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Depression and Anxiety

Behavioral Health & Recovery located in Washington, DC
Depression and Anxiety services offered in Washington, DC

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health disorders diagnosed in children, teens, and adults. Gregory Obiwuma, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MSN, BSN, RN, and the caring team at New Era Recovery and Behavioral Health LLC in Washington, DC, offer comprehensive mental health care for people of all ages. They have helped many people overcome depression and anxiety with treatments tailored to meet each person’s age and challenges. To schedule a telehealth or in-person appointment, call the office or connect online today.

Depression and Anxiety Q & A

What causes depression and anxiety?

Depression and anxiety may occur alone, but 60% of people primarily diagnosed with one also struggle with the other. Both conditions may be triggered by life events, but they have different causes:

Depression

Depression often occurs when you experience a challenging life event, such as losing your job, developing an illness, or separating from your partner. Depression may also begin when neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) become imbalanced. Alternately, depression arising from a life challenge may alter your brain chemicals, causing long-lasting depression.

 

Anxiety

Anxiety is the natural feeling you have when you worry about or fear a future event or face a dangerous situation. Your emotions trigger the release of hormones that give you the energy to deal with (or escape from) the circumstance. After the event, your feelings and hormones return to normal.

Anxiety disorders begin when you can’t stop the dread, change your daily life to avoid things that make you anxious, and frequently feel anxious (even if you don’t face a known event).

 

What are the symptoms of depression and anxiety?

Depression causes mild to debilitating symptoms, such as:

  • Lacking energy
  • Feeling sad, hopeless. and worthless
  • Staying away from friends and family
  • Losing interest in your favorite activities
  • Eating more or less than usual
  • Gaining or losing weight
  • Sleeping more than usual or having insomnia
  • Struggling to concentrate and make decisions
  • Thinking about suicide

People with major depressive disorder (MDD) experience symptoms for two weeks or longer.

Each anxiety disorder has unique symptoms. But all anxiety disorders cause one or more of the following:

  • Fear, dread, and worry
  • Restlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Panic attacks

Panic attacks often feel like you’re having a heart attack, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and sweating.

 

How are depression and anxiety treated?

The New Era Recovery and Behavioral Health LLC team creates individualized treatment plans based on the cause of your anxiety or depression and the severity of your symptoms. However, the primary treatment for both disorders includes psychotherapy and/or medication.

The team also provides holistic care, recommending lifestyle changes that support your mental health and help you overcome depression and anxiety.

You can regain balance in your life with caring support at New Era Recovery and Behavioral Health LLC. Don’t wait to call the office or schedule an appointment online today.