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-withdrawal and apathy
-emotional outbursts
-problems with thinking
-trouble sleeping
-appetite changes
-unusual behavior

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SAVE: Suicide Prevention, Information, and Awareness

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Learn about suicide prevention through Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), a nonprofit resource for those affected by suicide.

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if you ever need someone to talk to, the suicide prevention hotline is right here 

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if you ever need someone to talk to, the suicide prevention hotline is right here 

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We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

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The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

About The Lifeline

Anyone could be struggling with suicide. Find more specific resources below.

I'm Struggling With Individuals with Neurodivergence

We understand that every struggle is different. Experience the stories of people like you, and how they overcame crisis to find hope and recovery.
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First, you'll hear an automated message featuring additional options while your call is routed to your local 988 Lifeline network crisis center.

We'll play you a little music while we connect you to a skilled, trained crisis worker.

A trained crisis worker at your local center will answer the phone.

This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.

988 Lifeline Center calls are free and confidential, and we're available 24/7.

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Everyone Plays A Role In Suicide Prevention

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Skip to main content We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. 988 ¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!

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Mental health refers to your emotional and psychological well-being. Having good mental health helps you lead a relatively happy and healthy life. It helps you demonstrate resilience and the ability to cope in the face of life's adversities.

Your mental health can be influenced by a variety of factors, including life events or even your genetics.

There are many strategies that can help you establish and keep good mental health. These can include:

keeping a positive attitude

staying physically active

helping other people

getting enough sleep

eating a healthy diet

asking for professional help with your mental health if you need it

socializing with people whom you enjoy spending time with

forming and using effective coping skills to deal with your problems

A mental illness is a broad term which encompasses a wide variety of conditions which affect the way you feel and think. It can also affect your ability to get through day-to-day life. Mental illnesses can be influenced by several different factors, including:

Mental health issues are common in the United States. About one in five American adults experience at least one mental illness each year. And around one in five young people ages 13 to 18 experience a mental illness at some point in their lives, too.

Although mental illnesses are common, they vary in severity. About one in 25 adults experience a serious mental illness (SMI) each year. A SMI can significantly reduce your ability to carry out daily life. Different groups of people experience SMIs at different rates.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women are more likely to experience SMI than men. Those ages 18 to 25 are most likely to experience an SMI. People with a mixed-race background are also more likely to experience an SMI than people of other ethnicities.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) helps mental health professionals diagnose mental illnesses. There are many types of mental health disorders. In fact, almost 300 different conditions are listed in DSM-5.

These are some of the most common mental illnesses affecting people in the United States:

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness that affects about 2.6 percent of Americans each year. It is characterized by episodes of energetic, manic highs and extreme, sometimes depressive lows.

These can affect a person's energy level and ability to think reasonably. Mood swings caused by bipolar disorder are much more severe than the small ups and downs most people experience on a daily basis.

Persistent depressive disorder

Persistent depressive disorder is a chronic type of depression. It is also known as dysthymia. While dysthymic depression isn't intense, it can interfere with daily life. People with this condition experience symptoms for at least two years.

About of American adults experience dysthymia each year.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) goes beyond regular everyday anxiety, like being nervous before a presentation. It causes a person to become extremely worried about many things, even when there's little or no reason to worry.

Those with GAD may feel very nervous about getting through the day. They may think things won't ever work in their favor. Sometimes worrying can keep people with GAD from accomplishing everyday tasks and chores. GAD affects about 3 percent of Americans every year.

Major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) causes feelings of extreme sadness or hopelessness that lasts for at least two weeks. This condition is also called also called clinical depression.

People with MDD may become so upset about their lives that they think about or try to commit suicide. About 7 percent of Americans experience at least one major depressive episode each year.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes constant and repetitive thoughts, or obsessions. These thoughts happen with unnecessary and unreasonable desires to carry out certain behaviors, or compulsions.

Many people with OCD realize that their thoughts and actions are unreasonable, yet they cannot stop them. More than 2 percent of Americans are diagnosed with OCD at some point in their lifetime.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that's triggered after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Experiences that can cause PTSD can range from extreme events, like war and national disasters, to verbal or physical abuse.

Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks or being easily startled. It's estimated that 3.5 percent of American adults experience PTSD.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia impairs a person's perception of reality and the world around them. It interferes with their connection to other people. It's a serious condition that needs treatment.

They might experience hallucinations, have delusions, and hear voices. These can potentially put them in a dangerous situation if left untreated. It's estimated that 1 percent of the American population experiences schizophrenia.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder, sometimes called social phobia, causes an extreme fear of social situations. People with social anxiety may become very nervous about being around other people. They may feel like they're being judged.

This can make it hard to meet new people and attend social gatherings. Approximately 15 million adults in the United States experience social anxiety each year.

The symptoms of many mental illnesses may get worse if they're left untreated. Reach out for psychological help if you or someone you know may have a mental illness.

If you're unsure where to start, visit your primary care doctor. They can help with the initial diagnosis and provide a referral to a psychiatrist.

It's important to know that you can still have a full and happy life with a mental illness. Working with a therapist and other members of your mental health team will help you learn healthy ways to manage your condition.

Each type of mental illness causes its own symptoms. But many share some common characteristics.

Common signs of several mental illnesses may include:

not eating enough or overeating

having insomnia or sleeping too much

distancing yourself from other people and favorite activities

feeling fatigue even with enough sleep

feeling numbness or lacking empathy

experiencing unexplainable body pains or achiness

feeling hopeless, helpless or lost

smoking, drinking, or using illicit drugs more than ever before

feeling confusion, forgetfulness, irritability, anger, anxiety, sadness, or fright

constantly fighting or arguing with friends and family

having extreme mood swings that cause relationship problems

having constant flashbacks or thoughts that you can't get out of your head

hearing voices in your head that you can't stop

having thoughts of hurting yourself or other people

being unable to carry out day-to-day activities and chores

Stress and periods of emotional distress can lead to an episode of symptoms. That may make it difficult for you to maintain normal behavior and activities. This period is sometimes called a nervous or mental breakdown. Read more about these episodes and the symptoms they cause.

Diagnosing a mental health disorder is a multi-step process. During a first appointment, your doctor may perform a physical exam to look for signs of physical issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.

Some doctors may order a series of laboratory tests to screen for underlying or less obvious possible causes.

Your doctor may ask you to fill out a mental health questionnaire. You may also undergo a psychological evaluation. You might not have a diagnosis after your first appointment.

Your doctor may refer you to a mental health expert. Because mental health can be complex and symptoms may vary from person to person, it may take a few appointments for you to get a full diagnosis.

Treatment for mental health disorders is not one size fits all, and it does not offer a cure. Instead, treatment aims to reduce symptoms, address underlying causes, and make the condition manageable.

You and your doctor will work together to find a plan. It may be a combination of treatments because some people have better results with a multi-angle approach. Here are the most common mental health treatments:

Medications

The four main categories of medications used to treat mental health disorders are antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotic medications, and mood-stabilizing medications.

Which type is best for you will depend on the symptoms you experience and other health issues you may face. People may try a few medications at different doses before finding something that's right for them.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy is an opportunity for you to talk with a mental health provider about your experiences, feelings, thoughts, and ideas. Therapists primarily act as a sounding board and neutral mediator, helping you learn coping techniques and strategies to manage symptoms.

Hospital and residential treatment

Some people may need brief periods of intensive treatment at hospitals or residential treatment facilities. These programs allow an overnight stay for in-depth treatment. There are also daytime programs, where people can participate in shorter periods of treatment.

Lifestyle treatments and home remedies

Alternative treatments can be used in addition to mainstream treatments as a supplement. These steps won't eliminate mental health issues alone, but they can be helpful.

They include sticking to your treatment plan as closely as possible, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and adopting a healthy lifestyle that incorporates foods that may be a benefit to your brain. This includes omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fish oil that occurs naturally in some high-fat fish.

The term therapy refers to several styles of talk therapy. Therapy can be used to treat a variety of disorders, including panic disorders, anxiety, depression, anger issues, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Therapy helps people identify mental health issues and unhealthy behaviors or thought patterns. During sessions you and your therapist can work to change these thoughts and behaviors.

In most cases, therapists focus on current issues, things that are affecting your daily life, and help you find solutions to what you're experiencing in real time, but each doctor's approach is different. Read more about the different types and what results you might expect from therapy.

Mental Health First Aid is a national public education course. It's designed to teach people about the warning signs and risk factors of mental health issues. In the training, participants learn about treatments and approaches that can help people with mental health disorders.

This training program is made for people who regularly interact with patients in a healthcare setting. Through scenarios and role-playing, healthcare providers can learn how to help a person in crisis connect with professional and self-help treatment steps.

Physical exercise is great for your body. Dancing, swimming, walking, and jogging boost cardio health and strength. They're also great for your mind. Research shows they can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

However, there are also "exercises" you can do for your brain. These include:

Striking a power pose. People who use "power poses" (aka hands on hips) may see a temporary drop in feelings of social anxiety.

Listening to calming music. A 2013 study of 60 women revealed that people who listen to relaxing music recover faster after stress than people who relax but do not listen to music.

Practicing progressive muscle relaxation. This process involves tightening and then slowly relaxing various muscle groups. It may be combined with other techniques like listening to calming music or breathing exercises.

Finding a yoga pose. One 2017 study showed that just two minutes of performing yoga poses can boost self-esteem and help increase bodily energy.

When you talk with your doctor or therapist about your mental health, they may go through a series of examinations in order to reach a diagnosis. These steps could include a physical examination, blood or laboratory tests, and a mental health questionnaire.

A series of questions helps doctors understand your thoughts, responses, and reactions to events and scenarios. While this test won't return immediate results, it will help your doctor better understand what you're experiencing.

Avoid taking online mental health tests. While these may provide some insight into causes of symptoms, they aren't administered by a healthcare professional. The questions and answer options may not be as specific as a doctor or therapist might be in an in-person testing environment.

Most individuals with mental health issues can and will find treatments that are successful. That means you can get better. Some mental health issues, however, are chronic and ongoing, but even these can be managed with proper treatment and intervention.

Recovery from mental health disorders or issues requires ongoing attention to your mental and overall health, as well as adherence to any behavioral therapy techniques learned from a therapist.

In some cases, treatments like medication may be needed on an on-going basis; others may be able to stop using them at some point. What recovery will mean for you is different than recovery for another person.

Mental health is a vital concern for healthcare professionals. Most people know the signs and symptoms of physical illnesses, like a heart attack or stroke. But, they may not be able to pinpoint the physical effects of anxiety, PTSD, or panic.

Awareness campaigns are designed to help people understand these common signs and symptoms.

More than 40 million Americans experience some form of mental illness every year. Knowing that they're not alone may invite people to seek treatment from a professional. Treatment is key to relief from symptoms and maintain a healthy, active life.

Around 21 percent of American teenagers between 13 and 18 years old have experienced a severe mental health disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Half will develop a disorder by the time they're 14 years old.

A significant number of youth are affected by depression in particular. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), around 13 percent of Americans between 12 and 17 years old had at least one major depressive episode in 2017.

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now endorses universal depression screening for 12- to 18-year-olds. These screenings can be performed by a primary care physician.

Signs and symptoms in teens

The signs and symptoms of mental illness may be brushed aside as the angst of the turbulent teenage years. But, these may be the earliest predictors of mental health disorders or issues that require treatment.

Signs of mental health issues in teenagers include:

loss of self-esteem

excessive sleeping

loss of interest in activities or favorite hobbies

sudden and unexpected decline in academic performance

weight loss or changes in appetite

sudden personality changes, such as anger or aggression

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Mental Health Basics: Types of Mental Illness, Diagnosis, Treatment

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Mental health refers to your emotional and psychological well-being. Having good mental health helps you lead a relatively happy and healthy life. It helps you demonstrate resilience and the ability to cope in the face of life's adversities. Your mental health can be influenced by a variety of factors, including life events or even your genetics.

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these suicide statistics are shocking. what can you do to help? 

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these suicide statistics are shocking. what can you do to help? 

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Suicide rates within migrant communities such as African and East Asian Americans or the Black British community are, also of growing concern. Statistics show a rise but in some countries it can be difficult to calculate. For example, in the UK the place of birth is recorded on the death certificate, not ethnicity, therefore reducing data on suicides amongst minority groups.

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What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD) is a mental illness that causes repeated unwanted thoughts or sensations (obsessions) or the urge to do something over and over again (compulsions). Some people can have both obsessions and compulsions.

OCD isn't about habits like biting your nails or thinking negative thoughts. An obsessive thought might be that certain numbers or colors are "good" or "bad." A compulsive habit might be to wash your hands seven times after touching something that could be dirty. Although you may not want to think or do these things, you feel powerless to stop.

Everyone has habits or thoughts that repeat sometimes. People with OCD have thoughts or actions that:

Take up at least an hour a day

Are beyond your control

Aren't enjoyable

Interfere with work, your social life, or another part of life

OCD Types and Symptoms

OCD comes in many forms, but most cases fall into at least one of four general categories:

Checking, such as locks, alarm systems, ovens, or light switches, or thinking you have a medical condition like pregnancy or schizophrenia

Contamination, a fear of things that might be dirty or a compulsion to clean. Mental contamination involves feeling like you've been treated like dirt.

Symmetry and ordering, the need to have things lined up in a certain way

Ruminations and intrusive thoughts, an obsession with a line of thought. Some of these thoughts might be violent or disturbing.

Obsessions and Compulsions

Many people who have OCD know that their thoughts and habits don't make sense. They don't do them because they enjoy them, but because they can't quit. And if they stop, they feel so bad that they start again.

Obsessive thoughts can include:

Worries about yourself or other people getting hurt

Constant awareness of blinking, breathing, or other body sensations

Suspicion that a partner is unfaithful, with no reason to believe it

Compulsive habits can include:

Doing tasks in a specific order every time or a certain "good" number of times

Needing to count things, like steps or bottles

Fear of touching doorknobs, using public toilets, or shaking hands

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OCD Causes and Risk Factors

Doctors aren't sure why some people have OCD. Stress can make symptoms worse.

It's a bit more common in women than in men. Symptoms often appear in teens or young adults.

OCD risk factors include:

A parent, sibling, or child with OCD

Physical differences in certain parts of your brain

Experience with trauma

A history of physical or sexual abuse as a child

Sometimes, a child might have OCD after a streptococcal infection. This is called pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, or PANDAS.

OCD Diagnosis

Your doctor may do a physical exam and blood tests to make sure something else isn't causing your symptoms. They will also talk with you about your feelings, thoughts, and habits.

OCD Treatment

There's no cure for OCD. But you may be able to manage how your symptoms affect your life through medicine, therapy, or a combination of treatments.

Treatments include:

Psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help change your thinking patterns. In a form called exposure and response prevention, your doctor will put you in a situation designed to create anxiety or set off compulsions. You'll learn to lessen and then stop your OCD thoughts or actions.

Relaxation. Simple things like meditation, yoga, and massage can help with stressful OCD symptoms.

Medication. Psychiatric drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors help many people control obsessions and compulsions. They might take 2 to 4 months to start working. Common ones include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft). If you still have symptoms, your doctor might give you antipsychotic drugs like aripiprazole (Abilify) or risperidone (Risperdal).

Neuromodulation. In rare cases, when therapy and medication aren't making enough of a difference, your doctor might talk to you about devices that change the electrical activity in a certain area of your brain. One kind, transcranial magnetic stimulation, is FDA-approved for OCD treatment. It uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells. A more complicated procedure, deep brain stimulation, uses electrodes that are implanted in your head.

TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation). The TMS unit is a non-invasive device that is held above the head to induce the magnetic field. It targets a specific part of the brain that regulates OCD symptoms.

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OCD-Related Conditions

Some separate conditions are similar to OCD. They involve obsessions with things like:

Sources

SOURCES:

National Institute of Mental Health: "Obsessive-compulsive disorder: When unwanted thoughts or irresistible actions take over" and "Obsessive-compulsive disorder."

Mayo Clinic: "Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Symptoms & Causes;" "Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Diagnosis & treatment;" and "Cognitive behavioral therapy."

American Psychiatric Association: "What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?"

International OCD Foundation: "What is OCD?" "How is OCD Treated?" "Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)," "Disorders Related to OCD."

NYU Langone Child Study Center: "Habit reversal therapy: An approach to managing repetitive behavior disorders."

OCD-UK: "The Different Types of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder."

American Psychological Association: "What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?"

American Family Physician: "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Diagnosis and Management."

Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine: "Antipsychotics and OCD: Boon or Bane?"

BMC Psychiatry: "Atypical antipsychotic augmentation in SSRI treatment refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis."

News release, FDA.

National Alliance on Mental Illness: "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder."

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD) is a mental illness that causes repeated unwanted thoughts or sensations (obsessions) or the urge to do something over and over again (compulsions). Some people can have both obsessions and compulsions. OCD isn't about habits like biting your nails or thinking negative thoughts.

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you are beautiful. stop comparing yourself to others!

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you are beautiful. stop comparing yourself to others!

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Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.

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Anxiety affects everyone in different ways. Sometimes, the feelings of fear and dread don't go away or get worse over time. Here, you can learn about anxiety, who it affects, and how to manage it.

Anxiety is your body's natural response to stress. It's a feeling of fear or apprehension about what's to come. For example, going to a job interview or giving a speech on the first day of school may cause some people to feel fearful and nervous.

But if your feelings of anxiety are extreme, last for at least 6 months, and are interfering with your life, you may have an anxiety disorder.

It's normal to feel anxious about moving to a new place, starting a new job, or taking a test. This type of anxiety is unpleasant, but it may motivate you to work harder and do a better job. Ordinary anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes but doesn't interfere with your everyday life.

In the case of an anxiety disorder, the feeling of fear may be with you all the time. It's intense and sometimes debilitating.

This type of anxiety may cause you to stop doing things you enjoy. For example, it may prevent you from entering an elevator, crossing the street, or even leaving your home in extreme cases. If left untreated, the anxiety will keep getting worse.

Anxiety disorders are the most common form of emotional disorder and can affect anyone. But, according to the American Psychiatric Association, women are more likely than men to receive a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety is a vital part of several different disorders. These include:

Panic disorder. This means you experience recurring panic attacks at unexpected times.

Phobia. This is an excessive fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.

Social anxiety disorder. This is an extreme fear of being judged by others in social situations.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder. This means you have recurring irrational thoughts that lead you to perform specific, repeated behaviors.

Separation anxiety disorder. This means you have a fear of being away from home or your loved ones.

Illness anxiety disorder. This is anxiety about your health (formerly called hypochondria).

In addition, a number of mental health and medical conditions may feature anxiety as a symptom. These include:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is anxiety following a traumatic event.

Major depressive disorders. A strong relationship exists between depression and anxiety.

Inflammatory conditions. Anxiety can lead to chronic inflammation and diseases such as arthritis

Substance use disorders: many people with anxiety may try to self-medicate to help manage their symptoms.

Chronic pain. Anxiety is often in those with chronic pain disorders.

Anxiety feels different depending on the person experiencing it. Feelings can range from butterflies in your stomach to a racing heart. You might feel out of control like there's a disconnect between your mind and body.

You may have a general feeling of fear and worry, or you may fear a specific place or event. In some cases, you may experience a panic attack.

of anxiety can include:

anxious thoughts or beliefs that are difficult to control

restlessness

trouble concentrating

difficulty falling asleep

fatigue

irritability

unexplained aches and pains

Your anxiety symptoms might be different from someone else's. That's why it's essential to know how anxiety can present itself. Read about the many types of anxiety symptoms you might experience.

A panic attack is a feeling of intense fear that comes on suddenly and peaks within 10 to 20 minutes. The initial trigger of the fear can be known or unknown.

The physical symptoms can mimic a heart attack. Once you're experiencing a panic attack, the symptoms may get worse if you believe you may be having a heart attack or having a mental health emergency. Another common fear that may exacerbate a panic attack is the fear that you might be judged negatively if you're having an attack in public.

Panic attacks can vary greatly, and symptoms may differ among individuals. In addition, the many symptoms of anxiety don't happen to everyone, and they can change over time.

Common of a panic attack include:

chest pain

feeling of choking

fear of losing control

feeling of impending doom

sweating, chills, and hot flashes

shaking

numbness and tingling of hands, feet, or face

nausea or upset stomach

shortness of breath

fear of dying

When you experience repeated panic or anxiety attacks, you may have a panic disorder.

Experts aren't sure of the exact cause of anxiety. But it's likely that a combination of factors play a role.

The causes of anxiety may include:

stress

other medical issues such as depression or diabetes

first degree relatives with generalized anxiety disorder

environmental concerns, such as child abuse

substance use

situations such as surgery or occupational hazard

In addition, researchers believe that it stems from the areas of the brain responsible for controlling fear and the storing and retrieval of emotional and fear-related memories.

With each type of anxiety, there are different risk factors. But there are some general influences, including:

Personality traits. This includes shyness and nervousness in childhood.

Life history. This includes being exposed to negative or stressful live events.

Genetics. Of those who have a diagnosis of anxiety, have a first degree relative who also has a diagnosis of anxiety.

Other health conditions. Thyroid problems and other health conditions can make you prone to anxiety.

Stimulants. Consuming , specific substances, and medications can worsen your symptoms.

A single test can't diagnose anxiety. Instead, an anxiety diagnosis requires a lengthy process of physical examinations, mental health tests, and psychological questionnaires.

Some doctors or healthcare professionals may conduct a physical exam, including blood or urine tests to rule out underlying medical conditions that could contribute to the symptoms you're experiencing.

Several anxiety tests and scales are also used to help a doctor assess the level of anxiety you're experiencing. Reach about each of these tests.

Once you've received a diagnosis of anxiety, you can explore treatment options with a doctor.

But treatment can help you overcome the symptoms and lead a more manageable day-to-day life.

Treatment for anxiety falls into three categories:

Complemental health techniques. Mindfulness, yoga, and self-management strategies such as stress management are ways to treat your anxiety using alternative methods.

Medication. Doctors prescribe antianxiety and antidepressant drugs.

Meeting with a therapist or psychologist can help you learn tools to use and strategies to cope with stress when it occurs.

The Mental Health Resources page can provide tips on finding a psychiatrist, or a doctor who specializes in mental health, to fit your needs.

Medications typically used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines for short-term symptom relief, but they're avoided if possible due to the high risk of dependence. Other antianxiety or antidepressant medications such as escitalopram effectively alter your brain chemistry to improve mood and reduce stress.

Some other commonly used medications include:

Benzodiazepines. Diazepam and clonazepam are common benzodiazepines.

Lifestyle changes can effectively relieve some of the stress and anxiety you may cope with every day. Most natural "remedies" consist of caring for your body and participating in healthy activities while eliminating unhealthy ones.

These include:

If these lifestyle changes seem like a positive way to help you eliminate some anxiety, read about how each one works-plus, get more great ideas for treating anxiety.

If you have an anxiety disorder, you may also be experiencing depression. While anxiety and depression can occur separately, it's not unusual for mental health disorders to happen together.

Anxiety can be a symptom of clinical or major depression. Likewise, worsening symptoms of depression can become triggered by an anxiety disorder.

You can manage symptoms of both conditions with many of the same treatments: psychotherapy (counseling), medications, and lifestyle changes.

Anxiety in children is natural and expected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of children and adolescents ages 3 to 17 have had a diagnosis of anxiety.

As children grow up, they should outgrow the worries and fears they felt when they were younger. It may be considered an anxiety disorder if they're afraid to be away from their parents, exhibit extreme fear, and other anxiety symptoms that interfere with their day-to-day lives.

Anxiety in children can also become chronic and persistent, with uncontrolled anxiety leading them to avoid interacting with their peers or family members.

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder in children might include:

Anxiety treatment for children includes cognitive behavioral therapy (talk therapy) and medications. Learn more about the s y m p t o m s of an anxiety disorder and techniques to help calm your child's anxiety.

Teenagers may have many reasons to be anxious. Tests, college visits, and first dates all pop up in these important years. But teenagers who feel anxious or experience anxiety symptoms frequently may have an anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of anxiety in teenagers may include nervousness, shyness, isolationist behaviors, and avoidance. Likewise, anxiety in teens may lead to unusual behaviors.

For example, they may act out, perform poorly in school, skip social events, and even engage in substance or alcohol use.

In some teens, depression may accompany anxiety. Diagnosing both conditions is essential so that their treatment can address the underlying issues and help relieve symptoms.

The most common treatments for anxiety in teenagers are talk therapy and medication. These treatments also help address depression symptoms.

Stress and anxiety are related but different. Stress is a typical and healthy reaction to an identifiable event that's making you nervous, such as an upcoming test, presentation, wedding, or other major change in your life.

Stress will go away once the trigger goes away. Anxiety, on the other hand, persists beyond any trigger and may exist without a known trigger. A person may need treatment for anxiety to go away.

Both anxiety and stress respond well to physical activity, good sleep hygiene, and a well-balanced diet. But if your anxiety and stress don't respond well and you feel your day-to-day functioning is impaired, a mental health professional can help you determine a treatment plan.

Physical symptoms of anxiety

When you experience symptoms of anxiety, they can manifest as physical symptoms such as:

dizziness

tiredness

heart palpitations

muscle aches and tensions

shaking

dry mouth

excessive sweating

stomachache

headache

insomnia

Neither stress nor anxiety is always bad. Both can provide you with a boost or incentive to accomplish the task or challenge before you. But if these feelings become persistent, they can begin to interfere with your daily life. In that case, it's important to get treatment.

The long-term outlook for people with untreated depression and anxiety includes chronic health issues, such as heart disease. Learn why anxiety and stress occur and how you can manage the conditions.

If you're anxious frequently, you may decide you'd like a drink to calm your nerves. After all, alcohol is a sedative. In addition, it can depress the activity of your central nervous system, which may help you feel more relaxed.

Some people with anxiety disorders abuse alcohol or other drugs regularly to feel better, creating dependency and addiction.

It may be necessary to treat an alcohol or drug problem before doctors can address the anxiety. But chronic or long-term use can ultimately worsen the condition. Read more to understand how alcohol can worsen anxiety symptoms.

Children and teens

It's not known why anxiety develops in children and teenagers. But there are excellent public health approaches that work to prevent the disorder, and they include:

As parents, you can communicate openly and honestly with your child while ensuring they're making healthy decisions.

To learn more about how to support your child's mental health, please check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resource page.

In addition, in cases of children and teens experiencing anxiety in response to something happening within their family or in their home, it's a good idea to get family therapy. This is important especially because children and teens may not find it so easy to talk about their feelings or be aware of their anxiety.

Adults

There are many ways to prevent anxiety and its symptoms. Please see the below options:

Avoidance. Avoiding people, places, and situations can lessen your stress and anxiety. But this would be a short-term strategy. In the long term, it's better if you get treatment so you no longer need to avoid a trigger.

Stress management and mindfulness. Practicing stress management and mindfulness prevents strain.

Restrict caffeine. Caffeine can worsen anxiety symptoms.

Support groups. Speaking with others is an opportunity to share coping strategies and experiences.

Therapy. Speaking with a therapist can help you develop more effective ways to cope with fears and stress that lead to anxiety.

Speak with a doctor about your medications. Regularly speaking with a doctor about your medications' dosing, effectiveness, and side effects ensures any health condition is treated adequately and monitored for any possible anxiety-related side effects.

You can treat your anxiety with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.

But some people who have a mild anxiety disorder, or a fear of something they can easily avoid, decide to live with the condition and don't get treatment.

Avoiding the trigger, however, can actually make anxiety worse in the long term. Treatment can help you overcome the need to avoid a trigger.

It's important to understand that anxiety disorders can be treated, even in severe cases. Although anxiety usually doesn't go away, you can learn to manage it and live a happy, healthy life.

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Anxiety Disorders: Causes, Types, Symptoms, & Treatments

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Learn how to tell the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder.

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know the signs and how you can help someone in need

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Depression is a chronic feeling of emptiness, sadness, or inability to feel pleasure that may appear to happen for no clear reason. It is distinct from grief and other emotions.

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

It can undermine a person's relationships, make working and maintaining good health very difficult, and in severe cases, may lead to suicide. In fact, depression contributes to nearly 40,000 suicides in the United States each year.

It can affect adults, adolescents, and children. This article examines what depression is and what causes it, as well as types of depression, treatment, and more.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loss of joy. It is different from the mood fluctuations that people regularly experience as a part of life.

Major life events, such as bereavement or the loss of a job, can trigger depression. But depression is distinct from the negative feelings a person may temporarily have in response to a difficult life event.

Depression often persists in spite of a change of circumstances and causes feelings that are intense, chronic, and not proportional to a person's circumstances.

It is an ongoing problem, not a passing one. While there are different types of depression, the most common one is major depressive disorder. It consists of episodes during which the symptoms last for at least

Depression can last for several weeks, months, or years. For many people, it is a chronic illness that gets better and then relapses.

While there is no cure for depression, there are effective treatments that help with recovery. The earlier that treatment starts, the more successful it may be. Some people may never experience depression again after a single period of it. Others will continue to have relapses.

Many people experiencing depression recover after a treatment plan. Even with effective treatment, however, a relapse may occur. of people do not initially respond to treatment.

To prevent relapse, people who take medication for depression should continue with treatment - even after symptoms improve or go away - for as long as their doctor advises.

Find tips to help prevent depression from returning here.

Depression can cause a range of psychological and physical symptoms, :

persistent depressed mood

loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

changes in appetite and body weight

unusually slow or agitated movements

decreased energy or fatigue

difficulty sleeping or oversleeping

excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness

difficulty concentrating or making decisions

thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

If a person experiences of these symptoms during the same 2-week period, a doctor may diagnose them with depression.

Depression may also cause other symptoms, including irritability, restlessness, chronic pain, headaches, and digestive issues.

There are several forms of depression. Below are some of the most common types.

Major depression

A person living with major depression experiences a constant state of sadness. They may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy.

Treatment usually involves medication and psychotherapy.

Persistent depressive disorder

Also known as dysthymia, persistent depressive disorder causes symptoms that last for at least .

A person living with this disorder may have episodes of major depression as well as milder symptoms that do not meet the criteria for major depressive disorder.

Postpartum depression

After giving birth, some people experience a brief period of sadness or heightened emotions that some people call the "baby blues." This usually goes away in a few days to a few weeks.

Postpartum depression, or postnatal depression, is more severe.

There is no single cause for this type of depression, and it can persist for months or years. Anyone who experiences ongoing depression after delivery should seek medical attention.

Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern

Previously known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this type of depression occurs during the winter and fall months, when there is less daylight. Less commonly, it may follow other seasonal patterns.

It lifts during the rest of the year and in response to light therapy.

This condition seems to particularly affect people who live in countries with long or severe winters.

The medical community does not fully understand the causes of depression. There are many possible causes, and sometimes, various factors combine to trigger symptoms.

Factors that are likely to play a role :

genetic features

changes in the brain's neurotransmitter levels

environmental factors such as exposure to trauma or lack of social support

psychological and social factors

additional conditions, such as bipolar disorder

Interactions between various factors can increase the risk of depression. For instance, a person with a family history or a genetic risk of depression may experience symptoms of depression following a traumatic event.

The symptoms of depression can include:

a depressed mood

reduced interest or pleasure in activities that a person previously enjoyed

a loss of sexual desire

changes in appetite

unintentional weight loss or gain

sleeping too much or too little

agitation, restlessness, and pacing up and down

slowed movement and speech

fatigue or loss of energy

feelings of worthlessness or guilt

difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or an attempt at suicide

Find out more about recognizing the hidden signs of depression here.
In females

Depression is nearly twice as common in females than males, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Researchers do not know why depression appears to be more common in females. However, a 2021 study proposes that the difference may be due to disparities in reporting. Researchers found that females were more likely than males to report and seek treatment for depression symptoms.

Some research suggests that exposure to gender discrimination increases the risk of depression.

Also, some types of depression to females, such as postpartum depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

In males

According to data from the National Health and Nutrition study, which relies on self-reports of mental health symptoms, of males report depression symptoms in a given 2-week period, compared with 10.4% of females.

Males with depression are more likely than females to drink alcohol in excess, display anger, and engage in risk-taking as a result of the disorder.

Other symptoms of depression in males may include:

avoiding family and social situations

working without a break

having difficulty keeping up with work and family responsibilities

displaying abusive or controlling behavior in relationships

Learn more about the symptoms of depression in men.

In college students

Time at college can be stressful, and a person may be dealing with other lifestyles, cultures, and experiences for the first time.

Some students have difficulty coping with these changes, and they may develop depression, anxiety, or both as a result.

Symptoms of depression in college students may include:

difficulty concentrating on schoolwork

sleeping too much

a decrease or increase in appetite

avoiding social situations and activities that they used to enjoy

In teens

Physical changes, peer pressure, and other factors can contribute to depression in teenagers.

They may experience some of the following symptoms:

feeling irritable

restlessness, such as an inability to sit still

withdrawing from friends and family

difficulty concentrating on schoolwork

feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless

In children

The CDC estimate that, in the U.S., of children and teenagers aged 3-17 have a diagnosis of depression. This figure has risen in recent years.

Depression in children can make schoolwork and social activities challenging. They may experience symptoms such as:

Younger children may have difficulty expressing how they feel in words. This can make it harder for them to explain their feelings of sadness.
Learn more about mental health in trans people here.
In historically marginalized groups

Research shows that the prevalence of major depression among African Americans has been around , compared with 17.9% among people who are white.

However, 56% of African Americans experience depression more chronically, compared with 38.6% of people who are white. This implies that though fewer African Americans may experience depression, those who do may experience it for longer. In addition, less than half of these African Americans have sought treatment.

Other research indicates that African Americans may have depression less frequently than non-Hispanic people who are white, but this may be due to the fact that many African Americans often do not have a proper diagnosis.

Triggers are emotional, psychological, or physical events or circumstances that can cause depression symptoms to appear or return.

These are some of the most common triggers:

stressful life events, such as loss, family conflicts, and changes in relationships

incomplete recovery after having stopped depression treatment too soon

medical conditions, especially a medical crisis such as a new diagnosis or a chronic illness such as heart disease or diabetes

Find out more about depression triggers here.

Some people have a higher risk of depression than others.

experiencing certain life events, such as bereavement, work issues, changes in relationships, financial problems, and medical concerns

experiencing acute stress

having a lack of successful coping strategies

having a close relative with depression

using some prescription drugs, such as corticosteroids, certain beta-blockers, and interferon

using recreational drugs, such as alcohol or amphetamines

having sustained a head injury

having a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's

having had a previous episode of major depression

having a chronic condition, such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cardiovascular disease

living with chronic pain

lacking social support

Depression can also occur as a symptom or comorbidity with another mental health condition. Examples include:

Psychotic depression

Psychosis can involve delusions, such as false beliefs and a detachment from reality. It can also involve hallucinations - sensing things that do not exist.

Some people experience depression with psychosis. A person living with psychosis, which is a serious psychiatric illness, may experience depression as a result.

Alternatively, a person living with depression may have a severe form of the condition that also includes psychosis symptoms.

Bipolar disorder

Depression is a common symptom of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of depression that may last weeks. They also experience periods of mania, which is an elevated mood that may cause a person to feel very happy, aggressive, or out of control.

What does bipolar disorder involve, and what types are there? Find out here.

Depression is treatable, though the treatment may depend on the exact type a person is living with.

However, about 30.9% of people do not respond to treatment or respond poorly. About 4 in 10 people achieve remission of their symptoms within 12 months, but depression can come back.

Managing symptoms usually three components:

Support: This can range from discussing practical solutions and possible causes to educating family members.

Psychotherapy: Also known as talking therapy, some options include one-to-one counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Drug treatment: A doctor may prescribe antidepressants.

Medication

Antidepressants can help treat moderate to severe depression. Several classes of antidepressants are :

Each class acts on a different neurotransmitter or combination of neurotransmitters.

A person should only take these medications as their doctor prescribes. Some drugs can take a while to have an impact. By stopping taking the drug, a person may not experience the benefits that it can offer.

Some people stop taking medication after symptoms improve, but this can lead to a relapse.

A person should raise any concerns about antidepressants with a doctor, including any intention to stop taking the medication.

Learn more about antidepressants and how they can help here.

Medication side effects

SSRIs and SNRIs can have side effects. A person may experience:

Find out more about the possible side effects of antidepressants here.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) manufacturers to put a "black box" warning on antidepressant bottles.

The warning indicates that, among other risks, these medications may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. While there is an increase in risk, the absolute risk remains low.

Natural remedies

Some people use natural remedies, such as herbal medicines, to treat mild to moderate depression.

However, since the FDA does not monitor herbal remedies, manufacturers may not be truthful about the quality of these products. They may not be safe or effective.

In a 2018 systematic review of herbal remedies for depression, of studies reported positive results from herbal treatments, including fewer side effects than standard antidepressants.

The following are some of the more popular herbs and plants that people use to treat depression:

St. John's wort: This is not suitable for people who are or may be living with bipolar disorder. Learn more here.

Ginseng: Practitioners of traditional medication may use this to improve mental clarity and reduce stress. Find out more about ginseng here .

Chamomile: This contains flavonoids that can have an antidepressant effect. For more information about chamomile, click here.

Lavender: This may help reduce anxiety and insomnia. Learn more about lavender here.

It is essential for a person to speak with a doctor before using any type of herbal remedy or supplement to treat depression. Some herbs can interfere with the action of drugs or otherwise make symptoms worse.

Supplements

A person may take the herbs above as supplements to treat symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Other types of supplements can also help treat these symptoms.

It is important to remember that the FDA does not monitor supplements to ensure that they are effective or safe.

Nonherbal supplements that may help treat depression include S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) - a synthetic form of a natural chemical in the body. They also include 5-hydroxytryptophan, which can help to boost serotonin, the neurotransmitter in the brain that affects a person's mood.

Some research has suggested that SAMe may be as helpful as the prescription antidepressants imipramine and escitalopram, but more investigation is necessary.

Learn more about how herbs and supplements may help relieve depression here.

Food and diet

Some research suggests that eating a lot of sugary or processed foods can lead to various physical health problems and poor mental health. Results of a suggest that a diet that includes many of these types of food can affect the mental health of young adults.

The study also found that eating more of the following foods helped reduce depression symptoms:

Can other foods worsen or improve depression symptoms? Find out here.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talking therapies, for depression include CBT, interpersonal psychotherapy, and problem-solving treatment.

For some forms of depression, psychotherapy is usually the first-line treatment, while some people respond better to a combination of psychotherapy and medications.

CBT and interpersonal psychotherapy are the two main types of psychotherapy for depression. A person may have CBT in individual sessions with a therapist, in groups, over the telephone, or online.

CBT focuses on helping a person identify the connection between their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. They then work steadily to change harmful thoughts and behaviors.

Interpersonal therapy aims to help people identify:

emotional problems that affect relationships and communication

how these issues also affect their mood

how to improve relationships and better manage emotions

Exercise

Aerobic exercise raises endorphin levels and stimulates neurotransmitters, potentially easing depression and anxiety. A 2019 paper states that exercise may be especially helpful with treatment-resistant depression.

Exercise offers the greatest benefits when a person combines it with standard treatments, such as antidepressants and psychotherapy.

Brain stimulation therapies

Brain stimulation therapies are another treatment option. For example, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation sends magnetic pulses to the brain, and this may help treat major depression.

If depression does not respond to drug treatment, a person may benefit from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Doctors do not fully understand how ECT works.

During the procedure, a person is asleep, and a doctor uses electricity to induce a seizure. This may help "reset" the brain, correcting problems with neurotransmitters or other issues that cause depression.

If a person suspects that they have symptoms of depression, they should seek professional help from a doctor or mental health specialist.

A qualified health professional can rule out various causes, ensure an accurate diagnosis, and provide safe and effective treatment.

They will ask questions about symptoms, such as how long they have been present. A doctor may also conduct an examination to check for physical causes and order a blood test to rule out other health conditions.

What is the difference between situational and clinical depression? Find out here.

Tests

Mental health professionals often ask people to complete questionnaires to help assess the severity of their depression.

The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, for example, has 21 questions. The scores indicate the severity of depression among people who already have a diagnosis.

The Beck Depression Inventory is another questionnaire that helps mental health professionals measure a person's symptoms.

National hotlines provide free, confidential assistance from trained professionals 24 hours a day. They may benefit anyone with depression who wants or needs to talk about their feelings.

Some of the support hotlines available include:

Samaritans: This nonprofit organization offers emotional support to anyone who has feelings of depression or loneliness or who is considering suicide. Call or text 877-870-4673 (HOPE).

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK) to speak with someone from this national network of local crisis centers.

Lifeline Chat: This is an online chat service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Postpartum Support International: Call 1-800-944-4773. This organization helps people struggling with postpartum depression, as well as other mental health issues that are related to pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood.

A person with a parent or sibling who has depression is about three times more likely than other people to develop the condition.

However, many people with depression have no family history of it.

A recent study suggests that susceptibility to depression may not result from genetic variation. The researchers acknowledge that while people can inherit depression, many other issues also influence its development.

Learn more about whether depression has a genetic link here.

Depression is the leading cause of disability around the world, according to the WHO.

In the U.S., the Social Security Administration considers depressive, bipolar, and related disorders to be disabilities. If a person's depression prevents them from working, they may qualify for social security disability insurance benefits.

The person must have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify for disability benefits. For more information, visit the administration's website.

According to the CDC, of physician office visits note depression on the medical record. The figure is similar for emergency department visits.

Also according to the CDC, of children and adolescents between the ages of 3 and 17 years - about 2.7 million people in the U.S. - have a diagnosis of depression.

The CDC also note that 4.7% of American adults have regular feelings of depression.

Here are some common questions about depression.

What does depression do to the brain?

Depression can lead to changes in levels of neurotransmitters, which are molecules that transmit messages between nerve cells. In the long run, it may also physical changes to the brain, including reductions in grey matter volume and increased inflammation.

Does depression change your personality?

Research has turned up mixed results about whether or not depression can actually change a person's personality.

However, according to of 10 studies, depressive symptoms may be associated with changes in several specific aspects of personality - including extraversion, neuroticism, and agreeableness - which could be temporary or persistent.

Does depression affect your thinking?

Depression concentration and decision-making. It may also impair attention and cause issues with information processing and memory.

Depression is a serious, chronic medical condition that can affect every aspect of a person's life. When it causes suicidal thoughts, it can be fatal.

People cannot think their way out of depression. Depression is not a personal failing or a sign of weakness. It is treatable, and seeking treatment early may increase the chances of recovery.

Because depression can be challenging to treat, it is important for a person to see a doctor with expertise in depression and to be willing to try several different treatments. Often, a combination of therapy and medication offers the best results.
Read the article in Spanish.

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Depression: What it is, symptoms, causes, treatment, and more

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Depression is a chronic feeling of emptiness, sadness, or inability to feel pleasure that may appear to happen for no clear reason. It is distinct from grief and other emotions. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).