Chronic care
Ongoing care for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and thyroid conditions, with a plan you can keep.
Learn moreYour family doctor can help with anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are common, and they are real health conditions. They are not a sign of weakness. For many people, the first place to get help is their family doctor. Your provider already knows your health history and your medicines, which makes it easier to sort out what is going on and plan care that fits you.
If you are in crisis
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger. You can also chat with a counselor at 988lifeline.org. The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7, and your conversations are confidential.
At Beckett Ridge Family Medicine, we care for teens and adults from West Chester Township, Liberty Township, Mason and nearby communities. You can bring up your mood at any visit, or call to schedule a visit just to talk about it.
Signs it may be time to talk with someone
Everyone feels worried or down sometimes. It may be time to see your provider if feelings like these last for weeks or get in the way of work, school, sleep or relationships:
- Feeling sad, empty or hopeless much of the time
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Worry that is hard to control
- Feeling restless, on edge or easily irritated
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
- Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, tense muscles or stomach upset
Screening and evaluation
Your provider will ask about your mood, sleep, stress and daily life. You may be asked to answer a short set of screening questions. Your provider will also review your medicines, alcohol and substance use, and other health conditions.
Some physical health problems can cause or worsen symptoms of anxiety or depression, so your provider may do a physical exam and order lab work as needed. If you also have ongoing fatigue or brain fog, our functional medicine–informed care can look at other factors that may be involved.
Treatment options
There is no single treatment that works for everyone. Your provider will talk with you about options and help you choose a plan you are comfortable with. Care may include:
- Talk therapy. Counseling can help you learn skills to manage worry, low mood and stress. We can refer you to a counselor or therapist.
- Medication when appropriate. Several types of medicine are used for anxiety and depression. Your provider will explain how they work, possible side effects and what to expect. Some medicines take a few weeks to show their full effect.
- Healthy habits. Sleep, physical activity and staying connected with others can support your mood alongside other treatment.
- Regular follow-up. We check in to see how you are doing and adjust your plan when needed.
If you take a medicine for anxiety or depression, do not stop it suddenly without talking with your provider first.
Referrals to counselors and psychiatry
Some people need more support than a family practice can provide. We refer patients to counselors, therapists and psychiatrists when it is the right next step, for example if symptoms are severe, if a medicine is not helping, or if you would benefit from specialized care. We stay involved in your overall health while you work with them.
Getting help after hours
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
