What is depression?
Depression, also known as depressive disorder, is a mental health condition that leaves you feeling more than sad. Depression is characterized by various symptoms including:
- Trouble concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities you enjoy
- Trouble sleeping and changes in sleep patterns
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Guilty thoughts and hopelessness
- A decrease in physical activity
- Change in appetite
- Agitation
- Aches and pains
- Suicidal thoughts
Note that, to have depression, you do not need to have all of these symptoms. You simply need to experience some of them for at least two weeks at a time.
What are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions united by a main symptom: a constant, over-the-top sense of worry or fear during non-threatening situations.
People who occasionally feel anxious, such as before a performance review or in traffic, do not have an anxiety disorder.
Rather, people with anxiety disorders regularly experience a mixture of emotional and physical symptoms.
Emotional symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Feelings of dread or apprehension
- Feeling jumpy or tense
- Watching for signs of danger
- Anticipating worst-case scenarios
Examples of common physical symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Diarrhea and upset stomach
- Frequent urination
- Racing heart and sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Twitching or shaking
Different specific anxiety disorders have varying symptoms. Common types of anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Phobias
Scientists believe that the main causes of anxiety disorders are a combination of genetics and environment.
What is the treatment options for mental health disorders?
Every person is different, but in general, treatment for mental health disorders consists of one or more of the following:
- Medication (antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medications, etc.)
- Psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, family therapy, etc.)
- Mindfulness practices (meditation, relaxation techniques, etc.)
In addition, some patients benefit from practices and treatments like:
- Light therapy
- Exercise
- Acupuncture
- Nutritional plans
No matter your symptoms, if you’re struggling with mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, know that there are resources available to you with Dr. Gutierrez. Finding the right combination of treatments may take a while, but your health is worth it.
Take the first step towards wellness today by reaching out to Dr. Gutierrez for an assessment. You can book a same day or next day appointment without even calling with the online booking tool.
