Experiencing unexplainable aches and pains lately? You might think those are signs of an undiagnosed physical illness.

However, those could be signs of an anxiety disorder or depressive illness according to the World Health Organization:

[...69 percent of patients with depression reported physical symptoms as the sole reason for their visit to their primary care doctor.]

In order to educate the general public and increase their awareness on the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depressive illnesses, as well as to assist individuals in finding help, 13 national health organizations have organized the National Anxiety and Depressive Awareness Week on May 6-12, 2007.

According to Mary Guardino, executive director of Freedom From Fear, a national nonprofit mental illness advocacy organization and one of the sponsors of the National Anxiety and Depressive Awareness Week:

"Anxiety and depressive illnesses are serious public health concerns. They greatly impair the individuals that suffer with them, as well as the lives of their family and friends.

Anxiety and depression cost our economy billions of dollars each year. However, the tragic cost is in human suffering which is immeasurable. These illnesses are real medical illnesses which can be successfully treated."

The National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week is being sponsored by the following:

• American Psychiatric Association
• American Psychological Association
• Anxiety Disorders Association of America
• Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
• Employee Assistance Professionals Association
• Families for Depression Awareness
• Freedom From Fear
• Mental Health America
• National Women's Health Resource Center
• National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems
• Obsessive Compulsive Foundation
• SPAN USA

You can also screen yourself and learn if you are suffering from an anxiety or depressive illness by calling 1-888-442-2022 or visiting the website of Freedom from Fear.

Read the full report.