Mental Health – Depression, Insomnia & Other Common Issues

“Many people are embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they need help to handle their moods and emotions.  They shouldn’t be- mental health issues such as depression are very common and can be treated. Ignoring the issue won’t help and may hurt. I’m here to support you.”

-Dr. Bella Zimilevich, MD

The impact of mental health disorders

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly half the world’s populations are affected by mental illness. Mental illness affects not only mental health, but also the person’s relationships, functional ability and physical health. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability for young- to middle-aged adults. The elderly are not immune- declining physical health, loss of a spouse, retirement and moving to a care facility are all risk factors for depression in older people.

About Depression

Although I am not a psychiatrist, as a physician specializing in internal medicine I have training and experience in treating patients with conditions such as depression and insomnia. Not all patients who are depressed will need to see a psychiatrist; in fact, most do well when they are treated by their own physician.

If you come to me with depression, insomnia or other mental health issues I can promise you that you will receive compassionate and understanding care. I view mental illnesses similarly to physical illnesses, that can be treated using medications as well as other non-pharmacological treatments. If you are suffering from mental health issues, you need someone with whom you can build a personal relationship over time. My purpose in starting a practice in Mill Basin was to fulfill a need for primary care in this area. I want to build lasting relationships with my patients, and a lasting and trusting relationship is important when managing depression, insomnia and other common issues.

Does everyone who comes in with a mental health issue require medication? Not always, but many people do find medication helpful in relieving their symptoms. This is because many issues are caused by an imbalance in the brain of chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are important in normal brain functioning, including mood regulation. There are many medications aimed at restoring the balance of these chemicals in the brain.

About Insomnia

Difficulty sleeping, called insomnia, may be characterized by trouble falling asleep or frequent waking. Regardless, the result is the same – you wake up feeling exhausted and sleepwalk through your day, feeling as though you’re walking underwater.

Everything is a major effort. You long for sleep but it just won’t come, or you fall asleep immediately, only to find yourself wide awake in a couple of hours.

Insomnia can impact your job functioning, your social life and your personal relationships. It can make you feel irritable and can affect mental functioning. It can also affect your physical health because our bodies depend on sleep for cellular health and regeneration.

If you suffer from depression or insomnia, I want to help you find relief. The first step in  dealing with depression or insomnia is to seek help. If you relate to any of what was written above, please make an appointment- you deserve to feel better.

Make an Appointment