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treatment for depression near me

Can a Primary Care Physician Treat My Depression?

January 3, 2025

primary care physician ctalking to patient during check up

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

 

Filed Under: Primary Care Tagged With: depression, pcp Wellington FL, primary care, primary care in royal palm beach, Primary Care Physician near me, Primary Care Physician Wellington FL, treatment for depression near me

Chronic Pain Can Be a Cause of Depression

February 4, 2022

A woman holding her face as she suffers from chronic pain stemming from her head.

Chronic pain is a term that describes pain that lasts longer than three months. Sometimes, it also refers to pain that persists beyond the typical time for an illness or injury to heal. Chronic pain isn’t just a physical condition. It’s also an emotional one that has a huge influence on a person’s thoughts and mood. There is a close link between chronic pain and depression, in which chronic pain can cause depression and vice versa. According to recent studies, about 30-50% of people with chronic pain struggle with depression or anxiety. Chronic pain usually aggravates the symptoms of depression, then the subsequent depression makes the pain worse, resulting in a vicious cycle.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is a common condition that millions of people suffer from. Chronic pain refers to pain symptoms that last longer than three months without improvement or pain that comes and goes repeatedly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50 million adults in the U.S. are suffering from chronic pain.

There are many causes of chronic pain, including various health conditions, diseases, and injuries that damage the body. The degree of pain varies from mild to debilitating. Chronic pain can deteriorate your physical and mental health. It is in your best interest to have an evaluation by a skilled family medicine provider to diagnose the underlying cause and work with you to determine the appropriate treatment measures.

Why is There a Link Between Chronic Pain and Depression?

Depression and chronic pain have some of the same neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that are messengers traveling across the nerves. They also have a few of the same nerve pathways in the brain and spinal cord.

The relationship between chronic pain and depression is complicated, as knowing the trigger that started the vicious circle is usually difficult. Depression can leave you struggling with many things, like your sleep, social life, performance at work, and ability to partake in your favorite hobbies. It can also increase your level of pain and limit your ability to cope with it.

Depression usually affects the overall health of people with chronic pain, yet they may not point out that they are experiencing any depression symptoms. In fact, half of all depressed people visiting their primary care provider only complain of physical symptoms, not depression.

In a comparison between people with both chronic pain and depression and those with only chronic pain, those with both conditions have reported more intense pain, less control of their lives, and have more unhealthy coping strategies.

Treatment Options

Following a professionally designed treatment plan is a good idea to keep your pain and depression under control. Treatment options for both your pain and depression might include:

  • Talk Therapy. Also called psychotherapy, talk therapy is a common treatment for clinical depression. It can help an individual change their patterns of thinking, learn coping skills for symptoms, and help prevent future depressive symptoms.
  • Stress Management. Stress has a big effect on both chronic pain and depression, so learning how to manage it makes a big difference. Methods that have been shown to help include mindfulness, meditations, deep breathing, movement therapies, such as yoga and tai chi, hypnotherapy, and guided imagery.
  • Standard analgesics and antidepressant medications may be prescribed to help relieve your symptoms. Opioids may be prescribed if you are experiencing severe pain. Antidepressants may also be prescribed for depression.

If you are suffering from chronic pain and depression, it isn’t the time to hesitate on informing your primary care provider about the emotional and mental symptoms you’re experiencing. You should get help before your symptoms exacerbate. Receiving the right treatment can help you enjoy your life again.

Chronic Pain Management in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

If you have chronic pain, you don’t have to deal with it on your own. If you are experiencing chronic pain, seeking medical advice is essential to relieving symptoms. At Advanced Medical, we can help you manage your pain and treat the underlying cause.

To schedule an appointment, contact us at (561) 434-1935 or submit an online appointment request.

Filed Under: Chronic Pain Tagged With: Chronic Pain in Royal Palm Beach FL, Chronic Pain Management in Royal Palm Beach FL, Chronic Pain Management in Wellington FL, chronic pain management near me, Chronic Pain treatment in Wellington FL, chronic pain treatment near me, mental health treatment in Royal Palm Beach FL, mental health treatment in Wellington FL, treatment for anxiety near me, treatment for depression near me

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