Believe it or not, nearly 30% of the population of the U.S. on any given day is depressed. Indeed, depression is often called the common cold of mental disorders. It usually occurs when we feel a loss or when our self-esteem has been attacked. It is also quite common to be anxious when one is depressed. Anxiety can also be experienced without depression. Usually it is experienced when a person feels he or she is losing control. For some of us a moderate amount of anxiety is a positive force towards “psyching us up” to perform more effectively. It is only when you begin to feel hopeless that you may be suffering from a clinical depression. Some of the signs of a relatively serious depression are: severely depressed mood, feelings of worthlessness, inability to concentrate, sleeping difficulties, and maybe even suicidal thoughts. Serious forms of anxiety are associated with feeling immobilized. Symptoms include: tremors and shakes, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. If you have any of these more serious forms of depression or anxiety, you should seek assistance from a mental health professional.