I have to agree with Andrea, anxiety is the bigger problem, a precursor to other mental health problems.

I suffer from anxiety today but it only became apparent at the age of 44 when I suffered my first panic attacks. I can even trace the events over about a decade which eventually culminated into my anxiety disorder.

I disagree anxiety is an emotion, rather anxiety is a normal coping mechanism employed by the "self", the same as depression. Once formed these mental health issues will remain with you forever. However you can control them through acceptance and understanding, if you don't they will remain in control of you, as it appears they have with Andrea.

conitnued....