Mental Health

What is mental health?

Mental health encompasses your social, emotional, and psychological well-being. Your state of mental health affects your thoughts, feelings, personal relationships, ability to perform at work or school, and can even cause you to have physical body symptoms such as chest pain, numbness and tingling, nausea, and headaches. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health problems, know that help is readily available. The caring physicians at Arundel Medical Group provide mental health services for patients of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. 

What are common mental health conditions?

Mental health spans a vast array of disorders that affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. The team at Arundel Medical Group provides treatment for common mental illnesses, including:

Depression

Everyone feels down or sad sometimes, but depression causes persistent negative feelings that may include hopelessness, pessimism, and general emptiness. People who are depressed may lose interest in activities they used to love and have decreased energy. 

Severe depression may lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts. If you’re thinking about suicide, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right now. 

Anxiety

Temporary anxiety is a normal response to change. But intense attacks of worry or fear that persist in the absence of a real threat may indicate an anxiety disorder. There are many types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias.

Bipolar disorder

Formerly called manic-depression, bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings (manic and depressive episodes). A person with bipolar disorder may experience highs that include feeling grandiose, increased energy, euphoria, and even psychosis. Alternatively, the lows in moods caused by bipolar disorder are similar to depressive states. Both manic and depressive episodes can interfere with daily activities. 

How are mental health conditions diagnosed and treated?

Mental health is an essential part of your overall wellness. The team at Arundel Medical Group understands this and screens for mental health conditions during your routine preventive care visits. If they suspect you have a mental health disorder, the team may perform tests to rule out other conditions that might be causing your symptoms, such as a thyroid imbalance. 

Depending on your needs, your Arundel Medical Group provider may refer you to a psychiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation and accurate diagnosis. 

Treatment for depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder typically involves medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Your Arundel Medical Group physician works closely with your mental health team to ensure optimal wellness for your body and mind. 

To schedule a visit to Arundel Medical Group, Inc. for mental health services, call the office or request an appointment online today.