Anxiety, Depression & Stress
Understand what you may be experiencing and find the right support
Where to Start
Not sure which path is right? Use this guide to help determine your next step based on your situation.
If you are unsure what you are experiencing
Request guidance to better understand your symptoms and explore appropriate options.
If symptoms are mild (occasional, manageable)
Start with self-help resources, apps, or educational materials to build coping skills.
If symptoms are moderate (affecting daily life)
Consider working with a therapist or counselor for personalized support.
If symptoms are severe or you are in crisis
Reach out to crisis support immediately. Help is available 24/7.
This May Be Relevant If...
- You feel persistently worried, anxious, or on edge
- Sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness lasts longer than expected
- Stress feels overwhelming and hard to manage
- Sleep, appetite, or energy levels have changed significantly
- You are withdrawing from activities or people you usually enjoy
- Physical symptoms like headaches, tension, or fatigue are frequent
- Concentration and focus have become difficult
When to Seek Help
Consider support when:
- Symptoms persist for more than two weeks
- Daily functioning at work, school, or home is affected
- Relationships are strained or you are isolating
- Self-care strategies are not providing relief
- You simply want someone professional to talk to
Seek immediate help if:
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or others
- You feel unable to cope or keep yourself safe
- You are experiencing a panic attack that will not subside
- You have lost touch with reality
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
Quick Understanding
Stress
A response to external pressures. Usually temporary and tied to specific situations. Can often be managed with lifestyle changes and coping strategies.
Anxiety
Persistent worry or fear that may not be tied to a specific cause. Can include physical symptoms like racing heart, restlessness, or difficulty breathing.
Depression
Persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep, appetite, or energy lasting more than two weeks. Often benefits from professional support.
Your Options
Talk Therapy / Counseling
Work with a licensed therapist to explore thoughts, patterns, and coping strategies. Many approaches available including CBT, DBT, and more.
Explore ResourcesMedication Support
Psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe medications that help manage symptoms when therapy alone is not enough.
Explore ResourcesSelf-Guided Support
Apps, workbooks, and online programs that offer evidence-based techniques for managing symptoms on your own schedule.
Explore ResourcesSupport Groups
Connect with others who understand what you are going through. Available in-person and online through organizations like NAMI.
Explore ResourcesCrisis Support
If you are in crisis, immediate support is available 24/7 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Explore ResourcesTrusted Resources
Carefully selected resources to help you take the next step.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
HotlineAnyone in emotional distress or crisis
Immediate, judgment-free support available any time.
Visit ResourcePsychology Today Directory
DirectoryFinding individual therapists or psychiatrists
Easy filtering with detailed provider profiles and availability.
Visit Resource988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential support for people in distress. Call or text 988 to speak with a trained counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Best for
Anyone in emotional distress or crisis
Use if
You need someone to talk to right now
Immediate, judgment-free support available any time.
Psychology Today Directory
Comprehensive directory to search therapists, psychiatrists, and treatment centers by location, specialty, insurance, and more.
Best for
Finding individual therapists or psychiatrists
Use if
You want to find a provider that matches your specific needs
Easy filtering with detailed provider profiles and availability.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Education, support groups, and advocacy for people affected by mental health conditions. Offers free peer support programs nationwide.
Best for
Those seeking education and peer support
Use if
You want to connect with others who understand
Trusted organization offering free support and education.
Anxiety & Depression Association of America
Provides information on anxiety, depression, and related disorders, plus a therapist finder specializing in these conditions.
Best for
Those dealing specifically with anxiety or depression
Use if
You want focused expertise on anxiety-related conditions
Specialized resources and provider network.
PHQ-9 Depression Screening
A validated questionnaire used by healthcare providers to assess depression severity. Helps you understand your symptoms before seeking help.
Best for
Self-assessment of depression symptoms
Use if
You want to better understand what you are experiencing
Quick, evidence-based screening used worldwide.
GAD-7 Anxiety Screening
A validated questionnaire to measure anxiety levels. Provides a score that helps gauge symptom severity.
Best for
Self-assessment of anxiety symptoms
Use if
You want to understand your anxiety level
Evidence-based tool used in clinical settings.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis counseling. Connects you with a trained crisis counselor via text message.
Best for
Those who prefer texting over phone calls
Use if
You need support but calling feels overwhelming
Discreet, accessible support via text.
How to Think About Next Steps
Self-guided support may be enough when
Symptoms are mild, you have good coping skills, and you want to try tools and strategies on your own first
Therapy is a good fit when
You want personalized support, symptoms are moderate, or you have tried self-help without enough improvement
Medication may help when
Symptoms significantly impact daily life, therapy alone is not enough, or a professional recommends it as part of treatment
Consider consultation when
You are unsure which option fits, want a professional assessment, or need help navigating the system
What to Do Next
You have explored your options. Now choose the path that feels right for you.
Explore Resources
Browse curated tools, directories, and organizations vetted for quality.
Browse ResourcesYour privacy is protected. Information shared through this site is confidential.