Anxiety & Depression - A Discussion

​​An anonymous contributor submitted this article to me earlier in the week discussing mental health, something I'm sure we all struggle with at some point in our lives. I personally think it is really important to discuss mental health as much as physical health. If you would like to submit an article contact me via Skype. 
Hey Guys and Gals!

Before this begins, I should state that I’m not a doctor, but I’ve got enough experience with the topics that are about to be discussed that I can confidently offer some advice. For the past four years, I’ve been an anxiety sufferer, and for the past maybe two or so years, a depression sufferer on and off, brought on most likely by my anxiety. I’m writing today just to offer some practical advice, that you probably don’t hear every day.

My first piece of advice would be to do some research! I cannot stress this enough. It wasn’t until I actually did look up anxiety and depression that I realized I had it. Some resources I use and like include: 
Depression Signs & Symptoms
Anxiety Signs & Symptoms
Anxiety & Depression Checklist

Here are some ideas for helping you manage symptoms of anxiety. Feel free to add to the list, or let us know what works for you in the comments...

Mindfulness – Grounding exercises: noticing your environment, bodily sensations, and breath
Progressive Muscle Relaxation – Creating a Tension and Release effect with all the muscles in the body
Opposite Actions – By listening to calming music, taking a walk, talking, enjoying sunshine
Safe Place Mental Imagery – Visualising a place where you can go in your mind to feel safe
Calming Affirmations – To help recognise that the moment of panic will pass
Exercise – A valuable way to exhaust excess adrenalin built up in the body"

But this isn’t enough. If you think you have anxiety, depression or any mental illness, go see a professional and get diagnosed. Diagnosis is important because it’s the first step in combatting the issue. It could just be a hormonal imbalance, or it could be a long-term thing. I know it might be daunting but trust me, they understand what it’s like. Most mental health professionals are who they are because they also had to combat the same issues. 

My second piece of advice is get a hobby, and preferably one where you exercise. This is just due to the fact that exercise helps you relax and get the pressure off your shoulders, clearing your head up. For me personally, that’s swimming and boxing. Now, you will have days where you feel like everything is awful, and you don’t want to move else your body will just give in, and that’s a-okay. Those days or even weeks are part of the cycle. But always talk to someone if you are feeling suicidal. It could be your best friend or a complete stranger, whoever you are comfortable with, and if you can’t work out what is making you feel that way, just talk anyway. Humans are inherently social creatures, and maybe a little social interaction will help you come to grips with how you are feeling.

Thanks for reading guys, and good luck :)

~ Anon.