Why Using Urgent Care for Depression and Anxiety Is Becoming More Commonplace

Even though depression and anxiety are different types of disorders, they tend to go together. According to the World Health Organization, only 23% of people suffering from depression in first-world countries receive proper treatment. The odds are even lower for developing countries, where 3% receive healthcare. Even with this information, the consequences of mental illnesses are debilitating and can often be overlooked. Let’s jump in and look at why urgent care for depression and anxiety is becoming more common.

Crisis Intervention

It’s no secret that those with mental health issues tend to fall victim to alcoholism. According to Connecticut’s official state website, about 47% of all patients treated for injuries in the triage room had alcohol traces in their blood, while 75% exhibited symptoms of chronic drunkenness. Moreso, 35% tested positive for intoxicants. While not all of these patients may be suffering from mental health issues, the fact that urgent care centers are used to dealing with alcohol-related crises shows how equipped they are to handle crisis intervention for those with anxiety and depression.

Suicidal and homicidal tendencies are high in mental health patients. This is why urgent care facilities offer patients fast-response crisis management programs to prevent self-harm and putting other people in danger. These programs include 24-hour suicide hotlines and virtual mental healthcare services.

Screening

Depression and anxiety commonly occur in people who have experienced significant stresses such as trauma and childhood abuse, which lead to an oversensitive stress response system. Seeking urgent care for depression and anxiety helps discover any underlying issues that may have serious health repercussions, such as memory loss if left untreated. Urgent care facilities manage these conditions before referring severe cases such as clinical depression to advanced health facilities.

Psychologists often describe depression as feelings of hopelessness, and anxiety as helplessness. If you’re experiencing these emotions, it’s best to seek urgent care for depression and anxiety. Other signs of mental problems include:

• Neglect of personal hygiene
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Dramatic changes in eating and sleeping habits

After Hour Care

You never know when an anxiety attack or depressive episode may strike. You also may not be able to seek treatment during normal working hours due to your job, education, or other responsibilities. Luckily, you can get after-hour care at an urgent care clinic. They have trained physicians who can provide an evaluation or prescribe anti-depressants and anxiety medication to manage your disorder. The drugs work by boosting serotonin levels, a mood stabilizer.

Services Urgent Care Centers Provide

Urgent care centers offer vital mental health services, acting as a temporary resource to stabilize individuals in crisis until they can access specialized care. Trained staff conduct evaluations and risk assessments, identifying conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In emergencies, they promptly facilitate proper care, ensuring immediate attention for those at risk of harming themselves or others. Some centers also offer basic counseling and patient education which is integral to informing patients about insights into conditions, coping strategies, and available resources.

Mental Health Symptoms & Conditions That Can Be Treated with Urgent Care

Mental health symptoms that can be treated at an urgent care center include anxiousness, feeling depressed, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing and heart rate, palpitations, sweating, trembling in extremities, hot or cold sensations, muscle pain or tension, and feeling as if things aren’t real.

However, on a much more detailed level and depending on the severity, some conditions that urgent care doctors are equipped to diagnose and provide initial treatment for are:

• Substance abuse: Urgent care can test for drug levels and other health issues related to substance abuse, administer medication and IV fluids for withdrawal symptoms, and refer patients to detox and recovery programs.
• Anxiety and panic attacks: If someone is experiencing a panic attack for the first time or their anxiety feels unmanageable, urgent care can help determine if additional intervention is needed as well as provide medication and resources for coping strategies.
• Depression: Although in most cases depression is usually managed by a primary doctor or mental health professional, urgent care can be a good first step for someone having suicidal thoughts or needing medication adjustments.
• Insomnia: For those struggling with a severe lack of sleep for more than a few days, an urgent care doctor can evaluate the cause, check for any underlying conditions, and prescribe medication.
• Eating disorders: An urgent care doctor may also examine patients for signs of malnutrition or other medical issues related to anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. They can recommend nutrition plans, suggest counseling options, or in severe cases admit patients to the hospital.

After conducting a comprehensive assessment, the urgent care healthcare provider will carefully evaluate the most appropriate course of treatment. This may encompass various options such as medication (anti-anxiety prescriptions or antidepressants to stabilize the mood and alleviate symptoms) or referrals to a therapist or counselor for approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

In cases of heightened crisis or the potential for self-harm, hospitalization may be recommended as a crucial measure for intensive care and support. Furthermore, many specialists emphasize the importance of follow-up care, advising patients to reconnect with their primary doctor or a specialized mental health professional to ensure ongoing support, monitor their well-being, and promote long-term mental health.

Telehealth Services in Urgent Care and Mental Health

When it comes to urgent care and mental health, patients have a few options to choose from, depending on their needs. Telehealth is a relatively new service in urgent care centers and mental health professionals have embraced providing a platform for initial evaluations, medication management, and therapy sessions. The convenience of accessing healthcare from any location adds a notable advantage to telehealth. However, it is essential to note that in times of crisis, alternative options may be more suitable for immediate and intensive care.

For immediate and confidential support, individuals can reach out to hotlines dedicated to assisting those in distress. These include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Crisis Text Line (offer support through text messages), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Veterans Crisis Line, and many others ready to offer immediate assistance and foster a comprehensive approach to mental health care.

Mental health issues, though common, are often stigmatized and misunderstood. If you or a loved one is grappling with challenging emotions or troubling thoughts, it’s crucial to know that help is available. As you can see, there are many reasons why urgent care for depression and anxiety is becoming more common. Not only can they help manage chronic conditions, but they can provide a referral to a specialist if necessary. Call us at Peace Medical for mental health care! We are here to help you discover any underlying issues that may have dire consequences if left untreated.