HOW ARE STRESS AND DEPRESSION LINKED?

Most of us have felt stressed at one point of our life but aren’t sure how to answer when asked if we are depressed. I wanted to shed some light on the link between stress and depression.

Stress impacts all ages and can certainly be unbearable at times. Long-term, chronic stress can harm your overall health, enabling your body to start responding negatively. When this starts to happen, the following symptoms could occur:

  • Suppressed immune system
  • Digestive issues
  • Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
  • Reproductive issues

Over time, continued strain on your body from routine stress may contribute to more serious health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other illnesses, as well as mental disorders like depression. Stress can lead to elevated hormones such as cortisol and will reduce the serotonin in the brain, which has been linked to depression. Having a stress management plan can help you to effectively handle your stress to potentially prevent depression.

Depression is more serious and long-lasting than stress and requires a different kind of help. If you are suffering from stress or depression, please contact your doctor to make an appointment.

SCHEDULING BACK-TO-SCHOOL PHYSICALS

As summer is just beginning, no kid wants to start thinking about the next school year. However, the best time to schedule a back-to-school or sports physicals is early in the summer so you don’t forget and have more time to enjoy your summer vacation.

Don’t need a back-to-school physical? Schedule an annual comprehensive exam. Annual visits are an important time to check in with your doctor to discuss prevention and your overall health. During this time, you can have your blood pressure checked and routine labs done to screen for diabetes and other medical problems. You can also get appropriate cancer screenings completed. When diseases are found early, you have more treatment options and a better chance for a good outcome.