Common Diabetes Myths to Stop Believing
Diabetes affects millions of people in the United States. However, many myths can prevent you from getting appropriate care for this treatable condition. Let's debunk some of the most common diabetes myths.
Depression and Anxiety are Soaring — How We Can Help
According to the World Health Organization(WHO), anxiety and depression cases have increased by 25% since the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. This number is concerning, especially if it includes you. But there’s help available when you can’t seem to get your depression or anxiety under control on your own.
At Central Clinic in Spring Hill, Florida, our team offers a safe space and compassionate care when you’re seeking help for your mental health. Dr. Poonam Malhotra is our experienced family and internal medicine specialist., and she offers personalized treatment when you need help getting back on track from anxiety or depression.
Identifying anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are both mental health problems that affect the way you think, feel, and function. You can have one or the other, or both at the same time. However, the symptoms of each one are slightly different.
Anxiety is a constant feeling of worry or fear that interrupts your normal life. While some anxiety is normal, general anxiety disorder and other forms of this condition disrupt your day-to-day activities. You may avoid certain situations or suffer from a number of other symptoms, including:
- Trouble sleeping
- Rapid heart rate
- Restlessness
- Fast breathing
- Difficulty concentrating
Depression, on the other hand, is a mental health disorder that causes deep and persistent sadness. It’s more than just feeling the blues. Depression affects your life in many ways, and typically exhibits symptoms like:
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Changes in your sleep
- Not enjoying normal activities
- Weight loss or gain
- Irritability
- Thoughts of suicide
- Body aches
Depression is usually diagnosed when you have several of the above symptoms that don’t resolve after about two weeks. If you or those close to you notice that you’re just not yourself and can’t seem to shake the constant sadness, it’s a sign you need professional help.
When to seek help for mental health
When you have anxiety or depression, you may try to cope on your own in a number of different ways. While not everyone needs help, if you find yourself laying in bed most of the day or contemplating suicide, reach out to our team right away. When you can’t seem to get rid of your symptoms, or they begin to affect your life and relationships, our team helps you get back on track.
Your physical health may also be affected by anxiety and depression. Body aches, unexplained weight loss or gain, and trouble sleeping can severely affect your well-being. When your physical symptoms are too much to bear, treatment can certainly restore your mental health and physical well-being.
How our team treats anxiety and depression
When you reach out to our team for help, Dr. Malhotra takes your symptoms seriously. Anxiety and depression are treatable, and Dr. Malhotra offers several types of therapies, including:
Lifestyle changes
Dr. Malhotra suggests lifestyle changes to help you cope with anxiety and depression. This includes a healthy diet and incorporating exercise into your routine. Cutting back on caffeine consumption and avoiding drugs and alcohol can significantly improve your anxiety and depression symptoms.
Getting enough sleep is also key in treating these disorders. Dr. Malhotra helps you with a plan to allow you to get enough rest. These lifestyle changes help you improve your mood, and restore your normal functionality.
Medications
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough to treat your anxiety and depression, Dr. Malhotra offers medication therapy. Antidepressants are helpful in treating both anxiety and depression. Anti-anxiety medications are also sometimes used in conjunction with antidepressants.
It may take several medications until you find the one that works for you. Everyone reacts differently to the different forms of medication therapy, and it takes trial and error to find one that works for your symptoms.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is very helpful in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Dr. Malhotra offers this form of therapy to help you understand your feelings and change your perspective.
There are many forms of psychotherapy, depending on your symptoms and other factors that contribute to your illness.
Relaxation
Relaxation techniques are very helpful in treating anxiety as well as depression. These include yoga, meditation, and visualization practices. Relaxation goes a long way when you’re trying to overcome depression and anxiety.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you’re dealing with depression or anxiety. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Malhotra today, call the office in Spring Hill, Florida, at 352-254-5649, or request a consultation using our online scheduling tool.
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