Each day, you perform actions to maintain your body’s health. You wash your hands, eat healthy food and go to the doctor for checkups. Did you know your emotions also need care?
Your brain and your feelings are very important. They help you think, feel happy and get through each day. People sometimes feel deep sadness or excessive worry. These feelings are called depression and anxiety.a
At Faith Family Practice and Wellness Center, we offer a safe, respectful space where you are heard. We offer gentle screenings for depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges.
Let’s learn why these screenings are important!

What Is a Mental Health Screening?

A mental health screening is a simple check for your mental well-being. It is not a test and there are no wrong answers. Usually, it has a brief questionnaire with clear questions.
A commonly used tool is called the PHQ-9. It has nine questions about depression. Another tool is called the GAD-7. It has seven questions about depression or anxiety.
It has a short list of questions. Some questions might include:

• How often do you feel nervous or worried?
• Have you lost interest in games or hobbies you liked?
• Do you have trouble falling asleep?
• Do you feel tired all day long?

These questions are easy to answer. They only take a few minutes.
Your doctor reads your answers to see how you are feeling inside. It’s just like checking your eyes or taking your temperature!

The Difference Between Sadness, Stress, Depression and Anxiety

Feeling sad or stressed occasionally is normal. Maybe you feel sad because:

• A friend moved away
• You didn’t do well on a test
• You had a bad day

These feelings usually go away in a few days.
Depression and anxiety are different as they persist longer.
Depression involves lasting sadness, leading to:

• Isolation
• Powerlessness
• Extreme tiredness

Activities that once brought joy may no longer be enjoyable.
Anxiety is constant worry or fear, even in calm situations, causing:

• Racing heart
• Stomach pain
• Muscle tension

Many individuals experience these feelings. Approximately 8 out of 100 adults suffer from depression, while around 18 out of 100 adults deal with anxiety. This means many people you encounter may feel similarly.

Why Is Depression and Anxiety Screening Important for Your Mental Health?

Waiting to get help for your feelings can make life much harder than it needs to be. Getting screened early can help identify concerns before they become more serious.
Here is why early screening helps:

• It Gives You Clear Answers

Sometimes you feel “off” and do not know why. Screening can help identify what you are experiencing so you do not have to guess.

• It Protects Your Physical Health

Your mind and body work together as one team. Constant worry or long-standing sadness can cause real physical symptoms like bad headaches, belly aches and low energy. At Faith Family Practice and Wellness Center, mental health is treated with the same care as physical health.

• It Helps You Get the Right Help

Not everyone needs the same kind of help. Some people need to talk to a counselor. Some people need medicine. Some people need to exercise more or get better sleep. Screening helps your doctor figure out what is best for you.

• It Can Save Lives

Depression and anxiety can be very severe. Sometimes people feel so bad that they think about hurting themselves. Sometimes they think about suicide. A medical emergency. It’s a feeling that screening can detect before it’s too late. It can get you the help you need to stay safe.

What Happens After a Screening?

If a screening shows a potential issue, your doctor will:

• Talk with you about your feelings and experiences.
• Ask more questions to understand your mental health better.
• Work with you to find the best treatment options.

At Faith Family Practice and Wellness Center, your total health is our priority. Our caring team values your mental health as much as your physical health. We provide a safe, private space to share your feelings without judgment.
After your mental health screening at Faith Family Practice, we help create a personalized care plan. We provide comprehensive medical and wellness services to help you regain your strength, peace and joy.
Our services include:

• Supportive counseling
• Simple lifestyle guidance
• Safe medical care

Our team supports you every step of the way.

Simple Steps to Prepare for Your Screening

Depression and anxiety screenings are easy and stress-free. No complicated studying or preparation required.
Here are some simple preparation tips:

• Try to answer every question honestly. Doctors help, not grade.
• Consider your feelings over the preceding two weeks. Record major mood, sleep and eating changes.
• If you are feeling anxious, jot down the questions you want to ask to avoid forgetting.
• If it makes you feel safer, bring a trusted friend or family member for moral support.

Take the First Step Today

Being emotional is as important as being physically fit. You have the right to feel happy, calm and hopeful!
If you are feeling tired, worried, or sad, you do not need to do so by yourself.
A simple depression and anxiety screening can unlock a brighter, healthier future. Call Faith Family Practice and Wellness Center now to schedule your screening and get on the path to wholeness.

FAQs

Is a mental health screening painful?

Nope! It’s just a short list of questions. It takes only a few minutes.

Are my screening results kept private?

Yes. Your results are strictly protected under federal confidentiality laws (HIPAA) and remain confidential within your medical record.