Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are common, treatable medical conditions that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily life. Depression often brings persistent sadness, low energy, and a loss of interest in things you usually enjoy, while anxiety often brings excessive worry, restlessness, and physical tension. The two frequently occur together, and neither is a personal weakness or something you have to push through alone. Avita MD primary care providers evaluate and treat depression and anxiety for adults in Los Altos, Mountain View, and Los Gatos, and coordinate referral to mental health specialists when more specialized care is needed.

What are the symptoms of depression and anxiety?

Symptoms range from mild to severe and can affect mood, thinking, sleep, and the body. They often last for weeks and begin to interfere with work, relationships, or daily routines.

• Persistent sadness, low mood, or a loss of interest in usual activities
• Excessive worry, restlessness, or a sense of dread
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Fatigue, low energy, or difficulty concentrating
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, muscle tension, or headaches

When self-care may help vs. when to seek care

When self-care may help	When to seek care
Mild, short-lived stress or worry	Symptoms last most of the day for two weeks or more
Symptoms ease with sleep, exercise, and support	Symptoms interfere with work, school, or relationships
You still enjoy activities and feel like yourself	Loss of interest, hopelessness, or withdrawal
Manageable with rest and connection	Panic attacks or worry you cannot control
No thoughts of self-harm	Any thoughts of self-harm or suicide (seek help now)

How does Avita MD diagnose and treat depression and anxiety?

Diagnosis begins with a clinical evaluation of your symptoms, history, and how long they have lasted. Your Avita MD provider may use standardized screening questionnaires such as the PHQ-9 for depression and the GAD-7 for anxiety to measure severity and track progress. On-site labs allow your provider to check for medical causes that can mimic these conditions, such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies, so nothing is missed.

Primary care can provide an initial evaluation, start treatment, and coordinate referral to mental health specialists when needed. Treatment is tailored to you and often combines talk therapy, medication such as antidepressants, and lifestyle support like regular exercise, sleep, and stress management. Same-day and next-day appointments mean you can be seen quickly when symptoms feel urgent, and your provider tracks how you respond over time and adjusts the plan as needed. When therapy or specialized psychiatric care would help, Avita MD coordinates the referral so you are connected to the right support.

When should you see a doctor about depression and anxiety?

See a primary care provider if low mood, worry, or related symptoms last more than two weeks, interfere with daily life, or do not improve with rest and support. It is also worth reaching out if sleep, appetite, or concentration have changed, or if you are relying on alcohol or other substances to cope. Reaching out early often leads to better outcomes, and you do not need to wait until things feel severe.

If you are thinking about harming yourself or are in crisis, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. These services are free, confidential, and available around the clock. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and support is available right away.