Depression and anxiety can have a significant impact on your life. These conditions can make it hard for you to function in daily life and to enjoy what you used to. Getting a handle on your depression and anxiety can take work and can start with going to therapy, considering medication, and regular exercise.
Go to Therapy
Therapy can be a helpful tool for anxiety and depression. It can be helpful on its own, or with other treatments, such as medication. Therapy helps to give you the tools needed to help you manage your depression and anxiety on your own. Therapists can help identify the messages you are giving yourself. For example, those with depression often ask “why” questions reflecting on the past and anxiety drives fear statements of the future. Therapists can also teach you mindfulness techniques which can be helpful in easing your symptoms.
Consider Medication
Medication is another tool for treating your depression and anxiety. Many people have fears or hesitations of taking medication because of labels, feeling lack of control, or believing they are ineffective. They may also fear side effects. Medication has side effects but it can help you sleep and improve your mood. The reality is that depression are conditions that are not because of your failing, but a problem in the chemicals in your brain. Medication can balance this out, just like an antibiotic can clear up an infection. Consult with a doctor to see if medication is a good route for you.
Regular Exercise
Taking care of yourself is important in general and when you have depression and anxiety. Exercise is part of taking care of your body but can also help ease symptoms of your anxiety and depression. Exercise helps to improve your mental health because it releases endorphins, which help relieve pain and promote well-being. It may be hard to want to exercise, so choose something you know you enjoy doing, or have enjoyed in the past. You can choose from many types of exercise such as running, yoga, hiking, lifting weights, or walking.
Your depression and anxiety don’t need to take over your life. It isn’t a result of your failing but is a problem in your brain chemicals. It can be hard to know where to start to get a handle on it, but there are so many resources available to you.
Check out this article on natural ways you can reduce your stress every day!