DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Feeling anxious or depressed once in a while happens to all of us. It’s a natural part of life and for most of us, and the feelings usually subside once the event that brought it on is over. For example, feeling anxious about a work or school presentation, or feeling down after losing a job or loved one is normal, and usually when the upsetting event is resolved, the anxiety or depression subsides. 

But what happens if it doesn’t go away after the challenging event is over, and instead stays with you, interfering with your daily life?  

Depression and anxiety can feel like a continual or reoccurring sense of dread, angst, worry, and/or the need to take action, or conversely, avoid things.  You may feel out of control or hopeless worrying about the future. The fear and worry may affect only one area of your life, or may be more widespread.  Sometimes, anxiety and depression can keep you feeling stuck and unable to take action on your own behalf, or keep you from pursuing dreams or goals, or from being happy in relationships or taking pride in your accomplishments. 

Depression and anxiety can include any of the following: 

  • Lack of motivation

  • Difficulty making decisions

  • Low self-esteem

  • Guilt

  • Irritability

  • Worrying excessively

  • Thoughts of self-harm

  • Racing thoughts

  • Heightened alertness

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Difficulty sleeping


Therapy can help you to: 

  • Understand your emotions so you feel more competent coping with them

  • Practice relaxation and meditation techniques to manage intense emotions

  • Focusing on personal care such as healthy nutrition, exercise and sleeping routines

  • Attend to your anxiety and depression so you can discover what they’re trying to tell you

  • Increase your self-esteem and confidence as you grow in self-awareness and master your emotions