depression

Can a Primary Care Physician Treat My Depression?

Depression is not just feeling sad; it can touch every part of your life—how you think, feel, and even your health. Many people suffer quietly, unsure of where to find help. While therapists are well-known for treating depression, your primary care physician (PCP) is also a great starting point. They are a medical professional you already trust, and they can help begin your treatment.

If you or someone you know feels hopeless, sad, or unmotivated, remember you are not alone. This article will show how your PCP can be an important part of getting the help you need.

Understanding Depression and Why Seeking Help Matters

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, yet it often goes untreated. Symptoms include changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels. These can easily be mistaken for everyday stress or even physical illnesses.

Unfortunately, these misconceptions often prevent people from seeking the care they desperately need. Your primary care physician can bridge this gap. They are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing symptoms of depression. The familiarity and trust between you and your PCP make them uniquely positioned to address your concerns.

Depression does not improve without action. Seeking help prevents symptoms from worsening and opens up a pathway toward recovery.

Your PCP can be a reassuring resource to guide you toward effective solutions.

What Can a Primary Care Physician Do for Depression?

You might be wondering how your primary care doctor can help with your depression. The answer lies in their comprehensive approach to health.

Primary care doctors are trained to manage physical health, as well as emotional and mental well-being.

Screening and Diagnosis

One of the first steps in treating depression is identifying it. Your primary care physician can conduct screenings during a routine visit. This is often done through a short, straightforward questionnaire designed to assess your mood and emotions. You might be asked about changes in sleep patterns, energy levels, or feelings of sadness.

These screenings are not meant to label you—they are tools to help understand what you are going through.

Once depression is identified, your PCP can make an initial diagnosis. They can help determine whether you are experiencing mild, moderate, or severe depression. Your doctor can do this using your medical history and current symptoms.

For many patients, this first conversation is a significant relief. Finally, they have a name for what they are feeling, along with a clear direction for what to do next.

Creating a Treatment Plan

A primary care physician does not just diagnose depression. They can also collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment often starts with lifestyle modifications that can make a real difference. Your doctor might recommend strategies like regular exercise, an improved sleep routine, or mindfulness practices.

For those who need it, PCPs can prescribe antidepressants and explain how these medications work. They monitor your progress and adjust the dosage as needed.

Medication might not be suitable for everyone. However, it can be a life-changing tool when combined with other therapies.

Coordinating Care with Specialists

Sometimes, depression requires more advanced care, such as therapy or treatment from a psychiatrist. Your primary care physician can help connect you to the right specialists. They will coordinate your care, ensuring a smooth transition.

This level of involvement means you will not feel left to figure out complex mental health systems on your own. Even as specialists come into the picture, your PCP remains a central part of your care team.

Routine follow-ups help monitor both emotional progress and physical health concerns. This creates a holistic approach to recovery.

Offering a Safe and Compassionate Space

Opening up about depression can feel intimidating. The thought of discussing feelings or vulnerabilities with someone might seem overwhelming.

However, your primary care physician provides a safe and non-judgmental environment for these conversations. Having someone who listens and offers solutions can be incredibly validating.

Monitoring Physical Health During Treatment

Depression often affects physical health in ways that are not obvious at first. It may manifest as weight fluctuation due to changes in appetite or fatigue impacting daily tasks.

Your PCP ensures these physical symptoms do not go unnoticed. They address how depression impacts your body while supporting your emotional health.

This offers a more complete form of treatment.

When Should You See Your Primary Care Physician for Depression?

Knowing when to seek help can feel confusing, especially if you have been managing your symptoms alone.

Do you notice persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, or feelings of worthlessness? Do these feelings last over two weeks or more?

If so, consider reaching out to a primary care doctor near you. Do not wait for symptoms to become unbearable—early intervention can prevent them from escalating. If you have a trusted relationship with your primary care physician, they are a great first choice for seeking help.

Talking to someone who knows your medical history, habits, and health can make addressing depression less daunting.

The Best Primary Care Physician Near Me in Wellington, FL

Depression can make the path forward seem unclear. However, starting with your primary care physician offers clarity and hope. Treatments are effective, accessible, and designed to work for you. Are you ready to take that first step? Trust the best primary care physician in Wellington committed to addressing your mental and physical health.

Advanced Medical Clinic is led by Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene. Together, we offer compassionate care tailored to meet your needs. Whether it is a depression screening, medication management, or connecting you with specialists, we are here to help. If you are looking for the top primary care physician near you, call (561) 434-1935 to schedule a consultation.

You do not have to face depression alone. Expert, empathetic primary care near you is just a call away. We look forward to serving you!

 

 

 

 

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23467-primary-care-physician

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9290-depression

 

Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss

If you’re overweight, the first sign of unexplained weight loss might be somewhat welcome. Chalk it up to any number of rational explanations, but when the weight continues to fall off without dieting or making an effort, you realize it’s time to be concerned.

Unexplained weight loss is never a good sign. While someone might be losing weight without trying – the cause could be depression, stress or even a tapeworm – the cause can be fairly easily determined with some simple medical detective work.

However, what if you are still unsure why you are losing weight? What if you continue to eat healthily, and even are adding calories to your diet? Unexplained weight loss – cachexia – is a symptom of chronic conditions, and unexplained weight and muscle loss are symptoms. The causes of cachexia vary and most often are an indication that something’s wrong, such as a chronic illness. So then, what are some causes of unexplained weight loss, or cachexia?

Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss

Perhaps cachexia is better defined as a condition of a condition. Losing weight without diet or exercise could be related to diabetes, cancer, HIV or any number of chronic diseases. Even as a person continues to eat, weight continues to fall off.

The primary difference between cachexia and other conditions that cause weight loss is that people with cachexia lose weight no matter what. Eating makes no difference. Additionally, muscle is always lost with cachexia.

Who’s at Risk?

Cachexia rears its ugly head following the onslaught of disease, in a which comes first, the chicken or the egg type of phenomena. Cachexia is a devastating symptom of multiple diseases, some of which include:

  • Cancer
  • AIDS
  • Heart Failure
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Renal failure
  • Celiac disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – COPD

Cachexia can accompany any of the chronic diseases listed above and many more. However, if you have cancer, for instance, it isn’t a guarantee that you’ll also suffer from cachexia and the weight or muscle loss that accompanies it.

  • If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss, speak to your family medicine provider to determine the cause.  Your family medicine provider will use the following factors to determine if your weight loss is due to cachexia or explained otherwise. You will be diagnosed with cachexia when the following are present:
    An intentional or unexplained lose more than 5% of your body weight.
  • Less than 10% of your body is body fat.
  • You’re less than 65 years of age with a Body Mass Index (BMI) that is less than 20, or, you’re older than 65 years of age and your BMI is less than 22.
  • Albumin levels are off. Albumin is produced in the liver and regulates fluid level. An albumin level that is less than 35 grams per liter could be a sign of cachexia. Swelling in different parts of the body can occur.
  • Increased cytokines in the bloodstream is an indication that the body is experiencing inflammation. High levels of cytokines will cause a reaction that will break down muscle.

There are treatments available to people suffering from cachexia. Your family medicine provider will map out the best course of action for you, which could include growth hormones or medications that stimulate appetite. However, cachexia is rarely prevented or reversed by taking only dietary measures. Seek medical attention at the first sign of unexplained weight loss.

For partners in lifelong health and wellness, call Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach at (561) 434-1935 or use our convenient appointment request form.