People going through a tough patch in life understand the hazards of anxiety and depression. A person going through a depression will ultimately be more anxious about a situation, and this anxiety will again cause more and more depression. Hence, this is a cyclical process that continues and makes the person more troubled and unhappy.
Anxiety and depression effects people on various levels from small panic attacks to massive suicidal thoughts. So how do we break the cycle and reduce anxiety and depression?
With the revolution in technology, a number of medical and clinical advances have made treatment possible. Here are six strategies you can use to reduce anxiety and depression in your life.
1. Self-constructive thoughts
The negatives in your life are often the reason why the positives of your life are over-shadowed. Construct a list that jots down all the positive aspects of your life. Have sitting sessions with yourself and think about the constructive things that you did. Not only will this make you happy, but also will it shun away the negative thoughts.
2. Identify and avoid triggers
There are always triggers to anxiety or depression. Observe each time you face an anxious situation and identify the key factors that made you upset. If controlled, these can lead to lesser cases of triggered depression and self-harm. A counsellor can help you to identify these triggers safely, and show you how to avoid or cope with them in sessions (point 6).
3. Productive allocation of time
Often when we are idle, we get lost in a cycle of anxiety and fear of the future. Allocate your time to avoid these feelings by exercise. Jog or walk for at least 15-30 minute a day. This makes you feel fresh and productive about yourself, and reduces destructive thoughts from your mind.
4. Yoga
According to researchers, yoga helps people feel happier and less angry, depressed and anxious. Yoga incorporates the technique of breathing deeply, which reduces the negative thoughts from a person’s mind and calming the body. By doing breathing exercises deeply, the patient feels relaxed and at ease thus reducing anxiety. You could join a yoga class at the gym, or find a free lesson online.
5. Talk it out
Depression can easily distract us any negative thought that comes into our mind. This can be relatively reduced by measures including talking it out with a trusted friend, confidant, mentor or supervisor. This conversation allows a person to interact and talk with other, thus sharing about their positive and negative experiences, normalizing and validating things. This will lower stress and anxiety and encourage confidence.
6. Counselling sessions
Counselling is an effective way to deal with mental health issues. With proper counselling sessions, a person can set a scheduled timetable and utilize time accordingly. These sessions can be set up by professionals, clubs, your GP or yourself. A counselling session is a great place to have a positive and nurturing discussion, giving patients the tools to improve their wellbeing and future.
Do you feel lonely, anxious or isolated? Would you like to share your story in a safe environment, and find healing and hope? Call Colleen on 0434 337 245 or Duncan on 0434 331 243 for a FREE 10 minute consultation. To make an appointment, go to BOOK NOW and you will be able to access Watersedgecounselling’s online appointment diary.
Wilma Hayden is a certified yoga therapist who has spent multiple years in coaching people in the healing tradition of classical yoga and meditation.
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