Everybody feels some anxiety and depression from time to time. Sadness, nervousness, and worry often accompany major life changes or everyday challenges, such as losing a loved one or interviewing for an important job.
However, anxiety, sadness, and hopelessness should resolve themselves in days to weeks. If these uncomfortable feelings persist for more than a short time or interfere with your ability to function normally, it’s time to seek professional help.
If you live in the Houston, Texas area, Ranjit Grewal, MD, recommends seeking professional help when you experience long-lasting changes in your mood and behavior. You don’t have to keep feeling low or scared. Dr. Grewal and our team at Houston Family MD in Cypress, Texas can help.
You may be reluctant to label your feelings of sadness as a mental health disorder, even when it persists. However, you don’t need to feel ashamed or hide your condition. Depression is common: More than 7% of the adult population in the United States suffers from a major depressive disorder. Teens and kids also experience bouts of depression.
Depression isn’t just feeling “sad” or “blue” for a day or two. Depression affects your daily life and can create feelings of hopelessness. This persistent condition can show up as:
If you’re depressed, you may also start to feel that your life is pointless. If you feel suicidal or like you might do other harm to yourself or others, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline right away at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
More than 18% of the adult population in the United States has some form of anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental health disorder. If you feel anxious every now and then, that’s normal and just part of life. Episodes of intense anxiety and fear about everyday situations, however, may signal a disorder.
Anxiety doesn’t just manifest in a singular way. You can have a generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety surrounding social situations, or specific phobias. If you find your anxiety is out of proportion to the situation at hand, and that you change your life to avoid anxiety-provoking instances, you’d benefit from professional help.
You should suspect some form of an anxiety disorder if you chronically experience:
When you avoid situations that cause you anxiety, your world -- and your opportunities -- shrink.
You most should seek professional help if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of depression or anxiety for longer than a short period of time. Anxiety and depression can also coexist – you don’t always just have one or the other mental health condition.
If you have anxiety and/or depression, we may recommend:
With help, you can overcome depression and anxiety and find joy in life again. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Grewal, contact our office by phone or email. You can also book an appointment online.
