Mixed anxiety and depression

Mixed anxiety and depression is when you have symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Doctors sometimes use this name when neither set of symptoms is severe enough on its own to be diagnosed as a separate condition. It is one of the most common mental health problems in the UK.

Having "mild" symptoms does not mean they are not hard to live with. They can affect your sleep, work, relationships and daily life.

Signs and symptoms

You may have some of these:

• feeling low, hopeless or tearful much of the time
• losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• feeling worried, tense or on edge
• finding it hard to relax or switch off
• tiredness and low energy
• sleep problems, such as struggling to get to sleep or waking early
• finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions
• irritability
• physical symptoms like a racing heart, headaches or an upset stomach

What causes it?

There is usually no single cause. Things that can play a part include:

• stressful life events, such as money worries, losing a job, a bereavement or a relationship ending
• long-term physical health problems or pain
• loneliness and isolation
• difficult experiences earlier in life
• a family history of mental health problems
• alcohol and drugs

Getting help

• Talk to your GP. They will ask how you have been feeling and may use short questionnaires.
• Refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies if you live in England. You do not need to see a GP first.
• In Wales, ask your GP about your local primary mental health support service.

See treatment for mixed anxiety and depression.