Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Relationship Challenges, Parenting, Eating Disorders, Developmental Disabilities

The Upper West Side (UWS) is home to people of various diverse experiences. These few years have seen many challenges with the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, illness, and even deaths.  We have seen and experienced financial hardship, housing and food insecurity. We have seen political and social unrest, and the epidemic of mass shootings continues. Everyone, of all ages, has been affected, so we UWS mental health professionals realize that we need to be available to offer help to you in a number of ways. 

Here is some general information about common mental health issues.

Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. NIMH » Depression (nih.gov)

Anxiety Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, or family problems. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For people with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships. .NIMH » Anxiety Disorders (nih.gov)

Substance Use A substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to a person’s inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUDs. NIMH » Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders (nih.gov) 

Eating Disorders There is a commonly held misconception that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are actually serious and often fatal illnesses that are associated with severe disturbances in people’s eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. Preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape may also signal an eating disorder. NIMH » Eating Disorders (nih.gov)