Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety can be overwhelming and make daily life hard.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling sadness very often
- Losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Trouble sleeping
- Eating too little or too much
- Low energy
Symptoms of anxiety include:
- Feeling restless and nervous much of the time
- Fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, or sweating
- Trouble controlling worry or unwanted thoughts
These feelings may make it hard for you to work, go to school, or be with your family and friends.
Asking a doctor for help with these feelings is the best thing you can do for yourself.
Small Changes can Help you Feel Better
Your doctor or a person called a behavioral health provider can help you feel better. They can teach you how to make little changes to your life to manage your depression or anxiety. This may include:
- Doing relaxation exercises, like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
- Going outside for a walk or starting an exercise program
- Quitting smoking or drinking alcohol
- Eating healthfully
Lifestyle changes are most important but in some cases, your doctor may also prescribe medicine called an antidepressant.
Antidepressants usually start to help you feel better within 2 weeks. It may take 4-6 weeks before you feel the full effect of the medicine.
You may have some side effects from your medication. They usually improve after 2 weeks. If side effects last longer than 2 weeks, talk to your doctor.
It is very important to take your medication the way your doctor instructs. Talk to your doctor before stopping your medication.
Your HealthPoint Team is Here to Help You Manage Depression and Anxiety
Clinical review by: Cara Dalbey, PsyD. HealthPoint Behavioral Health Consultant
Reviewed: November 22, 2020
Sources: American Psychological Association
This information is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your Doctor or Behavioral Health staff with any questions about your health.