Depression & Anxiety Treatment in Seattle, WA

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A Naturopathic Approach to Depression and Anxiety

Depression and Anxiety are two of the most common conditions that can profoundly impact both the mental and physical health of Americans – and they can be among the most challenging to treat. Both are chronic mental health conditions that make it difficult for people to live their lives and function productively on a daily basis. Nearly one-half of individuals diagnosed with depression also have an anxiety disorder.

Both conditions can strike without warning and present with a myriad of symptoms. For some people, Depression and Anxiety present with mild symptoms, while for others, they can be disabling or even life threatening. Presently, there is no cure for either condition, but for many people, both Depression and Anxiety can be successfully managed.

If you have symptoms that have not been successfully diagnosed or treated and you suspect you might be suffering with a mental health condition like Depression or Anxiety, let Water’s Edge Natural Medicine be your source for alternative Depression treatment in Seattle – and Anxiety too. Our naturopathic approach will help you restore healthier function of your mind and body.

Naturopathic physicians understand that there is a tangible connection between the mind and the body. Our thoughts shape everything about us, including our mental and physical health. Compile your list of symptoms, and call Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Seattle, WA at (206) 966-4522 or contact us online.

Understanding Depression and Anxiety

Depression is the most common mental health condition in the world – impacting almost 300 million people worldwide. Generally, it involves a loss of interest in activities or an inability to experience pleasure or joy for extended periods of time - but it affects everyone differently. It can be mild and fleeting or be disabling and last for years. It can cause some people to sleep too much or not be able to sleep, eat too much or have trouble eating at all, lose interest in sex or vice versa. Substance abuse can be a response to Depression or a trigger.

Anxiety, while also common, is a very different mental health issue. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by fear, panic, dread and other symptoms that are out of proportion to the situation faced. There are multiple types of anxiety disorders – from generalized anxiety to phobias and social anxiety disorder.

Both Anxiety and Depression are known to play a significant role in various health issues and can depress the immune system. They both can take a heavy toll and weaken bodily function over time, becoming debilitating and even life threatening for some people. Both conditions are also implicated in many suicides and suicide attempts.

Causes and Risk Factors for Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety share common risk factors. They are both more common in older adults, females, and people with poor medical or mental health, but anyone can develop depression or anxiety, or both simultaneously. People who have survived physical or mental abuse, stressful life events or severe loss or trauma are more likely to develop both conditions.

Most mental health conditions can emerge due to various causal factors, and the causes are not always clear in every individual. They can arise solely as a function of brain chemistry (nature) or life experiences (nurture). Most often, it appears to be a complex interplay of both.

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in older adults, affecting up to 20% of the population – though it’s thought to be higher because many cases go unrecognized and undiagnosed. Anxiety in older adults can be caused by a number of factors, including stressful or traumatic events, alcohol, medications, caffeine, family history, and other medical or psychiatric problems.

Depression is more common among women than men, by about 50 percent. Women who are pregnant or have just given birth are at higher risk. Family history is another risk factor, as is aging. For some, Depression is a lifelong battle, while for others, medication or therapy – or a change in life circumstances - may interrupt the cycle.

Both adults and children can experience short-term (acute) Depression – typically a result of temporary stress or a traumatic event – that can last for days or even weeks. Some of them, however, develop long-term (chronic) Depression that lasts for months or longer.

Depression and Anxiety, both, can occur due to any of the following risk factors and causes:

• Family history/Genetic component
• Trauma
• Brain chemistry, brain injury or brain health issues
• Other mental health conditions
• Life changes, both temporary and long-term
• Certain medications
• Medical conditions, especially extended illness
• Chronic Stress
• Learned belief or thinking patterns
• Childhood experiences
• Use of alcohol or recreational drugs
• Sleep problems

Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

In addition to sadness, anger or loss of affect, Depression can also present with symptoms you would never expect - ranging from joint pain and fatigue to digestive problems. It generally manifests differently depending on the individual. Two people with Depression, examined side by side, will almost always not have the same symptoms. That is precisely why a physician with experience, training and expertise treating Depression is so essential.

Depression can affect so many different aspects of how your mind and body function, causing any of the following symptoms:

• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Fatigue or general malaise
• Hopelessness
• Suicidal thinking
• Low self-esteem
• Excessive guilt or self-blame
• Sleep problems
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Cognitive changes, including confusion, difficulty concentrating or problems paying attention
• Low energy, including daytime sleepiness
• Headaches or body aches
• Altered mood issues, ranging from mood swings or anxiety to irritability and anger

Depression symptoms can change over time and can come and go. Both men and women can suffer the same symptoms. Some of these issues can be symptoms of any number of medical conditions. Your symptoms – taken in context – can only inform a possible diagnosis of Depression.

Symptoms of Anxiety, on the other hand, can range from emotional symptoms like nervousness, irritability and tension to cognitive symptoms like obsessive thinking or have trouble concentrating. Anxiety disorders can present with feelings of impending danger, panic and fear. Physical symptoms might range from dizziness, sweating, nausea and digestive issues, to trembling or a racing heart. Like with Depression, people with Anxiety often experience sleep disturbances. Also, like Depression, Anxiety can lead to social withdrawal and isolation – and it can bring on pain symptoms (stomach pain, headaches, muscle pain, etc.)

Naturopathic Treatment for Depression and Anxiety

Seeing a naturopath for Depression or Anxiety may be something you’ve never considered, but our naturopathic approach to treating mental health conditions can be life changing. While conventional medicine treats symptoms, naturopathic medicine looks at the person as a whole, assessing factors ranging from hormones to diet. Holistic treatment for Anxiety and Depression can make all the difference.

Our goal is to enable you to overcome conditions like Depression and Anxiety, utilizing accurate diagnoses that will help us develop a personalized treatment plan to maximize real healing and relief from symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of Depression and Anxiety may involve the use of acupuncture or massage, lifestyle changes, stress counseling, as well as targeted herbal therapies. Alternative and integrative testing may be performed to further inform our approach to treating Depression and Anxiety.

At Water’s Edge Natural Medicine, the course of treating Depression and Anxiety will vary with each individual, as we develop a treatment plan designed just for you. We recommend you compile a complete list of your symptoms, medical conditions and medications before your first consultation. We will review your medical history, lifestyle factors, current medications and other health concerns.

We may employ certain blood tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms. We will also test your hormone levels – especially sex and thyroid hormones, both of which have been linked to mental health concerns.

Our goal is to utilize healing regimens free of the side effects that come with conventional treatment options. There are many approaches, including:

• Meditation
• Neurotransmitter balance
• Food as medicine – a medical nutrition plan to avoid foods that trigger Depression or Anxiety
• Targeted vitamins, supplements or IV vitamin therapy
• Identifying and addressing food allergies and sensitivities, as well as environmental allergies that may be contributing factors
• Herbal remedies
• Aromatherapy
• Homeopathy
• Massage therapy
• Identifying and removing environmental toxins in your life
• Relaxation techniques and stress management
• Restoring adrenal function
• Acupuncture, which can be helpful with many mental health conditions
• Medical weight loss or weight gain plan, together with a customized healthy movement regimen that is appropriate for your physical condition, to help counter the weight gain or weight loss that can occur with Depression especially
• Other recommended lifestyle modifications

If you are battling Depression or Anxiety, working with a naturopathic doctor who understands the complexity of mental health conditions – as well as the complex array of treatment options that can maximize a healthier mind and body – is important.

At Water’s Edge Natural Medicine, we offer the most up-to-date and comprehensive testing and treatment to bring renewed health and address the difficult and painful symptoms of Depression and Anxiety.

Request your consultation today!

If you have been diagnosed or have symptoms of Depression or Anxiety and have questions, we invite you to reach out to us. We can help, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about your symptoms and our methods to restore balance and bring you back to optimal health and mental function.

Compile your list of symptoms, and call Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Seattle, WA at (206) 966-4522 or contact us online.

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