Do anxiety and depression co-exist?

Great question!  Often, yes, they co-exist.  Kinda sucks, doesn't it?  The reason for this is simple and if you experience one or both, you will understand immediately.  If you are asking for a loved one, you will now have learned the intricacy of these disorders in brief.

Individuals plagued by anxiety often lose faith that there is relief for it.  They begin to avoid situations that elevate it and in turn become more and more down on themselves.  As this becomes the norm, depression creeps in and convinces them that they are helpless to fight the anxiety.  

Individuals plagued by depression view themselves in a negative fashion, meaning, they look down upon themselves and do not believe that they can move forward to combat it.  As depression expands, it causes additional situations and problems that an individual worries about, hence the presence of anxiety.

Untreated anxiety and depression become a vicious cycle.  To add insult, others who have never experienced either cannot fathom what they cannot see.  To aid in this endeavor, professionals often seek to educate not only family and friends of loved ones seeking treatment but also the communities in which they serve.