If someone is in danger, call 112.Free support at any hour: Tele-MANAS 14416.
Menu
Book

Signs of anxiety and depression, and when to get help

Anxiety and depression are common and treatable. This guide lists the signs to look for, how the two differ, and when it is worth talking to a psychiatrist.

Book your free pre-consultation call

Registered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.

A woman in a saree looking at her phone

Common signs of anxiety

  • worry that is hard to switch off, about many things
  • restlessness, feeling on edge, a racing heart or tight chest
  • trouble sleeping or concentrating
  • avoiding places or situations because of fear
  • sudden waves of panic

Read more: generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety.

Common signs of depression

  • low or empty mood for most of the day, nearly every day
  • losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
  • changes in sleep or appetite
  • tiredness and low energy
  • feeling worthless or guilty
  • trouble concentrating or deciding

Read more: depression and persistent depressive disorder.

How they differ, and how they overlap

Anxiety is mainly about fear and worry about what might happen. Depression is mainly about low mood and loss of interest. Many people have both, and some signs, such as poor sleep and trouble concentrating, appear in both. Only a clinician can tell which applies to you.

When to talk to a psychiatrist

  • signs last two weeks or more
  • they get in the way of work, study or relationships
  • you rely on alcohol or other substances to cope
  • you feel hopeless

If you are thinking about ending your life or hurting yourself, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 (free, any hour) or 112 now, or tell someone you trust. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.

This guide is general information and is not a diagnosis.

Getting help online

You can talk to a Mindly psychiatrist or therapist by video from home. Talk to a psychiatrist online or read about online therapy.

How to start

  1. Call or message us. Reach us on +91 90352 54779 or WhatsApp. Tell us your language and a convenient time.
  2. Free pre-consultation call. Our team takes your history and prepares a report for your clinician, so you do not repeat yourself.
  3. Video session. You meet your allotted clinician online, from home or wherever you feel comfortable.
  4. Your plan. The clinician explains what they find and the next steps. You decide together.

Book your free pre-consultation call

Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.

Common questions

Can you have anxiety and depression together?

Yes. They often occur together, and some signs, such as poor sleep and trouble concentrating, appear in both. A psychiatrist can assess which is present.

How long should symptoms last before I seek help?

Low mood or worry that lasts two weeks or more, or that affects work, study or relationships, is a good reason to talk to a doctor. You can also seek help sooner.

Are anxiety and depression treatable?

Yes. Both usually respond to treatment, which may include therapy, medicine, or both.

Can I see a psychiatrist online from anywhere in India?

Yes. Consultations are by video, so you can see a Mindly psychiatrist from any city or town with a phone or computer and a stable internet connection. Book by call or WhatsApp on +91 90352 54779.

Related

Sources

Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.

Book your free session