Talking To Your Doctor About Mental Health

In today's busy world, many people are facing mental health challenges like feeling anxious or depressed. These conditions can affect our overall well-being, including our relationships, work and even our physical health.

"Mental health does affect quality of life," said Munster, Indiana, family medicine doctor Kimberland Anderson, MD, with Franciscan Physician Network. “It certainly can have a whole host of symptoms that can affect your quality of life on a daily basis.”

Struggles with mental health can cause problems in our relationships with friends, family and coworkers. Depression or anxiety can also cause physical symptoms like headaches, pain, trouble sleeping or difficulty concentrating. So, it's important to talk to a doctor about how you're feeling.

Your primary care doctor can be a helpful ally when it comes to your mental health. They can rule out any medical issues that might be causing your symptoms and help you start a treatment plan.

"We see many people struggling with depression, anxiety, and other things,” Dr. Anderson says. “So, it's a good place to start."

Starting a conversation about anxiety or depression with your doctor is an important step in getting the support you need. Sometimes, it can be hard to talk about mental health, but your doctor can make it easier by doing a short mental health screening. This is like a questionnaire that helps the doctor understand if you might be dealing with depression or anxiety. Based on your answers, they can figure out the best way to help you.

By talking openly and honestly about your symptoms, you and your doctor can work together to find the right treatment options for you.

Listen Now: Talking To Your Doctor About Mental Health Worries

Listen as Kimberland Anderson, MD shares information, tips and strategies on “How Can my Family Medicine Provider Help with my Mental Health?" in the Franciscan Health DocPod podcast.

 

"There are many things that can affect our mental health, like stress, sadness, or anxiety,” Dr. Anderson says. “These things can also show up as physical symptoms. Sometimes we need to do tests to make sure there's nothing else causing those symptoms. And often, we find that it's linked to depression, anxiety, stress or lack of sleep.”

You should also talk to your doctor about other things that may be impacting your mental health, such as managing other health conditions or outside stressors in your life.

“Individuals who have chronic medical conditions can be at an increased risk as well as if someone is already suffering from a more difficult quality of life,” Dr. Anderson said. “If you're having financial strains, if you're having marital issues or relationship issues, your struggles at work. Any of those things, certainly can put someone at an increased risk of having depression or anxiety.”

Your primary care doctor is an important part of your overall well-being. They have a good understanding of your medical history and can help with both physical and mental health concerns.

"We consider mental health just like we consider other health issues,” Dr. Anderson says. “If someone in your family has mental health concerns, it's important to let your doctor know because it might increase your own risk. Chronic medical conditions, financial strains, relationship problems, and work stress can also make you more likely to have depression or anxiety."

Talking to your primary care doctor about anxiety or depression treatment is a chance to ask questions and learn about different options. Your doctor can discuss treatment options including medication, therapy, counseling groups, or even telemedicine appointments.

"There are many treatments available, and it depends on what each person needs,” Dr. Anderson says. “If you think things could be better for you, I encourage you to talk to your doctor and start the conversation."

Remember, seeking help for mental health concerns is a brave and empowering step. By talking to your doctor about your mental health, you are putting your well-being first and setting the stage for a healthier, happier future.