The National Institute of Mental Health reports that roughly 40 million people suffer from anxiety in the United States, with the numbers for depression being approximately half of that. Fighting off anxiety or depression can be an arduous task, especially if you suffer from both conditions at once. However, there are certain steps you can take to fight these disorders.
Step 1
Seek professional help and therapy. An analysis conducted by Dr. P. Cuijipers at the Vrije University in Amsterdam concluded that individuals suffering from depression who received therapy treatment had significantly improved symptoms when compared to those who received no treatment.
Step 2
Talk to your psychiatrist to determine if medication could be of help to you. If you suffer from severe anxiety or depression, medication can be a viable way of improving your condition. However, don’t expect immediate as new medication can take time before starting to have an effect on the body. Moreover, some patients need to experiment with several drugs before finding one that fits their needs.
Step 3
Make sure you partake in some form of exercise. Working out can drastically improve your state of mind. Exercise releases a host of neurotransmitters, like endorphins, that act as your body’s “happy” drugs and contribute to such effects as “runner's high.” Endorphins are one of the best ways to make you feel happy naturally.
Step 4
Socialize. Although it may seem hard, try to keep active. Isolating yourself from the outside world is never healthy, and the company of others can help take your mind away from your problems. Any activity will do, but finding something you enjoy doing is ideal, especially if you can do it in the company of people you care about.
Tips and Warnings
- Keeping a journal of your progress might be helpful, because your recovery can be slow. This way, it is easier for you to see improvements and not get discouraged.
- Be aware that certain anti-depressants can actually increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, so consider alternatives before starting treatment with medication.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America
- "Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica"; Psychological treatments of subthreshold depression: a meta-analytic review; Cuijpers, P.; June 2007
- “Cerebral Cortex”; The Runner's High: Opioidergic Mechanisms in the Human Brain; Boecker, Sprenger, Spilker; vol. 18, 2008
- Food and Drug Administration: Antidepressant Use in Children, Adolescents, and Adults
