Millions of Americans live with depression or anxiety — sometimes both — which can severely decrease your quality of life. If you have symptoms of depression or anxiety, contact Alexis Meshi, MD, at Superior Psychiatric Services. Based in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Meshi offers in-office and telepsychiatry services to help you restore your quality of life. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today.

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Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that affects your mood, thinking, and ability to handle your day-to-day responsibilities. Unlike grief or sadness that everyone experiences occasionally, depression is persistent and pervasive, lasting for months or years.

Medical researchers don’t fully understand the causes of depression, but they believe genetics, hormones, abnormal brain activity, and life experiences contribute to your chances of developing it.

Some of the common symptoms of depression include:

  • Intense and persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Increased irritability
  • Decreased energy and fatigue
  • Trouble with concentration, decision making, and memory
  • Changes in sleep habits
  • Appetite and weight changes
  • Headaches, digestive problems, and body aches and pains

Depression symptoms vary from patient to patient and also range in severity.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions among American adults. Types of anxiety disorder include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, social anxiety, and separation anxiety.

In addition to persistent, intrusive, and disproportionate fears and worries, anxiety disorders cause symptoms that can interfere with your ability to function day to day. Common signs of anxiety include:

  • Feelings of restlessness or being on edge
  • Increased irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty with concentration and decision making
  • Muscle tension
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Feelings of impending doom or loss of control
  • Avoidance behaviors

As with depression, medical researchers don’t fully understand what causes anxiety disorders. They believe abnormal brain activity, life experiences, and a family history of mental health issues increase your risk.

When should I talk to a doctor about depression or anxiety?

While everyone feels sad or worried occasionally, these feelings usually subside on their own. Anxiety and depression, on the other hand, are persistent, and your symptoms typically intensify and become more disruptive with time.

If you have symptoms of anxiety or depression, make an appointment with Dr. Meshi. She provides comprehensive evaluations to diagnose your condition and identify the best treatments to relieve your symptoms and restore your quality of life.

How do you treat depression and anxiety?

Dr. Meshi believes in educating and empowering you to make the best decisions for your mental health care. During your consultation, she discusses the treatment process and your options to engage you in the management of your care.

Depending on your needs, Dr. Meshi might recommend a combination of medication, counseling, brain health nutraceuticals, and lifestyle adjustments.

She also offers innovative treatments, including Spravato® and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression.

Dr. Meshi provides in-office and telepsychiatry services, ensuring that you get the help you need when you need it. You communicate directly with Dr. Meshi, unlike other practices where your messages are filtered through the front desk.

Call Superior Psychiatric Services or make an appointment online today if you’re concerned about depression or anxiety and want personalized, integrative psychiatric care.