What is depression?
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.
What is anxiety?
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.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Memory difficulties
- Personality changes
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep problems
- Loss of interest in sex
As your depression gets worse, you might also experience suicidal thoughts or ideations.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Feeling restless, nervous, or tense
- Having an increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Feeling weak or tired
- Trouble sleeping
- Constant, irrational worries
- Breathing heavily
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.
How are depression and anxiety diagnosed?
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.
How are depression and anxiety treated?
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.
