Expert psychological reports for legal proceedings

·      Return-to-work planning and support

Locations: Caulfield South and St Kilda, Victoria

About the Author: Dr Sarah Fischer, MAPS

Dr Sarah Fischer is a PhD- and Masters-qualified Principal Psychologist and AHPRA-endorsed Organisational Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in high-stakes clinical and corporate environments. Specialising in the intersection of neuro-affirming care and systemic workplace health, her work focuses on Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Stress, Burnout, Adult Neurodivergence, and the management of Psychosocial Hazards under Victoria’s 2025/2026 OHS Regulations.

As a ‘Prac-academic,’ Dr Fischer bridges the gap between clinical research and real-world application. She is a published researcher on cognitive flexibility and clinical governance, ensuring all interventions at Behavioural Edge Psychology are evidence-based and trauma-informed.

Verify Credentials & Research:

·      AHPRA Registration: Check Registration

·      Research & Publications: View ResearchGate Profile

·      Professional Network: Connect on LinkedIn

This article reflects expert observations from Dr. Sarah Fischer's practice at Behavioural Edge Psychology. Content is intended for educational purposes and does not replace professional psychological assessment treatment. For assessment or psychological support, please consult with an appropriately qualified psychologist.