ARTICLE
The low-down anxiety & depression
In today’s rushed, fast-paced and “always-on” world, chances are that either you have experienced anxiety and depression yourself, or you have borne witness to someone close to you who has.
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main” – John Donne
Modern culture has made it easy to jump on the band-wagon of “I’m suffering from depression…” or “I’m struggling to deal with my anxiety…”, without fully understanding exactly what it is, why so many are in the thick of it or what to do about it when it does rear its ugly head. Hopefully this article will be a light in the dark pit of despair to many who are finding themselves in the day-to-day battle of what I call “The Silent War”.
What’s anxiety all about?
We all feel anxious at times, especially when facing stress, but when it goes overboard, that’s when we call it an “anxiety disorder.” This can come in different forms like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), where you worry a lot about everyday stuff, or specific things like panic attacks or social anxiety.
Why does anxiety happen?
Anxiety doesn’t have a single cause. It’s due to a mix of factors. Sometimes it’s in your genes, other times it’s due to life events or brain chemistry. Trauma, a family history of anxiety, or even imbalances in your brain can all play a part in what we collectively call “Anxiety”.
What are the signs of anxiety?
Anxiety can show up in various ways. You might feel restless, have racing thoughts, muscle tension, headaches, or find it hard to concentrate. Oh, and those sweaty palms and a racing heart? Yep, those can be part of it too.
What about depression then?
Depression is like that dark cloud that just won’t go away. It’s not just “feeling sad”; it’s a constant, deep, persistent sadness. It can make you lose interest in things you once loved and affect your daily life in rather severe ways.
What triggers depression?
Depression, like anxiety, has a lot going on behind the scenes. Your genes, brain chemistry, life experiences, environment you are in, and even the people you surround yourself with, can all contribute to it.
Sometimes it’s linked to other medical conditions or medications you’re taking.
What are the signs of depression?
Depression comes with a persistent
low mood, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, lack of motivation, and feelings of worthlessness. In some cases, it can get really tough, leading to thoughts of self-harm or even suicide.
So, what can you do about it?
The good news is, both anxiety and depression are treatable.
You’ve got options:
1. Talk it out
Therapy, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Coaching and Counselling can help you change your thought patterns and develop better coping strategies.
2. Medications
Doctors might prescribe anti-depressants or anti-anxiety meds to help balance your brain chemistry.
3. Lifestyle tweaks
Regular exercise, spending time in nature, a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can all make a world of difference.
4. Lean on your crew
Friends and family can be a massive support system. Don’t be afraid to reach out and share what you’re going through. If all else fails, reach out and get in touch with us at Mindwalker. We are here to help you live your best life.
5. Self-care
Practicing relaxation and breathing techniques, mindfulness and
mental focus, as well as managing stress, can work wonders.
Conclusion
Anxiety and depression are challenges, but they’re not battles you have to face alone. Seeking help and support is a sign of strength, not weakness. With the right treatment and a good support network, you can work towards better mental well-being and a brighter future. Remember, there’s always help available, and it’s okay to ask for it.
