Mental health awareness

5 answers to top mental health questions

Our overall health depends on nurturing our mental health and caring for our physical health.

They are so intertwined that challenges in one area can cause difficulties in another. Depression has been linked to many chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and chronic pain. At the same time, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk of mental illness as they take a toll on a person’s lifestyle.

Anxiety and depression are completely normal during certain life events. However, if symptoms last longer than weeks to months and someone’s functioning is impaired, it’s time to seek professional help. Our behavioral health experts at Sentara Health can guide you and your family through difficult and uncertain times. Here are some answers to common questions about mental health topics.

What is the difference between anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression share common symptoms, such as sleep and appetite disturbances, irritability, and problems focusing and concentrating.

“Anxiety is more fear and worry-based, and depression is more sadness-based,” explains Laura Castle, a licensed professional counselor and certified substance abuse counselor at Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital.

People with an anxiety disorder experience persistent worry. When this interferes with work, school, relationships and other responsibilities, it’s time to see a mental health professional.
Similarly, depression affects how people feel, think and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating or working. To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must be present for at least two weeks, Castle says.

How is anxiety treated?

Research suggests that about 30 percent of adults have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, Castle notes. About 9 percent of kids ages 3 to 17 years have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Anxiety manifests in different forms, including panic disorders, social anxiety disorders and phobias. Someone can also have a general anxiety disorder, a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread that interferes with how you live your life.

“While medication is very effective to treat anxiety, it is absolutely not the only way to treat it,” Castle adds. “We focus on a lot of lifestyle factors to treat anxiety. We stress diet, nutrition, exercise and especially relaxation methods, such as breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation to treat anxiety.”

How can therapists help someone who is depressed?

“Depression can stem from certain circumstances, such as the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, a divorce or other major life change,” says Joe Orenstein, a licensed clinical social worker at Sentara Halifax. “Pregnancy or childbirth can lead to perinatal depression. Fall and winter weather can cause seasonal affective disorder.”

Many symptoms accompany depression, including:

• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, frustration, worthlessness or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Lack of energy and fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping

Therapists treat depression using psychotherapy, medication management or a combination of both. Fortunately, between 80-90 percent of people experience significant improvement in their symptoms when they seek treatment for depression, according to Orenstein.

Thoughts of death, suicide or suicide attempts require immediate professional help. Help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or starting a chat at 988lifeline.org.

How is depression different from grief?

“Grief tends to decrease over time and occurs in waves that are triggered by thoughts or reminders of its cause,” Ornstein explains. “Depression is more pervasive and persistent throughout all situations.”

On the other hand, a grieving person may feel relatively better in certain situations, such as when friends and family are around to support them.

“Triggers like the birthday of a deceased loved one or going to a wedding after having finalized a divorce could cause the feelings to resurface more strongly,” Orenstein says. “With grief, your self-esteem is largely maintained. However, with clinical depression, self-esteem goes down considerably.”

If I decide to take medication, will it change my personality?

“A common misconception is that psychiatric medications can change a person’s personality or even make them like a zombie,” says Matthew Petrilli, MD, a psychiatrist at Sentara Halifax. “That couldn’t be farther from the truth.”

Psychiatric medications do not change who you are as a person, Dr. Petrilli explains. Your core personality traits remain the same.

Just like medications that treat common ailments like high blood pressure and diabetes, psychiatric medications work by altering certain chemicals called neurotransmitters in your brain. By adjusting these chemicals within your brain, individuals start to notice a reduction in symptoms, such as better sleep, less sadness, more motivation and a better appetite.

Feeling the effects and benefits of taking psychiatric medications, particularly antidepressants, can take four to six weeks.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Let Mental Health Awareness Month be your reminder to make your emotional health a priority. Make an appointment with a healthcare provider to take the first step towards improving your mental health. You can also learn more about Sentara Behavioral Health services in your community.