If you regularly feel sad or despondent and you’ve lost interest in hobbies or activities you used to love, it may be due to depression. Depression is more than a low mood. It causes persistent symptoms that last for months or even longer. At Total Family Medical in Robert, Louisiana, the primary care specialists diagnose and treat depression. Book an in-person or telemedicine appointment with Total Family Medical by calling the office or booking online today.
Depression is a mental illness characterized by lengthy periods of sadness and disinterest in work, hobbies, or other routine activities. It affects how you think, feel, and behave and can increase your risk of physical health problems.
Depression doesn’t make you weak, and it isn’t something you can think your way out of. Even so, it’s possible to manage and treat. Many people with depression respond well to conservative measures of care like counseling, medication, and healthy lifestyle changes.
It’s normal to experience anxiety before a major life event like a job interview or presentation. But if your symptoms persist every day for weeks or even months, you might have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders cause intense feelings of panic or fear. They can cause you to avoid certain situations, negatively affect your physical health, and interfere with daily activities.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety, and specific phobias. If you regularly experience stomach upset, a rapid heartbeat, or sweaty palms, don’t wait to seek professional help at Total Family Medical.
Common symptoms of depression include:
As your depression gets worse, you might also experience suicidal thoughts or ideations.
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
Over time, anxiety can cause you to avoid certain activities or people. You might even find yourself staying at home rather than visiting with friends or family.
Total Family Medical diagnoses depression and anxiety by conducting a physical exam, performing a psychiatric evaluation, and reviewing your medical history. Then your provider asks you about your lifestyle and symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, and if there are any events or activities that trigger them.
If your Total Family Medical provider suspects your symptoms are due to an underlying health problem, they order laboratory tests like blood work and urinalysis.
Treatment for depression and anxiety depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effects on your quality of life. Whenever possible, Total Family Medical recommends conservative measures of care like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and managing your stress levels.
If these measures don’t provide significant relief, you might benefit from atypical antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, or anti-anxiety medication. You might also benefit from talk therapy or counseling.
To receive treatment for depression and anxiety, schedule a consultation at Total Family Medical. Book an in-person or telemedicine appointment with the online scheduling tool or call the office today.