When Does Anxiety or Depression Warrant Professional Care?

Life brings plenty of stressful moments, and it's completely normal to feel down or worried from time to time. However, when these feelings become constant, it's difficult to know if you're experiencing typical stress or something more serious that requires attention.

At The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc., Kathelen Lynch, LCSW, and our dedicated team help patients understand their mental health and access the support they need. We provide compassionate behavioral health services at our locations in Arverne, Far Rockaway, Jamaica, and Brooklyn, New York.

Knowing when to seek professional help

Knowing when to reach out to a professional is the first step toward feeling better. According to the Mayo Clinic, professional care is medically warranted when psychological symptoms begin interfering with your daily functioning, personal relationships, or your ability to care for yourself properly. 

If you find that you can no longer complete daily tasks at work or home, or if you're withdrawing from the people you love, it's time to speak with a professional. These are clear signs that your brain is struggling to cope with the emotional load on its own, and you don't have to go through it alone.

Effective ways to manage anxiety and depression

There are several highly effective, evidence-based treatments available that can help you regain control of your life. Our behavioral health team works closely with you to find the right combination of therapies, lifestyle adjustments, and support systems.

For many people, talk therapy is a powerful tool. Research from Harvard Health shows that cognitive behavioral therapy effectively helps patients reframe negative thought patterns and alter behaviors that trigger severe anxiety, giving you practical tools to use every day.

In addition to therapy, mindfulness practices can make a significant difference in your daily routine. The National Institutes of Health notes that mindfulness-based stress reduction practices have been shown in clinical trials to be just as effective as common prescription medications for managing anxiety symptoms.

Debunking a common mental health myth

Many people hesitate to seek help because they worry about treatment, especially when it comes to medication. A common myth is that psychiatric medications will fundamentally alter your personality and change who you are as a person. This simply isn't true. 

The clinical goal of psychiatric medication is solely to reduce debilitating symptoms, not to alter your identity. Finding the correct medication is a highly individualized process guided closely by your provider to help you feel like yourself again.

You don't have to navigate these heavy feelings alone. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as managing your physical health, and we're here to help. 

To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment with us at The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc., click here now.