Anxiety and Depression Q & A

What are the symptoms of anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression have some overlapping symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and either an increased or decreased appetite. Each condition also has unique symptoms.

Depression symptoms include:

• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

• Feelings of guilt and hopelessness

• Apathy

• Excessive, persistent sadness

• Irritability and agitation

• Restlessness

• Poor concentration

Anxiety can also present symptoms related to excessive worrying thoughts. Other anxiety symptoms include:

• Racing or unwanted thoughts

• Hypervigilance

• Fear or feeling of impending doom

• Nausea

• Heart palpitations

• Feeling shaky

Symptoms of anxiety and depression can come and go and may be related to life circumstances, such as a change in jobs or a relationship loss. Other causes of anxiety and depression can be determined by your doctor.

What causes anxiety and depression?

In addition to situational anxiety or depression, which can be caused by a particular life situation, anxiety and depression can also be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in your brain. These chemicals, called neurotransmitters, are produced by specific areas of your brain and regulate your mood, energy levels, hunger, and feelings of well-being.

When your neurotransmitters are out of balance or aren’t being produced enough, you can experience anxiety and depression symptoms that are unrelated to your life situation. Neurotransmitter issues may run in families and can be influenced by your nutrition, overall health, and lifestyle.

Can anxiety and depressed be treated naturally?

Mild to moderate anxiety and depression can be managed with natural methods, though severe anxiety and depression and intense feelings of sadness or worry may also benefit from medication or talk therapy. Your doctor helps you determine which course of treatment is right for you based on your symptoms and emotional state.

To determine the levels of neurotransmitters produced by your brain, the team at LIFEstrength Health Center starts by ordering functional lab work. These tests specifically look at the levels of serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). If the levels are too low or imbalanced, your doctor recommends a holistic multipronged approach to manage your care.

Your care may involve nutritional counseling and supplements to replenish nutrients in your system that are precursors to neurotransmitter production, strategies to decrease inflammation and repair your digestion and detoxification pathways, and stress management. Your doctor works with you to develop a personalized strategy to improve your mood, energy, and feelings of well-being.

Learn more about the natural anxiety and depression treatments available at LIFEstrength Health Center by calling the office at 239-774-5433 or scheduling an appointment through email at Staff@LIFEstrengthHealthCenter.com.