Mental Health Specialist

What is mental health?

Your mental health encompasses your emotional, psychological, and social wellness and well-being. It affects how you feel and behave, as well as how you interact with others. 

Your mental health is essential to your overall health throughout every stage of your life. However, changes in mental health can occur at any time due to:

• Genetics
• Alteration in brain chemistry
• Traumatic life experience

Mental health problems are common and require treatment like any other illness. With the right care you can feel better, and many people even experience a full recovery.

What is depression?

Depression is a common mood disorder that leads to ongoing feelings of sadness and despair. The condition alters how you think and feel and may affect your social and physical health. 

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sadness
• Loneliness
• Hopelessness
• Changes in sleep patterns (sleep too much or too little)
• Lack of interest in activities
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Anxiety
• Slow thinking
• Difficulty concentrating
• Physical pain that has no known cause

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, call Family Care & Wellness to schedule an appointment. The team can develop a treatment plan that helps you feel more like your usual self. 

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal feeling that often develops when you’re excited or nervous. Though normal, if your anxiety is ongoing and interfering in your everyday life, then you may have an anxiety disorder. 

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:

• Feeling restless or tense
• Nervousness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Trembling or sweating
• Hyperventilation
• Inability to control worry

If your anxiety is affecting your ability to manage your day-to-day responsibilities, contact the team at Family Care & Wellness for help. 

What can I expect during a mental health exam?

The team at Family Care & Wellness takes a patient-centered approach to care, focusing on your whole health, not your symptoms or diagnosis. The team reviews your health concerns, symptoms, and medical and family history, and completes a physical and mental health exam. Lab work may also be collected to rule out a medical cause for your mental health changes.

After your exam, the team partners with you and develops a treatment plan to improve your mental health, which may include prescription drugs, a referral to a mental health specialist, an exercise program, and diet changes. Dedicated to helping you live your best life, the team closely monitors you at regular follow-up appointments and updates your plan as needed.

For compassionate mental health management from a patient-centered team, call Family Care & Wellness today.