Anxiety and depression are familiar conditions to us, but are also among the most serious illnesses in the world. Thankfully both these conditions can be treated and sufferers can live anxiety free for life.

There are times when we feel anxious and moody. Anxiety and depression are normal part of life. Who has not studied for an exam without having test anxiety, and then scored much higher for it? Anxiety can keep us alert. Depression, on the other hand, can slow us down, giving us time to reflect and recollect ourselves. In other words, anxiety and depression express moods that are familiar to everybody.

But, when anxiety and depression seem to come from nowhere, last for weeks without relief, and get in the way of everyday activities, then we are not talking ordinary moods anymore; they are now illnesses. Anxiety and depressions are one of the most common mental illnesses in the world today.

People with anxiety disorder may have several physical symptoms, like trembling, sweating, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, palpitation, dry mouth, cold and clammy hands. Emotionally, they are apprehensive, irritable; they have the feeling of impending doom, and they are self-conscious- feeling like being watched and criticized, etc.

Obviously, people with anxiety disorder are often left immobilized. Anxiety keeps them house-bound, away from people, not able to do normal and simple for fear of this or that. People experiencing anxiety symptoms should know that it is a common disorder and is very curable.

The anxiety symptoms that you may experience include:

Palpitations
Increased sweating
Shaking
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Feeling of light-headedness
A feeling of unreality
Feeling of being detached from oneself
Fear of losing control or going crazy
Fear of dying
Feeling of impending doom

Depression, on the other hand, is a serious medical condition that affects the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, one's self concept, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as passing blue mood. It is not an indication of personal weakness or a state that can be willed or wished away.

A person with depressive disorder usually can't pull themselves together and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks to years. The treatment involves medications and/or temporary psychotherapy, which can be more helpful with depression sufferer. The symptoms of depressions may include:

Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
Guilty feelings, worthlessness, helplessness
Decreased energy, fatigue
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Appetite and/or weight changes
Trouble sleeping or oversleeping, early morning awakening
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Restlessness and irritability
Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain that does not respond to routine treatment.

Anxiety and depression are two different conditions, but they are the same in the sense of the intensity of how serious these conditions can be. They are among the most common and most treatable mental illnesses in the world.