Anxiety & Depression

What are anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression are common mental health conditions that often appear together. Anxiety causes you to feel worried or fearful in everyday situations. Depression causes constant, extreme sadness. Treatment helps you feel better and gives you the best quality of life possible.

What are the symptoms of anxiety and depression?

The common symptoms of anxiety and depression include:

• Feeling fearful in everyday situations
• Anxiety in social situations
• Panic attacks
• Ongoing worry
• Constant or extreme sadness
• Thoughts of suicide
• Mood swings
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Avoiding things and conditions that cause fear or worry

Though anxiety and depression are common, see the San Fernando Medical Center team for an evaluation if these conditions affect your quality of life.

What are the risk factors for anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression can appear because of:

• Traumatic life situations
• Family history of anxiety and depression
• Ongoing stress
• Chronic disease or terminal illness
• Certain personality traits
• Social isolation

You can experience mental health struggles because of being in military combat, going through a divorce, experiencing a death in your family, being a victim of physical or sexual abuse, or other traumatic events.

How does my provider diagnose anxiety and depression?

To determine if you have anxiety, depression, or both, your San Fernando Medical Center provider asks about your symptoms, medical history, medication, and lifestyle.

They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and could order bloodwork or other diagnostic tests. During a mental health evaluation, your specialist asks about your thoughts, behavior patterns, mood, and emotions.

How are anxiety and depression treated?

The most common treatments for anxiety and depression are:

Lifestyle changes

To reduce mental health conditions, eat nutritious foods, try stress-reducing strategies, get regular exercise and plenty of sleep, spend time outdoors, and surround yourself with a strong social support network.

Medication

Taking medicines can reduce the crippling symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Counseling

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, teaches you ways to better cope with mental health conditions, improve your mood, and enhance your quality of life.

Schedule an appointment at San Fernando Medical Center by calling the office or booking one online today.