Depression and Anxiety Care in Westmoreland County, PA
Matthew W. Levin, MD, Knows the Importance of Mental Health
When you need compassionate and understanding depression and anxiety care in Westmoreland County, PA, contact Matthew W. Levin, MD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in the United States alone, more than 21 million people have had a depressive episode. Nearly 12 million adults in the United States have experienced an anxiety disorder, according to the NIH.
While you may not think of your primary care provider as a mental health expert, they are the first line in helping you. Dr. Levin has worked with many patients suffering from depression and anxiety. As a trusted physician, Dr. Levin will listen to your concerns and formulate an appropriate plan, based on your needs. Schedule an appointment by calling (724) 216-9300. To reach Dr. Levin after office hours, established patients should call (412) 394-4024. For an immediate emergency or suicidal thoughts, go to the emergency room.
Signs of Depression
Depression symptoms can range in intensity from moderate to severe. While miscategorized as general sadness, depression is intense and pervasive. Dr. Levin may determine if a patient has a depressive illness if their symptoms persist for more than two weeks. Typical signs include:
- Feeling Sad and Hopeless
- A Sense of Worthlessness And Contempt Of Oneself
- Suicidal Ideas
- Difficulty Focusing or Making Judgments
- Loss Of Enthusiasm For Activities
- Changes in Appetite and Observable Weight Change
- Unable to Fall Asleep, Increasing Tiredness, or Sleeping Excessively
- Restlessness including Pacing and Fidgeting
- Slower Speech Or Movement
- Feeling Irrationally Guilty
- Ongoing Aches and Pains
Signs of a Possible Anxiety Disorder
While anxiety is a common occurrence in life, anxiety disorders include more than just brief concern or terror. Anxiety does not go away in people who have an anxiety disorder, and it might worsen with time. Symptoms can disrupt daily activities such as job performance, homework, and relationships. Anxiety disorders are classified into different kinds, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobia-related disorders. Common signs of an anxiety disorder include:
- Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge.
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.
- Having an increased heart rate.
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Being easily fatigued.
- Having difficulty concentrating.
- Being irritable.
- Having headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or unexplained pains.
- Difficulty controlling feelings of worry.
- Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Work With Dr. Levin on a Treatment Plan for Your Depression or Anxiety
For depression and anxiety, psychotherapy is typically the best course of action. It functions in conjunction with drugs for more severe or moderate situations. In addition to helping patients improve their behavior, cognitive behavioral therapy is excellent in spotting patterns of mistaken thinking. Most people are not able to overcome depression and anxiety on their own. This is where Dr. Levin can assist. It is important to discuss these feelings and symptoms with your primary care provider. Dr. Levin can help rule out any medical underlying issues such as thyroid or vitamin deficiencies that can mimic symptoms. He can also work with you and refer you to a specialist if needed.
