What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety doesn’t discriminate: Whether you’re a man or a woman, a child or an adult, it’s a problem that can really interfere with your day-to-day life. Some of the symptoms of anxiety can include:

• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• An imminent feeling of doom
• Accelerated heart rate
• Hyperventilation
• Shaking or tremors
• Weakness
• Sudden whole-body sweating
• Inability to concentrate
• Insomnia
• Stomach pain

If you’re suffering from these symptoms, but don’t know why, talk to your Lower Merion Family Medicine doctor to find out if you’re suffering from an anxiety disorder.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression and anxiety can have some similar symptoms, and they may occur at the same time, too. If you’re suffering from the following symptoms, you may have depression.

• Sadness
• Feeling of emptiness
• Feeling that life is pointless
• Irritability
• Sleep changes, such as insomnia or sleeping too much
• Eating changes, leading to significant weight loss or weight gain
• Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
• Inability to concentrate
• Suicidal thoughts or ideation

There may be other emotional and physical symptoms, as well. Every case of depression is unique, so talk to your Lower Merion Family Medicine if you’re struggling with intrusive symptoms, so you can find a solution together.

What is the treatment for anxiety and depression?

For both anxiety and depression, your treatment is completely customized by your Lower Merion Family Medicine physician. Your doctor may recommend one of the following options.

• Therapy: talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or other psychotherapy
• Medication: antidepressants or antianxiety medications, usually taken daily
• Healthy changes: lifestyle changes, including dietary and physical changes

After your doctor prescribes treatment, be sure that you stick with the plan, so you can feel better as soon as possible. It can take several weeks or possibly longer for medication to help with your symptoms, but once the right medicine is well-established in your body, you’ll enjoy long-term anxiety or depression relief.

If you’re taking medication for anxiety or depression, remember that you should never make changes to your dosage or quit taking your medicine without talking to your doctor first. Medication can be highly effective, but only if it’s taken as directed.

You don’t have to keep suffering from anxiety or depression any longer. Your Lower Merion Family Medicine doctor is here for you, so book your appointment online or by phone today.