2020 was a tough year for everyone. Between COVID-19, civil right issues, and politics there were a lot of reasons for patients to become depressed and anxious. While some emotional struggles are a normal part of life, having symptoms that are impacting your relationships, work or home life is not normal. Your mental health can influence other aspects of your life, including pain, sleep, libido, and your immune system. Identifying that you may have a mental health disorder is the first step. Below are common signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety. You may also have other symptoms not listed here.
Depression:
Mood – guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, mood swings, sadness.
Behavioral – agitation, excessive crying, irritability, restlessness, or social isolation.
Sleep – Early awakening, excess sleepiness, trouble falling asleep, or restless sleep.
Whole body – Excessive hunger, fatigue, or loss of appetite.
Cognitive – Lack of concentration, slowness in activity or thoughts of suicide.
Weight – Weight gain or weight loss
Anxiety:
Behavioral – hypervigilance, irritability, or restlessness.
Cognitive – lack of concentration, racing thoughts, or unwanted thoughts.
Whole body – Fatigue or sweating.
Other – excessive worry, fear, feeling of impending doom, insomnia, nausea, palpitations, or trembling.
If you find that you have many of these symptoms, contact our office so that one of our caring providers can assist you. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP. Sapphire Health and Wellness prides itself on offering a judgement-free office with providers who care. If you are suicidal or having a behavioral health crisis, please go to the emergency room or utilize one of the hotlines listed below.
HOTLINES:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Maricopa County Crisis Line: 1-800-631-1314 or 602-222-9444
- Northern Arizona Crisis Line (serves Apache Junction, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai Counties): 1-877-756-4090
- Southern Arizona Crisis Line (serves Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma Counties): 1-866-495-6735
- Gila River and Ak-Chin Indian Communities: 1-800-259-3349
When you call the crisis line, the crisis staff with review your situation. They will help you find help for your behavioral health situation and may be able to provide transportation if needed during a behavioral health crisis.
MENTAL HEALTH AND COVID-19
Social distancing can help to improve the spread of COVID-19 but can also exacerbate mental health symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41% of Americans have experienced mental health symptoms related to anxiety, depression, or substance abuse since the start of COVID-19. Not all patients are the same. Therefore, if you are concerned about your mental health but do not perfectly fit into one of the categories above, you may still need help. Do not ignore how you are feeling and reach out for support through friends, family or professionals.
TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN 2021
As COVID-19 continues to warrant social distancing and limited social gatherings, many patients report feeling isolated, anxious, and depressed. However, there are still ways to protect yourself from COVID-19 and improve your mental health. In 2021, it is time to make your mental health a priority by utilizing some of the following tips to reduce depression and anxiety.
- Schedule FaceTime dates with friends or family once a week. Seeing someone’s facial expression can help to increase the sense of connection.
- Create a daily self-care routine including exercise, meditation, or music therapy to help reduce stress.
- Get outside! Go for a walk, ride a bicycle, have a picnic. Vitamin D exposure from the sun can help to improve your mood.
- Limit your exposure to the news to one hour each day. Get your information from reliable sources such as the CDC or WHO.
SAPPHIRE HEALTH AND WELLNESS offers both in-person and virtual visits using your smart phone or computer. Our providers are open to discussing options to improve your mental health and can refer you to other recommended mental health services if needed.
To make an appointment, call 480-219-7810 or use the “BOOK NOW” button on the lower right-hand corner of our website.
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