Mental Health in Primary Care: Depression, Anxiety, and Calgary Resources

Mental health concerns are among the most frequent reasons patients consult family physicians. Psychological wellbeing is intimately connected with physical health, and your family doctor is often the most accessible starting point for compassionate, evidence-based care.

Recognizing Common Mental Health Conditions

Depression and anxiety disorders frequently co-occur and manifest through both emotional and physical symptoms:

• Depressive Symptoms: Persistent low mood, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities (anhedonia), changes in appetite or weight, insomnia or excessive sleeping, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and low energy.
• Anxiety Symptoms: Chronic excessive worry that feels uncontrollable, motor restlessness or feeling on edge, muscle tension, gastrointestinal upset, racing heart rate, or panic attacks.

The Role of Your Family Doctor

Your physician approaches mental health with clinical thoroughness:

1. Medical Workup: Ruling out physiological causes of low energy and anxiety through targeted blood tests (thyroid disease, severe anemia, vitamin B12 or vitamin D deficiency).
2. Validated Assessments: Using standardized diagnostic screening tools (such as the PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for anxiety) to establish clinical severity and monitor progress over time.
3. Multidisciplinary Referrals: Connecting patients to Calgary Primary Care Network (PCN) behavioral health consultants, registered psychologists, and community counseling programs.
4. Medical Management: When clinically indicated, discussing medication options (such as SSRIs or SNRIs), explaining mechanisms of action, onset timelines (typically 4 to 6 weeks), and safety profiles.