Anxiety & Depression Pt.1
What can be done about it?
Many of us have experienced those times in our lives when we've felt depressed or anxious. For some these feelings are a daily part of life. For others these feelings may be more common during the holiday season or on other special occasions. Life's many situations circumstances can lead to long periods of depression. There are many factors related to this state of anxiety and depression. Here are just a few.
Fear
It can difficult even getting out of bed in the morning when fear has a stronghold on you. For instance, if you are deep in debt your stability becomes threatened as you are faced with the reality that you may lose the things you value. Or if you’re a student you may dread facing a test, or you may fear that person who goes out of their way to make your life miserable.
Fear is not something that is easily conquered and is more than just an act of putting mind over matter. It's a real problem that should be acknowledged and addressed. Sometimes we don't address our fears because we refuse to admit to ourselves there is a problem. It may seem simpler to keep all things hidden so that no one suspects our true state of mind. Fear, when left unattended has a tendency to grow and intensify without our awareness. The recommended course of action is to seek help from a counselor or at least talk to a trusted friend. It always helps to verbalize your thoughts.
Mistrust
We have all been hurt on occasion due to expectations that were not met on the part of another individual. The pain of mistrust can lead to long periods of alienation. Although we know these things happen in life this knowledge doesn't help to ease the pain. We need time to process and assess the damage done to our psychological and emotional state as well as try and figure out what happen and where we went wrong. However, after we've done all this it is important to make every effort to move on no matter how difficult it may seem because the person who hurt you certainly has.
Isolation
We tend to shut ourselves off from the world when life becomes overwhelming. This is probably a natural time out response that can be both therapeutic and comforting. However, I know some people who have been in time out much too long. When a person chooses to isolate themselves, it may be seen as an act of self-preservation when in reality it only helps them to hide and prolong the inevitable. One day the very thing you hide from will have to be faced. We were made to be in relationships that nurture us and allow us to love and support others. Imagine what would happen if we all embraced this concept.
Sorrow
There is no sorrow deeper than the sorrow of losing a loved one. I believe what makes this such a difficult thing to cope with is accepting the reality of separation. We simply were not made for it and somehow through God's grace and support of family and friends we continue our lives one day at a time after a tragedy. There are times when it becomes necessary to participate in grief counseling. It is in these groups that many people find comfort and healing from others that have also experienced the pain of losing a loved one.
Rejection
There's probably nothing worse than feeling like an outsider. When people refuse to accept you, it can definitely have an effect on your self-esteem. Even though it hurts we have to remember we have probably done the same thing to someone else at some point and time. Sometimes, we have to examine our motives for desiring the company of certain groups or individuals. It could be that we feel our association with them just may elevate our status. However, the goal is to surround yourself with positive people to help built confidence not tear it down. Whenever or wherever you experience rejection you must alienate yourself from the source. Don’t wait to be accepted.