mental health

letter to the doctor

Learn more about how to better manage depression on a daily basis and let us know if you have any tips you’d like to share.

I am a 55 year old Caucasian male. I was diagnosed with depression by my family doctor. Some questions and concerns remain. I would be grateful if you could provide some guidance to understand the situation better.

James S.

Physician Expert Insights on How Best to Manage Depression

Dear Mrs. ,

I hope this answer cheers you up. I would like to congratulate you on taking an important step towards improving your mental health.

A new diagnosis of depression can be daunting. Feel free to talk to our healthcare team. We also want you to understand that we are here to support and guide you (and others) in achieving better mental health.

With your new diagnosis, there are a few things you should know. It also explains what to expect and highlights important aspects to watch out for when managing your condition.

Depression can look different on a daily basis.

To better understand your symptoms of depression, try evaluating your symptoms every two weeks. You may also consider keeping a symptom diary. However, check him for symptoms every two weeks.

However, if you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, call your doctor, 911, or 988 immediately.

monitor symptoms

As you start observing symptoms, know that depression can manifest in many ways. These symptoms can be emotional and physical.

Here are some of the main symptoms of depression. Note that not all of these symptoms will occur.

• Persistent sadness or depression.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed.
• Appetite and weight changes (increase or decrease).
• Insomnia or excessive sleep.
• Fatigue and lack of energy.
• feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Using PHQ-9

Track any changes you notice and communicate them to your healthcare provider using the following tools: PHQ-9 questionnaire.

Please fill in the necessary items and submit the results to your doctor.

time the medicine takes effect

Many people expect their depression medication to start working right away. You should know that in general this is not the case. Do not stop your medication during this critical time.

It is important to be patient and devoted to treatment. Accept that it may take some time to notice significant improvements.

Most people see improvement within two weeks of starting antidepressants. However, in some cases it may take up to 6 weeks before you can see/experience significant changes.

Other steps

In addition to prescription drugs, there are several options to help manage your symptoms.

These include:

• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Engage in activities that you enjoy.
• Lifestyle changes such as improved sleep habits and regular exercise.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation.
• Keep a journal to express your thoughts and feelings.

You and your health care team will work together to determine the treatment plan that best suits your individual needs.

Don’t Ignore These Symptoms

Most importantly: Never ignore severe symptoms of depression.

Call your doctor, 911, or 988 if any of the following occur:

• Suicidal ideation or planning.
• Significant increase in symptom severity.
• Inability to care for oneself or complete daily tasks.
• Substance abuse or other harmful coping mechanisms.

Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance of open communication throughout this process. We encourage you to share any concerns or questions you may have as they help our medical team tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs.

They are committed to supporting you on your journey to better mental health.

warmly,

Dr. Puja Upal, Family Medicine.

If you live in Prescott Valley, here are some stats that show you’re not alone on your depression and mental health journey.

• Did you know that 22.2% of adults living in Yavapai County have depression?
• Life expectancy in Yavapai County is 78.4 years.
• Yavapai County has a mental health provider ratio of 477:1.
• 8.0% of adults have diabetes.
• In Yavapai County, 28.0% have high blood pressure.
• 16.7% of you have no health insurance.
• 17.4% of adults in Yavapai County say they smoke.

All of these variables can affect your mental health in Arizona.

Mental Health in Arizona

The chart below shows the percentage of adults diagnosed with depression in each Arizona county.

The data is spectacular when you realize that Many of our neighbors are also suffering under the same conditions.

It’s time to go out and say hello!

Health Criteria Newswire. Data/CDC

health standards newswire