With this raging COVID-19 pandemic, distress is widespread. It is okay to feel sad, it is okay to be scared or confused, it is okay to feel “cooped up.” But I caution you to be wary of worsening symptoms, as a noticeable decline in mental health can be a slippery slope.
Depression is characterized by an overwhelming feeling of dread and sadness, usually due to a combination of genetic and environmental triggers. Depression can arise in response to a particularly distressing life event–very much including the one we all are currently facing.
Common symptoms of depression include mental, physical and emotional fatigue or weariness, reduced energy, feelings of loneliness or isolation, excessive nervousness, reduced self-esteem, lack of motivation or purpose, pessimistic thoughts, diminished ability to concentrate, irritability and in bad cases ideas of hopelessness and self-harm. Depression is commonly comorbid with anxiety and the longer it is left untreated, the more complications—including physical symptoms—tend to arise. It can also lead to addictions, it may ruin relationships and it can result in difficulties at work. It affects your thoughts and how you feel, and your appetite and sleep patterns.
If you feel down with two or more of the above symptoms, you might be one of the millions of Americans nationwide suffering from depression. You are by no means alone in this: The figures were in the millions before the pandemic began, and they are increasing dramatically now. Please consider seeking professional medical help for any needed treatment; there is no need to suffer in silence. In fact, it is now easier than it has ever been to take action with live video conferencing sessions being offered.
In light of the current anxiety-provoking COVID-19 emergency, we are now offering live, secure, one-on-one, private, HIPAA-compliant video-conference sessions from the safety and comfort of your own home via your smartphone, tablet or computer. One click on your device will bring you into the private video-conference room. We are open to seeing as many patients by live video as possible now at our practice, Tenafly Psychiatric Associates, LLC. Please feel welcome to call our office at 201-568-8288 to make an appointment, or interested new patients can alternatively fill out an online form to get started (visit: www.tenaflypsych.com/appointments).
Don’t wait to seek help if you or a loved one are feeling down. Be safe and well.
Jay L. Friedman, M.D. is the owner and managing member of Tenafly Psychiatric Associates, L.L.C. in Tenafly, New Jersey. He has Manhattan offices at 310 West 72nd Street in the Upper West Side and 440 East 79th Street in the Upper East Side, as well. Dr. Friedman graduated from Princeton University in 1985. He is an Instructor in Psychiatry as a voluntary faculty member at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. He completed an internship in internal medicine at a Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons Program and he completed his residency in Psychiatry at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School as Chief Resident. His fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry was at New York-Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Friedman is appointed to the Medical Staff of New York-Presbyterian Hospital. He is on the Referral Staff and Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and on the Affiliate Staff at Holy Name Medical Center. Dr. Friedman is fluent in Hebrew and Yiddish. www.WellnessAndSerenity.com
