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There’s a strong link between your physical and mental health. If you’re struggling with a chronic illness that affects your emotional well-being, Sylvia Cartwright, MD, in La Jolla, California, can help. Dr. Cartwright takes an integrative approach to psychiatry, combining traditional interventions with complementary therapies that benefit your total health. All chronic illness consultations and therapies with Dr. Cartwright are through telehealth; she sees patients from all over California. Call the office today or book an appointment online to regain your mental well-being.
What is a chronic illness?
A chronic illness is a long-term health condition that requires ongoing medical care, causes symptoms that affect your daily life, or both. Chronic illnesses are complex and are usually with you for life. They may also put you at risk of developing other health problems.
Examples of chronic illnesses include:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Asthma
- Chronic kidney disease
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
The stress of managing the symptoms and treatment of a chronic illness can affect your coping mechanisms. When the stress of your illness exceeds your coping abilities, it may affect your emotional and mental well-being, causing depression or anxiety.
I have anxiety from chronic illness. When do I need psychiatry care?
You should seek expert psychiatry care from Dr. Cartwright for your chronic illness if you have persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety that make it hard to function. These symptoms may indicate you’re dealing with depression or an anxiety disorder on top of your chronic illness.
Dr. Cartwright conducts thorough diagnostic evaluations to fully understand your current emotional state so she can determine a diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan.
You may also benefit from psychiatry care with Dr. Cartwright if you want to make behavioral changes that improve your chronic illness. Lifestyle changes are part of the treatment plan for conditions like diabetes and heart disease but are difficult to implement if you don’t have the right support.
What treatments can help me cope with a chronic illness?
Dr. Cartwright practices integrative and inclusive psychiatry. She combines her comprehensive evaluation process with individualized treatment plans to help you regain your mental well-being.
Treatments that can help you cope with your chronic illness include:
Therapy
Dr. Cartwright is skilled in many forms of therapy, customizing your therapeutic plan based on your individual needs.
Medication management
Dr. Cartwright may prescribe psychiatric medication to ease symptoms and improve your mental well-being while you participate in therapy. She offers pharmacogenomic testing to personalize your medication plan.
Lifestyle modifications
Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and practicing good sleep habits benefits your mental and physical health. Dr. Cartwright provides the guidance and support you need to make these lifestyle changes.
To get help coping with your chronic illness, call the office of Sylvia Cartwright, MD, today or use the online scheduling to book an appointment.