If you're struggling with depression and anxiety, you're not alone. Millions of people suffer from these conditions every day, and it can be tough to manage. But there is hope! With the right treatment and support, you can overcome your challenges and live a happy, healthy life. If you're ready to seek help, contact a mental health professional today, and you have come to the right place!
Defining depression and anxiety
Depression and anxiety can be difficult to navigate, and it is important to have the support of professionals and loved ones who understand what you are going through. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sad or “empty” moods, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, decreased energy levels, and difficulty concentrating. Anxiety is characterized as persistent worry, restlessness, irritability, fatigue, sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating. Seeking professional help can help one gain new skillsets to cope with these difficulties and learn strategies that emphasize self-care, understanding of personal triggers and relaxation techniques. Together we can work on understanding our emotions better to help improve the quality of life along the journey.
The causes of depression and anxiety
Having relatives with a history of depression can be a major risk factor for developing the mental health condition. Research indicates that individuals who have one or more blood relatives who have had depression are at an increased risk. Having experienced adversities such as trauma or stressful life events can also be a cause of depression and anxiety. For example, traumatic events such as abuse, deaths in the family, or ending of significant relationships can lead to depression because they cause intense feelings of grief, fear and sadness that may not go away over time. Understanding the root causes of depression and anxiety is important in order to effectively treat the conditions.
The symptoms of depression and anxiety
Depression and anxiety can be a debilitating combination of emotional and physical states. Those who suffer from this condition commonly present with excessive fear and worry, which can be accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth, muscle tension, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and difficulty concentrating. The persistence and severity of these symptoms can make it difficult to simply handle day to day tasks. Fortunately, treatments exist that bring relief in managing these symptoms; however, understanding the underlying causes of depression and anxiety is key in order to achieve long-term success.
How to get help for depression and anxiety
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and/or anxiety, it's important to seek professional help. Seeking out the support of a compassionate psychotherapist is an important step that can offer various forms of person-centered therapy. Person-centered therapy is focused on providing unconditional positive regard, congruence, and authenticity in order for those seeking help to explore their feelings, beliefs, and experiences in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. This type of therapy helps the individual gain insight into their emotions and come up with their own solutions, helping them live a more content life.
When to see a psychotherapist for depression or anxiety
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by feelings of depression and anxiety, it can be helpful to talk with a therapist or mental health professional. Therapists are trained to provide valuable insight and support that can help you through difficult times. If your symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional help; the sooner you do, the better chance you have of managing your condition and feeling better overall. Asking for assistance is an incredibly brave step; make sure to remind yourself that therapy can be beneficial, working with a psychotherapist can give you the tools to actively work towards helping yourself.
If you're struggling with depression or anxiety, know that you're not alone. These conditions are very common, but there is help available. Talk to your psychotherapist and London Psychotherapy about what options might be best for you. Consider psychotherapy as part of your treatment plan. And if you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help immediately by calling a crisis hotline in your area or going to the emergency room. Don't suffer in silence- reach out for help today: Click on the contact link!