Anxiety And Depression

What are anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression are two different types of mental health disorder that often co-occur. Whether you have one, the other, or both, you may find that these complications have widespread effects on your health and wellbeing. 

Anxiety and depression have some commonalities, but they’re not exactly the same:

Anxiety

Anxiety, or generalized anxiety, is a mental health disorder that causes frequent and often irrational fears and hesitations. Other anxiety disorders that involve these feelings include panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder. 

Depression

Depression, or major depressive disorder, causes ongoing or frequent low moods, such as sadness, hopelessness, and losses of interest in various activities you normally enjoy. 

What are some early signs of anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression share many of the same signs and symptoms, and you may not be able to distinguish which condition you may have without professional input. In fact, an expert diagnosis is the first necessary step in finding a way to manage your condition and reduce symptoms. 

General early signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety include:

• Mood changes
• Energy changes
• Appetite changes
• Trouble with concentrating and decision-making
• Insomnia
• Less productivity in work or school 

Even if you don’t notice some of these changes in yourself, someone else who knows you well might point them out to you. Symptoms like these can come from other mental and physical conditions too, so you should visit Dr. Leach’s office when they start to have an impact on your life. 

How can I manage anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression respond well to many of the same treatments. Dr. Leach develops a care plan for you involving strategies like:

Prescription medications

Prescriptions, such as antidepressants for depression or anti-anxiety medications for anxiety, can help balance your brain’s chemistry to improve symptoms affecting your mental health. 

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy and medications both work best when you use them together. Psychotherapy, talk therapy, or counseling helps you learn coping strategies for your symptoms. 

Lifestyle modifications

Making some changes to your lifestyle benefits you as you navigate life with depression, anxiety, or both. Dr. Leach makes personalized recommendations such as implementing a healthy stress-relief plan, getting consistent sleep, improving your diet, or including exercise in your routine. 

For more information on anxiety and depression or the treatments for either condition, call the team at Family Medicine of Florida, or book an appointment online today.