Chronic Conditions
Mental Health Concerns (Anxiety & Depression) 
What are mental health concerns (anxiety & depression)?
Mental health concerns encompass a broad spectrum of conditions affecting emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Two prevalent conditions within this domain are anxiety and depression. Anxiety means feeling too worried, scared, or nervous a lot, while depression means feeling very sad, hopeless, and not interested in things you used to enjoy. These conditions can significantly impair daily functioning and overall quality of life if left untreated.
What are the signs of feeling anxiety & depression?
It's important to know the signs and symptoms of feeling anxious or sad so that you can get help early and manage well. Common signs of anxiety include:
- Persistent worry or nervousness
- Restlessness or agitation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances
On the other hand, symptoms of depression may include:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty making decisions or concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
How do you diagnose mental health concerns?
Diagnosing mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression, typically involves a comprehensive assessment conducted by a healthcare professional. This assessment may include:
- A thorough medical history to identify any underlying medical conditions or medications that may contribute to symptoms.
- A physical examination is to rule out any potential physical causes of symptoms.
- Psychological evaluations, such as standardised questionnaires or interviews, to assess the severity and nature of symptoms.
- Collaboration with mental health specialists, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, for further evaluation and diagnosis.
Treatment of mental health concerns
In the treatment of mental health concerns like anxiety and depression, Dr Gerard Thomas specialises in a holistic Naturopathic, Functional Medicine approach that addresses the root causes of these conditions. Ozone therapy, a form of alternative medicine, has shown promise in managing various health conditions, including mental health disorders.
Ozone therapy entails introducing ozone, a colourless gas composed of three oxygen atoms, into the body to stimulate healing and improve overall health. This therapy works through several mechanisms, including:
- Increasing oxygen delivery to tissues may improve brain function and mood regulation.
- Modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation are often implicated in mental health disorders.
- Enhancing antioxidant defence mechanisms, which can protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage associated with anxiety and depression.
As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, ozone therapy may be used alongside other naturopathic and Functional Medicine modalities, such as nutritional counselling, lifestyle modifications, and botanical medicine, to address mental health concerns effectively.
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