Depression and anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses
that affect around 50 million American adults.
Everyone has times when they're feeling down. For people
with the medical condition called depression, feeling very
sad or having no interest in activities can last for a long
time. Sometimes this happens to people for no obvious reason,
even when their lives are going well.
Anxiety disorders can fill people's lives with overwhelming
anxiety and fear. Unlike the slight anxiety caused by a
stressful event, like a business presentation or a first
date, anxiety disorders are constant and can grow worse
with time if not treated. Each anxiety disorder has its
own specific symptoms, but what they all have in common
is intense, irrational fear and dread.
How to tell if your friend
or family member has symptoms of depression or anxiety.
If you think someone you know might have symptoms of depression
or anxiety, you can fill out a checklist to see if their
symptoms match the ones related to the condition.
Discover ways to help your
friend or family member.
Find out how to encourage and support your loved one. Learn
what it feels like to have one of these conditions. Discover
how you can help yourself during this hard time. Get information
about online resources and answers to often asked questions.
