Anxiety and Depression

Learn about how you can finally get relief from anxiety and depression!

Our alternative therapy provides relief for over 90% of our patients suffering from anxiety and depression with their very first treatment.

What is anxiety and depression?

Anxiety is a state of uneasiness and apprehension towards future uncertainties. Anxiety is your body’s way of preparing you for potential harm in any future situations. However, anxiety becomes a concern when your worries begin to disrupt your daily lifestyle.

Depression is a common but serious health concern, which can have a great affect on your physical and mental health. Depression is a state of persistent and intense feelings of sadness and decreased interest in activities once enjoyed, thus having an effect on how you feel, think, and act.

What are the risk factors?

Anxiety:

Sex – women are diagnosed with general anxiety disorders twice as much as men
Family history – anxiety disorders tend to run in the family most likely due to family dynamics such as ineffective coping or communication skills, overprotectiveness, abuse, and violence
Substance abuse – smoking, alcohol, and illicit drug use can increase risk of anxiety disorders
Medical conditions – people with chronic illnesses have greater risk of having anxiety disorder
Depression – generalized anxiety disorder often occurs with depression and adolescents with depression are especially susceptible to developing anxiety in adulthood
Major/stressful life events – both happy and sad events (i.e. graduating, moving, changing jobs, losing jobs, getting married, divorced, or retiring) may put one at risk for anxiety

Depression:

Genetics – family history may increase risk
Death or loss – normal sadness and grief from death is an appropriate reaction. However, this huge stress can sometimes lead to clinical depression.
Sadness and grief – these emotions that come from loss of a loved one may lead to clinical depression
Abuse – past physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can increase risk of developing clinical depression
Major/stressful life events – both happy and sad events (i.e. graduating, moving, changing jobs, losing jobs, getting married, divorced, or retiring) may put one at risk for anxiety
Medical condition – depression may coexist with other serious medical conditions
Certain medications – depression may be a side effect of certain medications
Substance abuse – heavy use of alcohol and illicit drugs can lead to symptoms of depression

Symptoms

Anxiety and depression are different, however people with depression often experience symptoms similar to those with anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety include increased panic, trouble sleeping, nausea, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations.

Symptoms of depression include loss of energy, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, or loss of interests in activities once enjoyed. Symptoms usually last at least two weeks to be diagnosed as depression.

What are the causes of anxiety and depression?

Anxiety is commonly caused by stress (e.g. from school, work, trauma). Although the exact cause for depression is unknown, there are several factors (e.g. a combination of genetic inheritance and stress) that increase the risk of developing this condition.

Solutions for anxiety and depression

The most common treatment for anxiety and depression in Western medicine is anxiolytics and antidepressants. However, dependency and tolerance to these medications are usually inevitable. Common unwanted side effects to these medicines include nausea, lethargy, blurred vision, constipation, or increased weight gain which ironically can lead to increased anxiety and depression.

In Chinese medicine, anxiety and depression are governed by the kidney and liver, respectively. When these organs are weakened through stress and abuse of our bodies, we are more susceptible to these emotions. Anxiety is correlated to excessive energy in the head, while depression is correlated to stagnation of energy. Our treatment helps to restore circulation and energy in these areas, as well as clear stagnation to reduce worry and help maintain balanced energy. While we cannot take away someone’s stress, our treatment helps to better equip the mind and body to manage stress and balance emotions. Anxiety and depression relief can be maintained through proper diet and exercise.

How do I find out more about relief from anxiety and depression?

Call East West Wellness Medical Center at (714) 556-8664 or click here to schedule an appointment. Our practice uses an integrative approach, combining Eastern and Western medicine to provide relief from anxiety and depression without the use of drugs and surgeries. Dr. Tong not only treats anxiety and depression, but he improves your overall health.