Anxiety and Depression Relief

Anxiety and depression make even the simplest tasks difficult. If you’re tired of feeling down and frustrated with traditional approaches to mental health, functional medicine might be what you need. Dr. Sklar investigates the physical and emotional factors contributing to your low moods and she treats the cause.

Whether you live in the Long Beach, California, area or at a distance, take the first step toward feeling like yourself again. Book an appointment online or by phone with the Sklar Center today.

Depression & Anxiety Q & A

How Do I Know If I Have Anxiety or Depression?

Perhaps you have were already diagnosed with anxiety or depression and offered only pharmaceutical medications as treatment.  Or perhaps you are not feeling like yourself.  Our team at the Sklar Center will evaluate you.  They will determine whether you have anxiety, depression or a combination of symptoms. Although, you might just recognize anxiety and depression by the descriptions below.

Anxiety

  • Nervousness, restlessness, or being tense
  • Feelings of danger, panic, or dread
  • Rapid breathing, or hyperventilation
  • Difficulty focusing or thinking clearly about anything other than the subject of your worry
  • Insomnia and problems sleeping
  • Digestive or gastrointestinal problems, such as gas, constipation, or diarrhea

Depression

  • Feeling overwhelmed with normal tasks
  • Inexplicable sadness and crying
  • Lost pleasure in activities you usually enjoy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

What are the Causes of Anxiety and Depression?

Hormonal imbalances may be the cause. During menstrual cycles, hormone fluctuations can affect your psychological state. Hormones can be erratic during childbearing years. When menopause comes, your hormones decline, causing anxiety due to loss of progesterone and depression due to loss of estrogen. All these changes may cause emotional problems or aggravate previous mental health problems.

Inflammation can also affect your mental health. Food allergies, parasite infections, and yeast overgrowth in the intestine can cause inflammation in your body. This inflammation then inflames your brain, causing anxiety and/or depression.

In addition, accumulated stress, nutrient deficiencies, and digestive problems can result in chemical imbalances in the brain. Genetic problems can also interfere with brain chemicals which are the cause of anxiety and depression.  These can be balanced with targeted supplements.

Treating the Gut-Brain Connection

Since there’s a strong connection between the gut and brain, it’s important to make dietary changes. Changing your diet by omitting inflammatory foods like sugar and refined carbs may be part of the answer. Supplements can help correct nutrient deficiencies that might be contributing to your mood problems.

What are the Treatment Options for Anxiety and Depression?

Dr. Sklar will begin your treatment by looking into the causes of your anxiety and depression. This involves using advanced testing methods.

Hormone balancing for women and testosterone treatments for men may improve mood in many people. Proper supplements can restore your body’s equilibrium.

If stress is a major factor for you, the Sklar Center Team can coach you through relaxation techniques. Practicing regular yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and other calming exercises tempers your overactive nervous system.

Dr. Sklar has found that a combination therapy of hormones, supplements, and nutrition, along with counseling, to be the most effective approach. Take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.  Book an appointment online or by phone with the Dr. Sklar today.

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