07 Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Learn how depressive, bipolar, and anxiety disorders may affect daily functioning, and how to respond supportively while encouraging appropriate professional care.
Understanding these conditions
are health conditions that can affect emotions, thinking, behavior, physical health, and everyday functioning. They are not character flaws or signs of weak will. Symptoms vary between people and may change over time.
Diagnosis and treatment should be provided by qualified health professionals. Similar symptoms can also result from medical conditions, medications, or substance use, so assessment may consider these possible contributors.
Depressive disorders
Depressive disorders involve persistent changes in mood, interest, energy, or functioning, but people do not all experience depression in the same way.
involves a period of depressed or irritable mood, or loss of interest or pleasure, along with other symptoms. These symptoms persist most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks and interfere with daily life. They can include low energy, sleep or appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, and thoughts of death or suicide.
involves a longer-lasting pattern of depressive symptoms, typically for at least two years. Symptoms may be less intense than those of a major depressive episode but can still substantially affect daily life.
Bipolar disorders
Bipolar disorders involve episodes of depression and episodes of or . These episodes include unusually elevated or irritable mood and increased energy or activity.
may involve markedly reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, rapid speech, inflated confidence, distractibility, and risky decisions. It can seriously disrupt judgment, work, finances, relationships, or safety. is less severe than , although changes in behavior and energy may still be noticeable.
includes ; includes hypomanic and depressive episodes. A clinician assesses the pattern over time because bipolar depression may resemble other depressive disorders.
Common anxiety disorders
Anxiety is a normal response to stress. An anxiety disorder may be present when fear or worry is persistent, difficult to control, and interferes with daily activities.
: Persistent, excessive worry across several areas of life, often accompanied by restlessness, tension, fatigue, sleep problems, or difficulty concentrating.
: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms such as a racing heart, trembling, dizziness, or shortness of breath—followed by ongoing worry about further attacks or changes in behavior to avoid them. New or severe physical symptoms should be medically assessed rather than assumed to be panic.
: Intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized in social or performance situations. A person may avoid speaking in class, attending gatherings, or asking for help, even when they want to participate.
Effects on daily life
can affect attendance and performance at school or work, relationships, self-care, sleep, decision-making, and participation in enjoyable activities. Symptoms may also occur alongside other mental or physical health conditions.
Anxiety may lead someone to avoid situations or repeatedly seek reassurance. Depression may make ordinary tasks feel overwhelming. can contribute to impulsive choices, conflict, disrupted sleep, or financial and occupational problems.
For example, a student with social anxiety may fear being judged so strongly that they stop attending class presentations. A person experiencing depression may withdraw from friends and struggle to prepare meals. These changes are reasons to respond with support and encourage appropriate assessment, not to blame or label the person.
Support and professional care
Supportive care can help a person feel respected, safer, and more able to access appropriate help. It does not replace professional assessment or treatment.
Listen calmly and without judgment. Open questions such as “What has been hardest lately?” and “What kind of support would help right now?” can invite the person to share.
Acknowledge the person’s experience. For example, say “That sounds exhausting” rather than minimizing their distress or insisting they “look on the bright side.”
Offer practical choices and ask permission before helping with tasks such as arranging an appointment, getting to work, or contacting a trusted support person. Break overwhelming tasks into manageable steps.
Encourage professional assessment. A primary care clinician or mental health professional can assess symptoms, functioning, safety, and possible medical or substance-related contributors. Evidence-based care may include psychotherapy, medication, or both, selected with the person and their clinician. is commonly used for depression and anxiety; treatment for bipolar disorder commonly includes medication and may include psychotherapy. Do not advise someone to start, stop, or change medication without consulting their prescriber.
Support helpful routines without pressure. Regular sleep, meals, movement, social connection, and avoiding alcohol or recreational drugs may support well-being, but these steps are not substitutes for treatment.
Respect autonomy and privacy. Share information with others only with the person’s permission, except where immediate safety or applicable professional duties require action.
Responding to a crisis
Take talk of suicide, self-harm, inability to stay safe, severe confusion, or dangerous manic behavior seriously. Ask directly and calmly whether the person is thinking about suicide or hurting themselves.
If there is immediate danger, a suicide attempt, or an urgent medical emergency, call 911 or go to an emergency department. In the United States, call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support; a person may contact 988 for themselves or someone they are worried about.
Stay with the person when it is safe to do so, listen, and help connect them to professional support.