Nervousness or anxiety is natural and healthy before an interview or important meeting. But anxiety becomes an issue when it interferes with daily activities and is persistent. Anxiety disorders are characterized by recurring feelings of anxiety, concern, and agitation, even when there does not seem to be a cause. Talk therapy, medication, or a combination of the two are common treatments for anxiety. If anxiety persists or worsens, it is best to see a psychiatrist.

Many people suffer from depression, which is characterized by emotions of anger, melancholy, and despair. It should be noted that many people may have these feelings and not have depression; they are typically only considered debilitating when they last for at least two weeks and interfere with everyday life. Those with depression may be reluctant to seek assistance because they cannot foresee a better future or take the first step toward recovery due to their feelings of despair and poor self-worth. Talking with a psychiatrist can help improve a patient's mental health.

It is normal and natural to be scared of spiders, snakes, heights, or public speaking. However, a phobia is an overreaction to a fear that has a negative impact on one's daily life. People with phobias are often aware of the irrationality of their concerns, yet they are powerless to modify their behavior. Patients may work with a psychiatrist to figure out the fear's cause and how to mitigate it.

A person's mood fluctuations may indicate an underlying mental disease, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or depression. While bipolar disorder is a mental illness that may cause extreme mood swings, it can also produce many physical symptoms. For those who have bipolar illness, there are times when they feel euphoric and other times when they feel down and exhausted. Patients may seem perfectly normal in the intervals between their mood swings.