Anxiety vs Depression
By the AllHealth UK editorial teamLast reviewed Next review due Compiled from published NHS and NICE guidance. Not reviewed by a clinician.
Is it anxiety or depression?
Often it is both — the NHS notes that many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety, so this is rarely either/or. Anxiety is dominated by worry, restlessness and dread about what might happen. Depression is dominated by low mood, hopelessness and losing interest in things you enjoyed. In England you can refer yourself to NHS talking therapies without seeing a GP.
Immediate action required: call 999 or go to A&E if
- You have harmed yourself, or taken an overdose
- You have a plan to end your life, or feel you cannot keep yourself safe right now
- Someone has told you they are thinking about suicide and you are worried for them
- You cannot stop thoughts of self-harm, whatever the label on how you feel
If you are weighing up whether it is bad enough to call, that is itself a reason to call. Nobody is annoyed by a 999 call that turns out to be the less serious of the two.
| Feature | Anxiety | Depression |
|---|---|---|
| Typical signs |
|
|
| How long it lasts | Feeling anxious most of the time for 6 months or more suggests GAD | Low mood lasting weeks or months and affecting daily life |
| What helps | Self-refer to NHS talking therapies for CBT (England, no GP appointment needed) if you are 18 or over (16 or over in some areas) and registered with a GP; a GP can discuss medicine | Same self-referral route to NHS talking therapies if you are 18 or over (16 or over in some areas) and registered with a GP; a GP may add antidepressants. Samaritans: 116 123, free, day or night |
| What to do | See a GP | See a GP |
Sources and further reading
This page was written from the following published guidance. All links checked 26 August 2026.
What to do next
Not sure whether this needs a doctor? These are your options, cheapest and fastest first.