Depression and anxiety are two common emotions, causing suffering and feelings of inferiority, hopelessness and worse. Modern society is experiencing an epidemic of stress, anxiety and depression. Some in the medical profession will say we all are experiencing some degree of post-traumatic stress disorder!
Just think about feeling drained of initiative and overwhelmed with constant feelings of dread, worry and concerns about the future. This intolerable state of mind can paralyze an otherwise healthy individual, leading to physical ailments and loss of quality of life.
Depression, Anxiety, or Both?
Depression may cause an anxiety disorder, or having an anxiety order may cause depression. If you have both, you may need treatment, such as medication or counseling, or a combination of both. Anxiety relief programs sometimes provide relief from depression as well.Some activities or changes to help with depression and anxiety are:
- Relaxation techniques such as hypnosis, meditation, or sound therapy.
- Routine Physical Activity
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and drugs
- Eat smaller healthy meals at regular times throughout the day to stabilize blood sugar levels (and avoid sweets)
About Anxiety
Everyone experiences anxiety during their lifetime. It's when a person has ongoing anxiety that they may be diagnosed with an “anxiety disorder.” Anxiety disorders include panic attacks, phobias, PTSD and more.
The common symptoms of anxiety include panic attacks, feeling helpless, rapid heartbeat, sudden sweating, thinking that something bad may happen at any moment.
If you have repeated panic attacks, you may be diagnosed with “panic disorder.” There are additional specific sets of symptoms and criteria beyond the physical/mental state known to you as a panic attack, in order to be diagnosed with panic disorder. See your doctor if you think you have this.
About Depression
Depression may be indicated when a combination of the following (non-exhaustive) set of symptoms is present:
- Constant feelings of sadness
- Tired all the time
- Being irritable
- Always being irritable
- Lower than usual interest in enjoyable activities
- You think about death or suicide a lot
Natural Treatment for Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
There is a large body of work about how individuals suffering from Anxiety and Depression can help themselves overcome these debilitating afflictions. Certain therapies have been written about that “walk you through” activates and exercises designed to lead you to a solution to your problem, at your pace and in your way.
Much of this new research assumes that your problems come from feelings and thoughts, conscious and unconscious, that lead to behavior and actions and other thoughts that are unhealthy or unwanted.
If our thoughts and feelings affect our actions, can’t the formula work backwards? Can our actions affect our feelings, moods, and thoughts? Of course it can!
Try this – slump down in your chair, look at the floor for a moment. How does your body feel, what are you thinking? Now, sit up straight, take a deep full breath in through your nose, exhale through your mouth, and look straight ahead, or even up a little bit. Do you notice a difference in your thoughts, or how your body feels? Which felt better?
Physical Activities Help Ease Depression
Did you know that exercise can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression? Even a few minutes of day!
"It's not a magic bullet, but increasing physical activity is a positive and active strategy to help manage depression and anxiety," says Kristin Vickers-Douglas, Ph.D., a psychologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
The relationship between exercise and reduction of the symptoms of depression is not fully understood by the medical profession. There is evidence showing that exercising raises levels of some mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, boosts “feel-good” endorphins (cause of runners high) and eases muscle tension. Regular exercise helps you sleep better, reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and has other calming effects.
In Summary
Depression and anxiety can be a challenge to manage. There is much help available, and there are others who have come before you and beat them both. Taking those first steps to helping yourself in and of itself can be a great confidence booster. Small successes can lead to bigger ones.
Exercise and diet, which have been shown to help, can be used to ease your symptoms of anxiety and depression. Consult with your doctor, find a nutritionist, read a book, and take some action. Explore the possibilities of what is available to you and begin. Doing something positive for yourself is a healthy strategy. Begin today!
Visit my Squidoo lens to learn more about anxiety and depression.
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This article is intended only to provide general information and is not intended as an exhaustive source of information for the topics discussed. This article does not replace your relationship with any health care professional you are consulting with or consult with in the future.
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