Anxiety and Depression

Constantly feeling fearful, down in the dumps, or anxious is something you don’t have to live with. At Humanitas Primary Care, Esteban Hennings, MD, in Las Vegas, Nevada, you get exceptional primary care that includes diagnosing and treating anxiety and depression to help you overcome problematic thoughts and behaviors. Schedule an evaluation by phone or online today.

What are anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression are mental health conditions that affect your mood, thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. The symptoms associated with these conditions range in severity from mild to severe and can hinder your quality of life when not addressed. See Dr. Hennings at the first sign of mood changes, extreme sadness, or constant worrying.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

If you have an anxiety disorder, you might experience:

• Ongoing worry
• Constant fear
• Anxiousness
• Avoidance of anxiety triggers
• Panic attacks
• Sweating or trembling
• Increased heart rate
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fear of social situations
• Phobias

You might also have depression, as depression and anxiety often appear together. 

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression can cause the following symptoms:

• Constant or extreme sadness
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Thoughts of suicide
• Fatigue
• Socially isolating from family and friends
• Physical aches and pains
• Substance misuse
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Shame or guilt
• Sleep, appetite, or weight changes

Depression may be situational (come and go), or it can be long-lasting when not addressed.

What may cause anxiety or depression?

While the cause of anxiety or depression isn’t always known, risk factors include a family history of mental health conditions, past trauma, and ongoing or extreme stress. Situational causes of depression might include the loss of a loved one, divorce, job loss, being lonely, or financial challenges.

How is an anxiety or depression diagnosis reached?

Diagnosing anxiety or depression involves a review of your medical history and a psychiatric evaluation that assesses your moods, emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns. At Humanitas Primary Care, Dr. Hennings then tailors a treatment plan based on your unique situation.

How are anxiety and depression treated?

Treating anxiety and depression often includes making lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing therapy. Dr. Hennings may refer you to a specialist if necessary. You could be a candidate for more than one type of treatment. 

It’s important to adopt healthy habits like getting regular exercise and plenty of sleep, eating nutritious foods, minimizing stress, and maintaining a strong social support network. Avoid smoking, drug use, and drinking alcohol in excess. 

Schedule an evaluation at Humanitas Primary Care, Esteban Hennings, MD, by phone or request one online today to get screened or treated for depression.