Mental Health Specialist

What are common mental health conditions?

Mental health is complex, and many disorders can affect your mental and emotional health. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Ara Shafrazian, MD, and Arthur Babakhanians, MD, offer comprehensive women’s health services at LibertyMed Health Group in Glendale, California. Whether you’re due for your well-woman exam and Pap smear or need advice on birth control or optimizing your health for pregnancy, the team at LibertyMed Health Group can help. Call the practice today or schedule a women’s health consultation online.

Other common types of mental health disorders include eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Anxiety 

Anxiety includes several types of disorders that cause persistent and intense fears and worries. Generalized anxiety disorder is the most prevalent type of the condition and triggers disproportionate fears about everyday concerns such as work, family, and health. 

Other examples of anxiety include separation anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobias, and panic disorder. 

Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that causes pervasive feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Depression also affects the way you think, your mood, and how you handle daily life. 

What are the signs of a mental health condition?

Mental health symptoms vary depending on the specific disorder and its severity. For example, common signs of anxiety include:

• Pervasive, disproportionate, and irrational fears and worries
• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Reduced concentration
• Increased irritability
• Muscle tension
• Headaches and gastrointestinal symptoms
• Insomnia
  
  

Depression, on the other hand, causes symptoms that include:

• Sad, empty mood
• Hopelessness and pessimism
• Lost interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Fatigue and low energy
• Reduced concentration and decision making
• Increased irritability
• Changes to appetite
• Sleeping too much or too little
  
  

Anxiety and depression often co-occur and share some symptoms. They also affect your risk of other health issues, ranging from addiction to self-harm and suicide.

When should I talk to a doctor about mental health?

While everyone feels anxious or sad occasionally, mental health issues harm your health and quality of life. You should talk to your provider at LibertyMed Health Group if you have mental health symptoms that last for more than a couple of weeks. 

Additionally, if you’re thinking of self-harm or suicide, make an appointment right away. 

How are mental health issues treated?

The team at LibertyMed Health Group offers personalized treatment for mental health disorders. They begin with a thorough consultation to evaluate your mental, emotional, and physical health and identify your condition. 

Then, your provider creates your treatment program. In many cases, treatment combines medication, therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Your provider might prescribe medicine to regulate your brain chemistry and ease your symptoms. 

Making adjustments to your diet, exercise, and sleep habits can also help you feel better overall and more equipped to cope with your symptoms. Your provider can give you a referral for counseling, which provides a safe environment to explore your thoughts and feelings and practice new behaviors. 

Call LibertyMed Health Group today or make an appointment online today for compassionate mental health care.