Depression and anxiety can seem like taboo subjects, and it's understandable. They deal with our feelings, and feelings can be difficult to talk about. The definition of depression from the Mayo Clinic is "a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest." That might be the short way to put it, but I think it's more than just that. And for anyone who has not experienced depression, it can be hard to explain. Sometimes depression is all-consuming. It ebbs and flows, and it's different for everyone, however in the middle of a difficult bout of depression it can be hard to want to interact with even the closests of family and friends.
Anxiety sometimes, but not always, accompanies depression. Logically, one wouldn't think that they could co-exist, but somehow they can; they do for me. Mayo Clinic's definition of anxiety is "excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that interfere with day-to-day activities." Anxiety is like being extremely stressed out for something important (like an exam)...but feeling this way about a lot of little things. Anxiety can also make it difficult to interact with others. On days where my anxiety is high, it is sometimes hard to leave the house.
Let me say...everything I'm describing is based on my experience, and it's probably going to be different than others' experiences. However I think the principles are the same. I believe many people struggle with either depression or anxiety, or a combination of both, to some degree in life. Some struggle more than others. For some it is a battle faced daily, for others it comes in certain seasons of life, and for some it is on and off. For me, it is a daily battle. I am not admitting this so that you can take pity on me, I just want it out in the open so those reading this can understand what position I am writing from.
I've struggled with depression since I was about 14, and anxiety since about 18. I didn't recognize either for what they were until I was 19. I wish I would have understood earilier, because if I had I could have gotten onto the path of recovery much sooner. I want to talk about what has helped me, and what might be able to help others. I am no psychiatrist though, and something that may have worked for me may not work for someone else. So take what I say with a grain of salt and apply what will work for you.
1) Let someone in
Whether it is a trusted friend, a parent, a sibling, an aunt, an uncle - it doesn't matter! Let someone in on what is going on. I was able to start on the path toward recovery because I confided in a friend that I was struggling. She got me to the doctor, something I wouldn't have done on my own.
2) Speak with a professional
Whether it is a primary care physician, psychologist or a school counselor, talk to someone so they can help steer you in the right direction.
3) Medication is not evil
While perhaps not your favorite idea (I know it wasn't mine), depression & anxiety medication can give you a huge leg up on starting recovery. Without going into a medical explination, it helps your brain be a little happier and think somewhat clearer. This in conjunction with #4 can be very helpful
4) Counseling or Therapy
This one can be tough. Who wants to talk to a stranger about their feelings? And pay for it? From personal experience, it is worth it! In the long run counseling/therapy will help even more than medication because you will learn valuable skills that you can keep with you even when you're done. Speaking with a professional on a regular basis will guide your recovery. For me, I learned how to change my thinking. Even when I start to have bad days, I turn to the skills I have learned through therapy.
5) Create your own depression and/or anxiety TOOLBOX!
In order to get a job done, usually you need some kind of tools. To write a paper you need a computer, to do the dishes you need soap, a sink and a rag. To fix a car you need various tools, oil, etc. Doctors use tools to complete medical proceedures. Every job requires some sort of tool! Why not create a toolbox to help with your depression/anxiety. Here are my personal toolboxes:
Depression
- Writing
- Go on a walk/get some sunshine
- Talk with my husband
- Call a friend
- Go to sleep (if it's night)
- Read spiritually uplifting messages
- Plan a fun outing
- Play musical instruments
Anxiety
- Exercise (run, speed walk, yoga, swim, bike)
- Snuggle w/husband
- Deep breathing exercises
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- ABCD thinking (tool learned in therapy)
- Take short acting antianxiety medication (last resort)
Well, there you have it. I have two more thoughts to share before I end this post. The first is that even with all of these tools and steps, there are still difficult days for me, but the difference is that now I can get past those difficult days and move on. Personally, I am not in therapy right now and I don't take a daily medication, however for some people this is what they will need regularly to function, and THAT'S OK! Your path to recovery is going to look different than mine. However, I want you to know that recovery is possible!
My last thought before leaving. For those that have never struggled with depression or anxiety (which I'm guessing is a small crowd, but still exists), from those of us who do struggle, we appreciate you, and your patience! If you've ever wondered if these things are real, I'm here to tell you that they are. They're not just "all in our head". Depression and anxiety are illnesses; even though there may be no physical symptoms. For me there are many factors into my depression and anxiety; however I didn't just make it up one day. That being said, some days I do think I "make stuff up", in light of that, please watch this video below. I apply this principle whenever I am being silly about something.
