Manage depression & anxiety

Depression and anxiety are different conditions, but they're commonly felt together. They can also be treated in similar ways.
Feeling sad or blue now and then is normal. And everyone feels anxious from time to time — it’s a common response to stressful situations. When these feelings don't go away, they can affect you in several ways, including:

• Your thoughts and your mood
• Your behaviors
• Your physical well-being

Severe or ongoing feelings of depression and anxiety, typically for more than two weeks, can be a sign of an underlying mental health disorder.

Anxiety may occur be a symptom of clinical (major) depression. It's also common to have depression that's triggered by an anxiety disorder, such as:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder

Many people have a diagnosis of both an anxiety disorder and clinical depression.

Symptoms of both usually improve with talk therapy (counseling), medications, or both. Lifestyle changes, such as getting plenty of sleep, increasing social support, reducing stress or getting regular exercise, also may help.*

Two of the best things you can do for recovery:

• Always take your medications as prescribed, and talk with your care provider about any side effects
• Keep follow-up appointments, and reschedule right away if an appointment is cancelled

Here are some common questions and answers about antidepressant medications.

* Visit WebMD to learn more about anxiety and depression talk therapy, medications, exercise, relaxation techniques and more.

Additional information

• Coping and self-management skills
• Activation techniques
• Mindfulness
• Dealing with stress
• Succeeding at work
• Dealing with loss and grief