Depression and Anxiety

At WellCare, we are here to care for your physical health AND your mental health. And when you are feeling down, depressed, stressed, or anxious, we are here for you. We can help with medication and non-medication treatment options, and we can connect you with appropriate resources (such as therapy, support groups, or psychiatry specialists) as needed. We are here whenever you need us with convenient Telehealth appointments, and we always have same-day appointments available for urgent needs. 

What causes Depression and Anxiety?

Depression and anxiety are real and common medical conditions. They can occur together or separately. They may be triggered by life events or stressors or even influenced by genetics. They can also be caused by an imbalance of your normal brain chemicals. Overall, anxiety and depression can be influenced or brought on by a large variety of different factors that are often out of your control. If you are feeling down, depressed, or anxious - you are not alone, and you can always reach out to our caring team at WellCare for a convenient appointment to discuss these feelings and ways to help. 

Depression
Depression can begin for many reasons. You may experience a challenging life event or transition, like losing a job, moving, or separating from your partner. Suffering through things like bullying or emotional abuse often leads to depression. Sometimes depression arises without an obvious cause because it develops from an imbalance in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Whatever the cause, depression is a real and sometimes serious medical condition. It can be very mild or very severe. Sometimes depression can be mild or temporary enough to manage on your own, but other times you may need some extra help from a caring provider. At WellCare, we are experienced in diagnosing and treating depression (along with many other mental health conditions), and we are here for you whenever you need us with convenient, virtual appointments. 

Anxiety
Anxiety is the feeling of worry, fear, or dread that naturally arises when you face a stressful or dangerous situation or anticipate a difficult event. "Normal" anxiety can sometimes start to affect your physical and mental health when it starts to occur frequently, does not go away, or interferes with your ability to perform everyday tasks. When you start to feel this way, you can reach out to our qualified and caring team at WellCare to discuss your symptoms and concerns and develop a personalized plan of care. 

How will I feel with Depression or Anxiety?

If you are struggling with Depression, you may experience various symptoms, such as:

• Feeling sad, worthless, or hopeless
• Having fatigue or lacking motivation
• Losing interest in your favorite activities
• Isolating yourself from friends and family
• Eating too much or too little (sometimes with weight gain or loss)
• Sleeping more than usual or having difficulty sleeping
• Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
• Thinking about harming yourself or wishing you could go to sleep and not wake up

Anxiety can also cause a wide variety of symptoms such as: 

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

Panic attacks cause sudden, unexpected, and severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain, and dizziness.

What treatment will I need for Depression or Anxiety?

Depression and anxiety can both vary in severity and have many possible treatments. Good treatment regimens frequently include lifestyle changes such as increasing activity and exercise, working on a healthy diet, getting outside for fresh air on a regular basis, or stress reduction exercises. Treatment may also include some type of therapy and/or medication. At WellCare, we will work with you to develop the best treatment plan that is personalized to your unique needs and preferences. We are here for frequent follow-up and check-ins as often as you need them with our convenient, virtual appointments. 

At WellCare, we also treat many other common mental health conditions. If you have questions about specific conditions or symptoms, please reach out to us!

If you are ever having serious thoughts of harming yourself or others you should seek emergency help right away by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency department.

You can also reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988.