There’s never been a time in history that looks like the present. From a global pandemic to a looming recession, there are so many scary experiences happening at once. This doesn’t include the daily challenges people face on a regular basis. With all of the challenges mounting up, depression and anxiety continue to remain on the rise. More people are experiencing symptoms of both illnesses. Without knowing how to cope or take control, people turn to really bleak and final solutions. Know that there is hope and life past your depression and anxiety. If you’ve been in this circumstance for a while, consider the following tips.
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1. Be Gentle with Yourself
If you’re depressed because you’re not able to be as productive as you need to be, give yourself some grace. Instead of placing ten things on your to-do list for the day, just do four or five. Focus on what’s most important, and start with the bare minimum. Once you’re able to conquer the minimum requirements, you can start to add more to your plate.
2. See a Professional Therapist
Seeing a professional therapist for depression therapy is incredibly important. You need to see a professional in order to work through the emotions and deeply rooted issues that led you to where you are. By talking and emoting on a consistent basis, you’ll be able to process your feelings and recognize triggers.
Your therapist will also be able to recognize patterns that keep you stagnant or stuck. Sometimes, people like to rely on their family members or friends to be their personal source of free therapy. This isn’t a great idea because they’re not trained to recognize what needs to shift in order for you to move forward in a healthy, productive, and practical manner.
3. Consider Medication
If your symptoms are so debilitating that you can’t get out of bed, it might be time to consider medication. Medication doesn’t have to be a permanent solution. Anti-anxiety medication and anti-depressants have done wonders for many people. With most people who suffer from depression and anxiety, there’s a hormonal aspect that is out of balance. Medication can help to provide the necessary balance in order to function and thrive.
4. Improve Your Diet
When you’re already dealing with challenges such as depression and anxiety, it’s best to become extremely careful regarding what you place in your body. Certain foods might exacerbate your mental state because of the brain-gut connection. Prioritize foods that promote gut health. Focus on consuming fresh fruits and vegetables with each meal. Increase your intake of fiber in order to ensure healthy digestion. Drinking lots of water in place of tons of caffeine can also help as well.
5. Notice Your Triggers
If you notice that you tend to fall into a depressive state once you’ve gotten home from work or dealt with a stressful family member, pay attention to the ways you can resolve the situation. Instead of coming straight home from work, you might want to stop at a local bookstore and read. This positive habit might cheer you up and boost your spirits. If you’re dealing with a cantankerous family member, consider whether you need to either cut the ties or distance yourself. This might seem like an extreme measure for some, but your mental health really matters.
6. Exercise Regularly
Exercise has a way of boosting your mood because of the release of endorphins. If you love the outdoors, go outside for a walk or a job in order to relieve yourself from stress and boost your mood. If you’re a lover of the gym, commit to working out on a daily basis. As you move your body, this can help to decrease your depressive and anxious symptoms.
Closing Remarks
As you do your best to get your depression and anxiety under control, know that you’re not alone. There are millions of people who are in the same boat. Sometimes, it might not feel that way when you peruse social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. However, so many people use photos to mask the pain they’re actually enduring. When you recognize that you’re not alone in your struggle, this might help you to feel less isolated and estranged. By implementing these tips, you can conquer depression and anxiety and keep them under control.
