South Carolina residents are being reminded that their family doctor’s office can serve as a first line of defense for both physical and mental health. A recent study estimated that in 2023‑24 roughly 828,000 adults in the Palmetto State – about one in five – experienced some form of mental illness, with 193,000 facing a serious condition that significantly limits daily activities.
Primary‑care doctors see the whole person
“A good starting point is defining the term,” said Dr. Justin E. Fichtner, a family physician at Sandhills Family Medicine, part of the Lexington Health system. He explained that while movies often portray mental illness as extreme and institutional, most patients deal with everyday challenges such as depression, grief, anxiety over job loss, or the sadness of a breakup.
Dr. Fichtner stressed that primary‑care physicians routinely notice emotional cues during a routine visit. “One of the first things a doctor notices is – how does someone look? What can you tell about how they may be feeling based on meeting them at the door?” he said. By building a trusting relationship from the first appointment, doctors can quickly identify whether a patient is struggling.
Physical ailments and anxiety are intertwined
Physical health problems often trigger anxiety, and severe anxiety can manifest with physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, or chest palpitations. “When we’re diagnosing depression, we always draw a distinction: is this primary psychology‑related, or is this secondary to a medical condition?” Dr. Fichtner noted.
He added that recognizing this connection helps physicians decide whether a symptom is rooted in a medical issue, a mental‑health issue, or both, allowing for a more accurate treatment plan.
Treatment options span counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes
When patients present with anxiety or depression, Dr. Fichtner said the toolbox includes counseling, medication, exercise, and even hobbies that reduce stress. “We have pretty good evidence that therapy and pharmacotherapy are both effective,” he explained. “When we combine counseling and therapy with medication, we tend to get a more robust response.”
He recounted a recent case in which a patient grieving a family loss initially resisted medication. After discussing her previous counseling experiences and explaining how a low‑dose prescription could address her underlying generalized anxiety disorder, she agreed to try the medication. The conversation led to tears, hugs, and a renewed sense of partnership between doctor and patient.
Why the conversation matters for families
For families, the message is clear: mental‑health concerns should not be hidden or dismissed. A supportive doctor can help identify problems early, connect patients with appropriate resources, and monitor progress over time. “It’s about making sure people are okay,” Dr. Fichtner said, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue.
Community leaders and faith‑based groups in South Carolina have also begun to promote mental‑health awareness, encouraging families to seek help without stigma. By integrating mental‑health screening into routine check‑ups, primary‑care practices aim to reduce the burden of untreated illness and improve overall well‑being for residents across the state.
Looking ahead
As the state continues to grapple with the mental‑health crisis, health officials hope that more physicians will receive training to recognize and treat these conditions. The ultimate goal is a health‑care system where physical and mental health are treated as inseparable components of a person’s overall wellness.
Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.
