Mental Health

If you feel down in the dumps constantly, experience ongoing worry, or begin forgetting things too often, see the experts at ProHealth Primary Care in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Highly trained physicians Shane Joukar, MD, and Kyle Petersen, DO, diagnose and treat common mental health challenges that adult men and women of all ages may face. Schedule an evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What is mental health?

Your mental health involves your thought processes, moods, emotions, and behaviors. It’s just as important as your physical health when it comes to your well-being. Mental health conditions are common, affecting about one in four adults in the United States. Fortunately, simple treatments can help restore your mental health and allow you to live your best life at any age. 

What are examples of mental health conditions?

Common mental health concerns you or a loved one may encounter at some point include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Dementia 
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Eating disorder
• Substance use disorder
• Bipolar disorder

It’s common to have more than one mental health concern at the same time, particularly depression and anxiety.

Which symptoms can mental health disorders cause?

The hallmark symptoms of mental health disorders include:

• Ongoing sadness
• Feeling hopeless
• Thoughts of suicide
• Constant fear or worry
• Obsessions or compulsions
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Always being on guard for danger
• Distressing memories or thoughts
• Weight fluctuations
• Sleeping disturbances
• Always feeling stressed
• Misusing drugs or alcohol
• Problems at work, school, or in relationships
• Memory issues

Mental health conditions can negatively affect your quality of life when not addressed. Early detection and treatment are vital.

How are mental health concerns diagnosed?

Diagnosing mental health disorders involves completing a mental health evaluation. Your ProHealth Primary Care specialist asks questions about your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and mood. They discuss your lifestyle habits, treatment preferences, and desired outcomes before personalizing a treatment plan. 

How are mental health disorders treated?

Treatment for mental health disorders includes making healthy lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing therapy. The ProHealth Primary Care team can refer you to a therapist for counseling if you’re a candidate for this type of treatment. They may prescribe medications that help you overcome bothersome thoughts or behaviors.

It’s also crucial to adopt healthy habits at home, including eating nutritious foods, getting regular exercise and enough sleep, minimizing stress, and maintaining an ideal body weight. You might also take a multivitamin or other dietary supplements. 

The ProHealth Primary Care team follows up with you periodically to maximize your mental health and ensure your treatment plan is effective.

Schedule a mental health evaluation at ProHealth Primary Care by phone or request one online today.