Family medicine
Anxiety & depression
Common, treatable mood and anxiety disorders—screening, therapy, and safety.
What it is
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic, phobias) and depressive disorders are common and often co-occur. They are medical conditions—not a personal failure—involving genetics, brain chemistry, stress, and life context. Health Canada mental health resources highlight that help is available.
Primary care can provide screening (PHQ-9, GAD-7), brief interventions, medications, and referrals to psychotherapy.
If you are in crisis, contact local emergency services or a crisis line immediately.
Symptoms
- Inquiétude excessive, irritabilité, panique
- Humeur basse, perte d’intérêt, culpabilité
- Troubles du sommeil ou de l’appétit
- Concentration diminuée
- Évitement des situations
- Idées de mort ou besoin d’en finir—urgence
Common causes
Facteurs biologiques, traumatismes, usage de substances, isolement, maladies chroniques, stress chronique. Les médicaments (corticothérapie, certains antihypertenseurs) peuvent influencer l’humeur.
When to see a doctor
Urgence : idées suicidaires avec plan, intention d’automutilation, psychose (hallucinations), ou incapacité à prendre soin de soi—appelez le 911 ou rendez-vous aux urgences.
Ressources : lignes d’écoute locales et Talk Suicide Canada (9-8-8).
How we can help
Nous évaluons la sévérité, la sécurité, et les comorbidités. Options : thérapie cognitivo-comportementale (référence), activation comportementale, médicaments (ISRS, IRSN, autres) avec discussion des effets et délais d’action.
Nous coordonnons avec psychiatrie pour cas complexes, grossesse/post-partum, ou résistance thérapeutique. Les plans de sécurité sont documentés si idées suicidaires.
Related topics
Frequently asked questions
We help with referrals while supporting interim coping strategies, sleep hygiene, and medication monitoring if started.
They aim to reduce symptoms of depression/anxiety so you can feel more like yourself again. Side effects vary—dose adjustments and switching are options with your clinician.
Stopping abruptly can cause discontinuation symptoms. Tapering should be supervised—especially with paroxetine, venlafaxine, or long-term use.
Cannabis can worsen anxiety or panic in some people and interacts with motivation, sleep, and driving. Discuss risks openly with your clinician.
