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Sleep, Stress & Depression

Just Between WomenJust Between WomenLisa Mesaros, PAC

Date: February 28th, 2013

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STRESS• Fatigue• Depressed mood• Muscular skeletal

pain/Headache• Changes in appetite• Anxiety• GI problems

DEPRESSION• Fatigue• Depressed mood• Change in appetite • Sleep changes• Diminished interest in activities• Restlessness or slowness

F li thl ilt

Why do I feel so…

SLEEP DEPRIVATION• Fatigue• Depressed mood• Muscular skeletal

pains/Headaches• Increased appetite• Anxiety/Panic• Irritability • GI problems

• High blood pressure• Relationship problems• Trouble Sleeping• Weight gain or loss

• Feeling worthless or guilt• Poor concentration /

indecisiveness• Recurrent thoughts of death• Nonspecific symptoms of

depression (Abdominal pain, Back pain, Headache, Joint pain, Neck pain & Weakness)

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• Irritability• Poor

concentration/memory• Lack of coordination• Decreased Libido• Decreased immune

function• Worsening diabetes• High blood pressure• Increased risks for Heart

attack and stroke

A Typical Visit / Patient• “Why am I so tired?”

• “Why do I have daily headaches?”

“Wh ’t I l ?”

Symptoms = A visit to your primary care provider

A Typical Visit / Provider• “Are you getting enough

sleep”

• “What are your life stressors”

• “Why can’t I sleep?”

• “Why am I anxious / depressed / irritable?”

• “Why is my memory poor?”• “Umm, I forgot the last

question….”

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• Could this be a major depressive disorder

g

“I love this provider! She is really on to something”VS.

“Just give me the medications to fix me…I have more important things to do”

• Treatment must address sleep, stress & possible depression for symptom improvement

• Consider medication (short term vs. long term)• Practice good sleep hygiene• Consider counseling• Stress reduction

Prescribing treatment

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Your provider may not be capable of addressing all of your problems…

Providers do not work miracles…

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• Don’t worry about thing you can’t control• Prepare as best you can for event you know may be stressful• Work to resolve conflicts with others• Ask for help when you need it• Set realistic goals• Exercise regularly

Tips for managing symptoms / stress

Exercise regularly• Set aside time to do things you enjoy• Eat well balanced meals and get enough sleep• Meditation or other relaxation techniques

(www.Mediationoasis.com)

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Sleep Deprivation

Physical Symptoms

Fatigue Depressed mood

Irritability

Anxiety/PanicChange in appetite

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Stress Depression

Muscular skeletal pains/HeadachesAnxiety/Panic