Depression and Anxiety Overview
Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health challenges worldwide. Each has different symptoms, but both are highly treatable. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking professional help can significantly improve recovery and overall well-being. Free and confidential support is available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, offering help 24 hours a day for anyone in emotional distress.
If you or someone you know is thinking about self-harm or suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or chat via the website. Services are free and available around the clock.
What are depression and anxiety?
Depression is a condition that causes persistent sadness, loss of interest, and potential changes in sleep, appetite, energy, and focus. Anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or worry that is hard to control and can cause heart palpitations, restlessness, muscle tension, and sleep problems. Both conditions can affect your lifestyle.
What is the Difference Between Anxiety and Depression?
Anxiety and depression are closely related mental health conditions, but they affect people in different ways.
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Anxiety is primarily characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness about everyday situations. It often triggers physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. People with anxiety may constantly feel on edge or anticipate danger even when none exists.
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Depression, on the other hand, is marked by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in normal activities. It affects mood, energy, and motivation. Physical symptoms can include fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulty focusing.
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How Do They Affect My Mental Health?
Depression and anxiety impact mental health in multiple ways beyond temporary mood changes.
Cognitive Impact: Both conditions impair concentration, memory, and decision-making. Depression causes brain fog and slowed thinking, while anxiety creates racing thoughts and constant worry.
Emotional Effects: Depression leads to emotional numbness or overwhelming sadness and worthlessness. Anxiety causes emotional overwhelm and difficulty managing stress. Both make it hard to regulate emotions effectively.
Behavioral Changes: Depression causes social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities. Anxiety leads to avoidance behaviors. Both disrupt sleep, appetite, and daily routines.
The Cycle: Depression and anxiety often fuel each other—anxiety’s exhaustion triggers depression, while depression intensifies anxious thoughts. This cycle worsens over time without treatment, but therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can break these patterns and restore mental health.
For a more detailed background on mental health, read our article discussing “How Important Is Your Mental Health?“ and visit the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) for official definitions.
What Happens to My Body When I am Depressed?
When you’re depressed, your physical body is affected, as your body doesn’t work the same way it normally does. Your brain chemistry gets out of balance, which can affect sleep, appetite, and energy. Depression triggers stress chemicals that can cause real physical problems like headaches, stomach issues, and inflammation. These problems aren’t just “in your head”—they’re actual physical symptoms, but they get better if you treat the depression.
Is Depression and Sadness the Same?
No. Depression and sadness are two separate conditions. Sadness is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time, usually in response to specific events like loss, disappointment, or stress.
Depression, on the other hand, is a medical condition that affects mood, energy, sleep, and daily functioning. It lasts longer, is more intense, and doesn’t always have a clear cause. While someone who is depressed may feel sad, depression involves much more than sadness alone.
For a deeper explanation and more insight, read our full article on Depression and Sadness.
Is Excessive Worry a Condition of anxiety?
Not necessarily. There are many reasons why people worry, but continuous worry, specifically an obsession with worrisome thoughts, might be an indication of a more serious mental condition. Bipolar depression is one, but other exhibitions of anxiety could be socially related.
Whether the issue is psychological or environmental, seeking help is the right path to follow.
How common are these conditions?
Worldwide, mental disorders affect about one in seven people, and depressive and anxiety disorders are the most common. In the United States, many people experience these conditions each year, and many do not receive care as soon as needed.
How are depression and anxiety diagnosed?
Psychiatrists are the specialty medical providers to go to for an evaluation. But providers also use interviews and validated questionnaires to assess symptoms and how long they have been present, and how much they affect daily life. Screening in routine care helps identify people who may need a full evaluation.
Who should be screened?
United States guidance recommends screening all adults for depression, including adults who are pregnant women and women after. It also recommends screening adults younger than sixty-five for anxiety. More evidence is still needed for anxiety screening in adults aged sixty-five and older.
What treatments work?
Depression and anxiety can be treated in several ways. Many people benefit from talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy, which help change negative thought patterns and improve relationships. Others may need medication, such as antidepressants that help balance brain chemicals and improve mood.
If symptoms don’t improve with these first steps, a doctor may suggest more advanced treatments like treatment-resistant depression or brain stimulation therapy, which uses gentle electrical signals to help reset brain activity. The best treatment plan depends on each person’s specific symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences.
Talk to your medical provider before taking any of these treatments.
Are medicines always needed?
The World Health Organization has stated that medications are not always required. Psychological treatments, such as therapy, are the first choice for many people and can be combined with medicines for moderate or severe depression or anxiety. Treatment plans are personalized and are reviewed over time to check benefits and side effects.
How long does treatment take?
Many people start to feel better within weeks of starting therapy or medicine, but full recovery can take longer. Plans often continue for several months to prevent relapse and are adjusted in follow-up visits.
What self-care steps can help alongside clinical care?
Regular physical activity, good sleep routines, limiting alcohol, practicing relaxation or mindfulness, and staying connected with supportive people can help. These steps work best as part of a plan made with a clinician.
When should someone seek urgent help?
Seek urgent help if there are thoughts about self-harm or suicide, if someone is unable to care for basic needs, or if there are sudden changes in behavior that worry family or friends. In the United States, contact 988lifeline.org or local emergency services.
What about care during pregnancy and after childbirth?
Screening for depression is recommended in pregnancy and after childbirth, and counseling can help prevent perinatal depression for people at higher risk. Treatment choices are made with care to balance benefits and risks.
Does depression increase suicide risk?
Depression is a known risk factor for suicide. In the United States, more than forty-nine thousand people died by suicide in twenty twenty three, which shows why fast access to help and ongoing care is important.
Where can people find trusted information and support?
You can find reliable information and resources from the National Institute of Mental Health, the World Health Organization, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. For immediate support, use the 988 Lifeline.
For an in-depth look at symptoms, causes, and treatment options, visit our Complete Guide to Depression and Anxiety.