Everyone experiences moments of low mood or stress. Low mood typically centers on sadness or gloominess, where stress typically centers on worry or fear. These feelings are related, though, and sometimes people have both.

Sometimes people develop panic or phobias if stress levels get out of control. People can start to avoid certain stressful situations in an effort to keep stress symptoms down. In the long run, though, avoidance makes things worse.
 
Low mood and gloominess can develop as a result of feeling ineffective in daily life. People can feel stuck, like there are no good choices. Over time, some people expect the worst and feel like there is no point in trying.

Depression and anxiety are both treatable psychologically. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive therapy and behavior therapy, have been shown to be very effective in dealing with depression and anxiety. These psychological treatments get people to evaluate their thought process and try to find illogical or overly negative thinking. More realistic thinking is a goal. In addition, people evaluate their activities to see if engaging in new activities could bring positive results, through desensitization of fears and improving self confidence.

The positive psychology movement offers ways that people can improve their general level of happiness and adjustment. Psychotherapy, then, can offer not just a reduction in depression and anxiety, but also a way to increase quality of mental life.

Some people want to try medicines for depression and/or anxiety, and I can refer to physicians if needed. Even for people who take medicines, however, learning about psychological management of depression and anxiety can provide you with life-long skills.