Understanding Depression and Anxiety: A Practical Guide for Patients and Families

If you’re in crisis right now: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Key takeaways

• Depression and anxiety are common and treatable. Screening helps catch them early. [1–3]
• Effective care often includes talk therapy (like CBT), medication, or both, matched to symptom severity and patient preference. [1,4]
• If you’re worried about safety (yours or a loved one’s), reach out immediately to emergency services or 988. [5–7]

What these conditions are

Depression affects mood, energy, sleep, appetite, and concentration. It’s more than “feeling down.”
Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life.

These conditions are common worldwide and can impact physical health if untreated. The good news: there are several proven options to help most people feel better. [2,3]

Common signs

• Ongoing low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep changes, appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt or worthlessness (depression).
• Excessive worry that’s hard to control, restlessness, muscle tension, irritability, poor sleep, panic attacks (anxiety).
• Thoughts of self‑harm or suicide need same‑day attention. Call 988 or emergency services. [5–7]

Screening and first steps

Primary care and mental health clinicians use brief questionnaires and focused interviews to screen for depression and anxiety. National task force guidance supports routine screening for depression in adults and screening for anxiety in adults under 65 when systems are in place to ensure follow‑up. [3,8,9]

What treatment usually looks like

Your plan should match symptom severity, your preferences, and any other health conditions.

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and related approaches help many people reduce symptoms and prevent relapse. [1,4]
• Medication: Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs/SNRIs) can reduce depression and several anxiety disorders. Medication choice considers symptoms, side effects, interactions, and goals. [1,4]
• Combined care: For moderate to severe depression, combining therapy + medication can be more effective than either alone. [1,4]
• Follow‑up and relapse prevention: Good care includes check‑ins to adjust the plan, plus skills for maintaining gains. [1,4]

How families can help

• Encourage evaluation and stick with treatment long enough to see results.
• Offer practical support: rides, reminders, help with daily tasks during tough weeks.
• If safety is a concern, act now: call 988 or emergency services and stay with the person until help is connected. [5–7]

When to seek urgent help

• You or a loved one have active thoughts of self‑harm, plans, or intent.
• Sudden, severe worsening of mood or anxiety.
• New confusion or concerning behavior.

Call 988 (voice/text) or use chat at 988lifeline.org. [5–7]

---

References

1. NICE. Depression in adults: treatment and management (NG222). 2022 (reviewed 2024). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng222
2. WHO. Depressive disorder (depression) fact sheet. 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
3. USPSTF. Screening for Depression and Suicide Risk in Adults. Final statement, 2023. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/screening-depression-suicide-risk-adults
4. NICE. NG222 recommendations (treatment by severity). 2022. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng222/chapter/Recommendations
5. SAMHSA. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988
6. 988 Lifeline. What to expect when you call, text, or chat. https://988lifeline.org/get-help/what-to-expect/
7. 988 Lifeline. Home page and access methods. https://988lifeline.org/
8. USPSTF. Anxiety Disorders in Adults: Screening. Final statement, 2023. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/anxiety-adults-screening
9. NIMH. Depression: overview and resources. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression