Anxiety and depression are very common among all age groups and affect both genders. They are not the same but can have overlapping symptoms. Many people experience both anxiety and depression on a regular basis. For some, their daily living is disrupted. If this is the case for you, know that you’re not alone and there is help.
Getting screened is a big step toward mental freedom. Keep reading for signs and symptoms that you should get screened for anxiety and depression.
Signs You Should Get a Mental Health Screening
There are both biological and environmental reasons a person might experience anxiety, depression or both. They might run in your family, or maybe your life is filled with too much stress. You could even be battling a chronic health condition that makes everything worse, or maybe you went through a traumatic event.
If you recognize these symptoms, reach out to your health care provider for the support you deserve.
Anxiety Symptoms
- Appetite changes
- Constant worrying
- Difficulty concentrating
- Edginess
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Nervousness
- Shortness of breath
- Stomachache
If your anxiety if harming your physical well-being (loss of sleep, digestive issues, pain), you have anxiety about more than one area of your life, your symptoms are interfering with your daily functioning, and they persist for more than six months — it is important you reach out to your doctor for next steps.
Depression Symptoms
- Aches and pains that don’t go away
- Constant, intense sadness
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling worthless
- Fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of energy
- Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Loss of appetite
- Thoughts of harming yourself
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
If you feel sad or hopeless most of the time, you’ve lost interest in most activities, you have little to no energy most of the time, your weight has changed and you have trouble sleeping, you’re likely experiencing depression symptoms.
How Do Mental Health Screenings Work?
A mental health screening is a standard set of questions you answer to help your health care provider check for signs of a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. The questions help the provider learn more about your mood, thinking, behavior and memory.
Your screening might include a psychological evaluation from your primary care provider or a mental health professional and blood work to check for imbalances in your blood chemistry.
Your primary care provider might use your mental health screening to help decide if you should see a mental health provider for more testing and treatment.
Depression and anxiety are treatable, natural conditions that can be controlled through medication, therapy and lifestyle adjustments, all under the supervision of a trusted mental health specialist.
Mental Health Care With Heart
Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or any other mental-health issue, we offer treatments at AdventHealth to help you feel whole again — from support groups or one-on-one therapy to advanced treatment and medication plans.
No matter how you choose to reclaim the joy and confidence you deserve, our experienced team will be by your side with the expert care and support you need to feel healthy and whole. Visit us here to learn more.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or distress, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free and confidential support, available 24/7.
