Anxiety and Depression

If you struggle with anxiety and depression, you’re not alone, as about 1 in 4 adults in the United States has a mental health disorder. At Diversity Health Clinic LLC in Germantown, Maryland, experienced family nurse practitioners Akukeng Mba, FNP, Abraham Mbangowah, FNP, and their team treat anxiety and depression to rediscover joy and a sense of calm. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

What are anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression are mental health conditions characterized by a sense of fear in everyday situations or constant sadness. These two conditions are common and often appear together. While everyone feels anxious or sad occasionally, ongoing symptoms could negatively affect your way of life if left untreated.

What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorder may cause:

• Ongoing anxiousness in everyday situations
• Fear 
• Worry
• Embarrassment
• Avoiding social situations
• Panic attacks
• Phobias
• Trembling
• Racing heartbeat
• Sweating

A panic attack might make it more difficult for you to breathe or feel like a heart attack. 

Varying forms of anxiety disorders exist, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and numerous others. 

What are the symptoms of depression? 

Depression may lead to:

• Loss of interest in favorite things
• Withdrawing socially
• Ongoing or extreme sadness
• Fatigue
• Physical aches and pains
• Thoughts of suicide
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Weight loss or gain
• Substance misuse

Anxiety and depression may appear because of trauma, negative life experiences, genetics, or changes in brain chemistry. You might feel depressed because of the loss of a loved one, ongoing stress, financial challenges, divorce, or a serious medical diagnosis. However, the cause of mental health disorders isn’t always clear. 

How are anxiety and depression diagnosed?

The Diversity Health Clinic LLC team discusses your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle habits, medications, and more. They complete a psychiatric evaluation by asking about your mood, thoughts, and behaviors to determine if you have anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. 

How are anxiety and depression treated?

Often, treating anxiety and depression involves taking medications, making lifestyle changes, or undergoing therapy. The Diversity Health Clinic LLC experts can help you manage any medications or make referrals for counseling if necessary. 

Staying active, minimizing stress, getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating nutritious foods are essential to optimizing overall wellness. 

Follow up with Diversity Health Clinic LLC as needed to ensure your treatment is effective, and call the office any time with questions.

Schedule an evaluation at Diversity Health Clinic LLC by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.