What are the signs of anxiety and depression?
Everyone feels worried or down sometimes. Anxiety and depression are different because the feelings last for weeks, feel hard to control, and get in the way of daily life. They are common medical conditions, not a sign of weakness, and they can be treated.
- Feeling sad, empty or hopeless most days
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Constant worry, restlessness or feeling on edge
- Trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite or energy
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
- Physical symptoms like a racing heart, headaches or an upset stomach
Can a family doctor treat anxiety and depression?
Yes. Many people get mental health care from their primary care doctor. Your family doctor knows your health history and can check for physical causes, such as thyroid problems or side effects of medicines, that can affect mood.
At Westwood Family Medicine in Bluefield, Dr. Le treats your mental health alongside your physical health. Visits are private, and you can talk openly without judgment. Anxiety and depression often happen alongside other long-term conditions, such as chronic pain or diabetes, and treating them together can help you feel better overall.
What treatments are available?
Treatment is based on your symptoms, your goals and what has helped you before. Your plan may include:
- Talk therapy, also called counseling or psychotherapy, often with a referral to a local counselor
- Medicine, if it is a good fit for you, with regular check-ins to see how it is working
- Healthy habits that support mood, like regular sleep, physical activity and time with others
- A referral to a psychiatrist for more complex care when needed
How long does treatment take?
Many people start to feel better within a few weeks to a few months of starting treatment. Follow-up visits, in person or by telehealth, let Dr. Le check your progress and adjust the plan. Keep taking any medicine as prescribed and talk with him before stopping it.
What happens at a mental health visit?
Your first visit is a conversation. Dr. Le asks about your mood, worries, sleep and how you are managing day to day. You may fill out a short questionnaire that helps measure anxiety or depression symptoms. He may also order blood work to rule out physical causes. Together you decide on a first step, and you set a time to follow up. Everything you share is kept private.
Common questions about anxiety and depression
How do I know if I have anxiety or just stress?
Stress usually eases when the stressful situation passes. Anxiety tends to last, feel out of proportion to what is happening, and get in the way of work, sleep or relationships. If worry has been hard to control for several weeks, a visit with your doctor can help sort it out.
Can I get depression treatment through telehealth?
Often, yes. Many follow-up visits for anxiety and depression can be done by video from home, which can make it easier to keep up with care. Your first visit or some check-ins may be best in person. Call us to find out what fits your situation.
Is medicine always needed for depression?
No. Mild depression may improve with talk therapy and healthy habits alone. For moderate or severe depression, medicine, therapy, or both together often work best. Your doctor will talk with you about the options and help you choose a plan you are comfortable with.
Learn more from trusted sources
This page is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. Talk with Dr. Le about your own care.