Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety & Depression services offered in St. Louis, MO

Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health challenges facing residents of St. Louis, Missouri. Help is available through the care of Usman Javaid, MD, and Melody Wilkinson, AGPCNP, at Prevention First LLC. When you’re ready to find relief from anxiety or depression, call the office to schedule a visit, or book online in just a few moments.  

Anxiety & Depression Q&A

What are anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression are mental health conditions that affect people of all ages and from all walks of life. These incredibly common conditions can alter the way you move through your days.

 

Anxiety

Anxiety is a necessary part of life, and it powers your “fight or flight” response. When fears and worries begin to overtake your days, anxiety is no longer working in your favor. People with anxiety are often unable to enjoy normal daily routines. 

 

Depression

Depression is more than sadness; it’s a pervasive state that affects every part of your day. People with depression often feel isolated and may not be able to perform normally in career and social roles. 

Researchers find that many people experience both anxiety and depression. While some are able to move beyond these conditions on their own over time, most require professional care to achieve the best improvements in quality of life. 

What are some signs I might be experiencing anxiety or depression?

Understanding the signs of anxiety and depression makes it easier to know when to seek help for yourself or a loved one. 

Some of the signs of anxiety include:

  • Fears that change normal behavior patterns
  • Sense of restlessness or tension
  • Digestive problems
  • Worries that can’t easily be controlled
  • Sweating or trembling
  • Sense of impending danger or doom

Some of the signs of depression include:

  • Pervasive sadness
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Problems concentrating or focusing
  • Loss of interest in things that once brought joy
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm (which should always prompt emergency medical care)

If you notice these changes, reach out to a medical professional to explore treatment options. 

How are anxiety and depression treated?

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to treat anxiety and depression. Both conditions respond well to talk therapy. Working with a counselor helps you identify thought patterns that are unhealthy and learn how to assess situations more accurately.  

Medication is also an effective tool for treating both depression and anxiety. Drug therapy is usually combined with some form of talk therapy, and your practitioner closely monitors your dosage and response to medication. 

You might be surprised at how powerful lifestyle modifications can be in treating anxiety and depression. Your practitioner helps you find ways to make meaningful improvements that are also sustainable. 

Prevention First LLC also treats attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition that usually begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. 

When you’re ready to begin, book a visit at Prevention First LLC online or by phone.