Understanding Anxiety and Depression

 Anxiety is more than just feeling nervous—it’s a persistent sense of fear or worry that can interfere with daily life. Common symptoms include:

• Excessive worrying, often about everyday situations
• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Difficulty concentrating
• Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath
• Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Muscle tension or unexplained aches
• Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety

While some anxiety is normal, chronic anxiety can make it difficult to function and enjoy life.

Symptoms of depression often go beyond occasional sadness—it includes prolonged feelings of emptiness or hopelessness that impact daily activities. Symptoms often include:

• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (see crisis lines below for emergency support)

Depression can vary in severity, but it’s important to seek support with managing depression if symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

Call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing severe suicidal thoughts/feelings and related-symptoms

Canada Suicide Prevention Service (CSPS): 

Call: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) 

Text: 45645 (4PM to 12AM ET)

Telehealth Ontario: 

1-866-797-0000 

Call 2-1-1 to Connect to Social Services

Kids Help Phone Call: 

1-800-668-6868 

text: 686868 (24/7 for Canadians aged 5 to 29) 

visit: www.kidshelpphone.ca

Seniors Safety Line Call: 

1-866-299-1011

Assaulted Women’s Helpline Call: 

416-863-0511 

text #SAFE(#7233)

Talk4Healing 24/7 Hotline for Indigenous Women Call: 

1-855-554-HEAL (4327)

Yellow Brick House 24-Hour Crisis Line Call: 

1-800-263-3247

Hope 24/7:

Call 1-800-810-0180

Hope for Wellness Help Line for Indigenous Persons 24/7:

Call: 1-855-242-3310