You just don’t feel like you. Maybe it is an overt change in mood or more subtle. Either way, you are noticing you are just not you. Perhaps friends and family have said something about the change in you. If so, it’s time for medication for your anxiety and/or depression. Anxiety and depression often go together. In fact, in our experience, people usually have symptoms of both. However, some people do have predominantly one or the other. Regardless, medication can help.
Depression
Depression does not always mean having a sad mood. In fact, many people report feeling “empty” or just “meh”. Women with depression will often lose interest in things or just find they are not enjoying anything anymore. This can be very subtle. You may not even notice the change in the business of life. However, if you stop to think about it, it rings true.
Of course, some women with depression do feel really down. You may find yourself crying easily or feeling really worthless. Hopelessness and helplessness are often common symptoms. Put another way, you simply can’t cope the way you used to. Lack of motivation and fatigue are other common symptoms of depression.
Anxiety
Like depression, anxiety is not always obvious. It may not always present as overt worry. Some women just feel restless. Irritability and somatic concerns like stomach, jaw, or shoulder pain are common. If you can’t relax in the evening while reading or watching a favorite TV show, you may be anxious.
Common Symptoms of Both
Both anxiety and depression have cognitive symptoms. It may be harder to concentrate. Many women start to think they have ADHD. Additionally, you may be more indecisive during this period. This pertains to little decisions like what to wear or eat. It’s normal to have some indecisiveness around bigger decisions like home updates or career moves. Another common symptom in both anxiety and depression is sleep disturbances. Usually, this involves an inability to sleep as well. For some, they can’t fall asleep whereas others may wake in the middle of the night and have trouble falling back asleep.
Appetite can change in both anxiety and depression. Most people find they lose interest in food. This makes sens because with anxiety, you may be experiencing stomach pain or nausea. In depression, you simply are not enjoying things and are unmotivated to do anything, let alone cook a meal.
There are more symptoms of anxiety and depression. You can read about them here and here.
Our Approach to Mediation for Anxiety & Depression
We understand your fears around medication. In fact, its pretty common. Therefore, we act with gentleness and patience. We never “convince” you to take medication. It is a personal choice. Your provider does a thorough (90 minute ) evaluation to determine the best path. She works with you to find the best treatment. At Nurtured Well, we follow you closely -approximately every 2-4 weeks – initially to insure you are responding well to the medication. Once stable, we switch to every 3 months.
Beyond Prozac and Zoloft
The Nurse Practitioners at Nurtured Well think beyond the typical choices. There is certainly nothing wrong with Prozac or Zoloft. Of course we use them as they work great for some! However, there are so many other choices. We work with you to find the best fit.
Mediation is a tool, not a cure.
Lastly, medication is a powerful tool but it is not a panacea. Your mental health is a dynamic process contingent on many factors. We can not medicate a way a bad marriage or an unsatisfying career. However, medicine can help you address the issues in your life. It also can make counseling more effective. We view medication as one tool in the toolbox. Counseling, lifestyle, and physical health issues are all important players as well.
What about side effects of medication?
It is certainly true that psychiatric medications have side effects. Most medications do. However, not everyone experiences them. We work with you to find the medication with the least side effects for you. This is highly individual. What works for your friend may not work for you. We support you during this process. You can read more about this here.
