Anxiety and Depression

Around 1 in 4 people in the United States has a mental health disorder, like anxiety disorders, which affect 19% of the population, and depression, affecting 10% of Americans. Skilled family nurse practitioner Cheryll Simmons, FNP-BC, MSN, MPH, at Wellsprings Natural Healthcare in Belcourt, North Dakota, diagnoses and treats anxiety and depression to restore mental well-being. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Wellsprings Natural Healthcare by phone or request one online today.

What is anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression are disorders that affect your mental health, including your emotions, behaviors, thoughts, and mood.

Anxiety disorders

While nearly everyone feels anxious from time to time, anxiety disorders are more severe. They can cause crippling anxiety, with its fear, worry, and panic attacks.

Depression

Depression is a mood disorder with symptoms of extreme or constant sadness that affects your ability to live your best life. It can cause fatigue, physical aches and pains, hopelessness, shame, guilt, social withdrawal, loss of interest in favorite things, and suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors.

What are the risk factors for anxiety and depression?

The risk factors for anxiety and depression include:

• Personal or family history of mental health disorders
• Chronic illnesses
• History of neglect or trauma
• Loss of a loved one
• Being a first responder
• Military combat
• Financial challenges
• Divorce
• Certain personality traits
• Lack of a solid social support network
• Ongoing or extreme stress

Adopting healthy habits can reduce the risk of mental health conditions. But you can’t necessarily avoid them, particularly if you have several risk factors.

How are anxiety and depression diagnosed?

Cheryll diagnoses anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders by completing an in-person or telehealth psychiatric evaluation. She assesses your emotions, mood, behaviors, and thoughts by asking questions. She might also order bloodwork or other diagnostic tests to rule out underlying medical problems.

How are anxiety and depression treated?

Treating anxiety and depression at Wellsprings Natural Healthcare typically consists of making lifestyle changes, undergoing therapy, or taking medicines. She often combines several treatments. Take medications exactly as instructed. Cheryll offers referrals to psychotherapy and support groups if you need these treatments.

It’s highly beneficial to exercise regularly, do stress-reducing activities often, eat nutritious foods, get 7-9 hours of sleep every night, and avoid smoking, drug use, and excessive alcohol. Have a solid social support network in place, and call Wellsprings Natural Healthcare anytime you need additional assistance.

Cheryll is always here for you. She offers pain management, medically supervised weight loss, and chronic disease management to further restore your quality of life.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth anxiety and depression evaluation at Wellsprings Natural Healthcare by phone or request one online today.