ADAA's "What Is" Free Evidence-based Mental Health Videos

Looking for clear answers to questions like “What is anxiety?”, “What is depression?”, or “What is OCD?”? The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) offers a free evidence-based collection of “What Is..?” mental health videos designed to help the public understand common mental health conditions in simple, accessible language.

These free, evidence-based mental health education videos explain key topics including anxiety disorders, depression, major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), suicide prevention, and other related mental health conditions. Each video uses engaging animation and expert-reviewed information to make complex topics easier to understand.

In this video series, you will learn:

• What anxiety is and the most common anxiety symptoms
• What depression is, including signs of major depressive disorder
• What OCD is and how obsessive-compulsive disorder affects daily life
• Common causes and risk factors for anxiety and depression
• Evidence-based treatment options such as therapy and medication
• When to seek help for mental health concerns

Whether you are seeking information for yourself, a family member, a patient, or a student, ADAA’s mental health videos provide trusted, evidence-based education you can rely on. 

For more mental health resources, sign up for our free monthly Triumph newsletter; or if you need a therapist, explore ADAA's Find Your Therapist Directory.

Watch the full “What Is..?” series on the ADAA YouTube channel or explore the videos below to learn more about mental health symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for anxiety and depression.