One way to explain the relationship between Anxiety and Depression

This is my opinion and observation over the many years as a family Doctor.

• Anxiety is good if we can manage it well.......Most high achiever have anxious traits.  I often use the analogy of anxiety is like a Porsche.  If we drive a Porsche but do not know how to drive, then it can be very dangerous.  If we are proficient at driving, then a Porsche is good.
• If one cannot manage anxiety, one tends to alternate between avoid and blame/frustration/anger.
• Over time, with avoidance and blame/frustration/anger, it leads to powerless and hopelessness.
• This can then lead to depressed mood.
• When one is very depressed, anxiety tends to lessen probably due to a lack of care factor.
• However, if one has lost care factor, one also loses meaning and purpose, leading to more depressed mood.
• One can argue that depression is "end stage" anxiety.