Tips for Combating Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety affect more than 20 million adults every year. With depression symptoms ranging from mild to severe, more people are seeking help for the treatment of depression and anxiety than ever before. Treatment options for depression and anxiety include prescription medication, hormone therapy, psychotherapy, and a variety of other specialized therapies. Since each case is unique, there is no "one-size-fits-all" cure for these sometimes debilitating mental disorders. But when natural remedies are used in conjunction with other types of treatment, treatment success rates can soar! Regardless of whether or not you are in a professional depression or anxiety treatment program, there are a number of things that you can do to help yourself.

Natural remedies for these mental disorders don't get a lot of attention so they're often overlooked as successful treatment options. Fortunately the situation is changing. Natural remedies for depression and anxiety are most effective when used in conjunction with professional therapy.

For many patients, that combination is enough and additional treatment methods usually aren't required. Here are some proven tips for getting depression and anxiety under control: Banish Negative Thoughts Although it's nearly impossible to prevent negative thoughts from creeping into our minds, negativity makes depression and anxiety worse. Try to offset these thoughts by focusing on the positive things going on in your life.

Positive, happy thoughts trigger the brain to release "feel good" chemicals that combat depression and anxiety naturally. Avoid Associating with Negative People Sharing your life with people who are negative only strengthens your own negative feelings. Likewise, sharing your life with positive, upbeat people strengthens your positive feelings. The choice is voluntarily so choose the people who can help you and avoid the ones who can't. Journal Your Way to Relaxation Take a few minutes each day to write in a journal. You don't have to create a novel, just jot down your thoughts on the positive and negative aspects of each day and note what made you depressed and what made you happy.

At the end of each week take time to reread what you've written. Before you know it you'll have a clear picture of the things that lift you up and which ones bring you down. As soon as possible, start avoiding the things that affect you negatively and start doing more of the things that make you happy. Tap Into the Power of Affirmations Affirmations are uplifting statements that you say out loud. Because affirmations are spoken as if the results you are seeking have already occurred, they work by programming your subconscious to make true that which you have already told it to be true. Feel free to create your own affirmations or use these: "I deserve the happiness that I feel every day.

" "I think only positive and uplifting thoughts." "I am in control of my moods and outside issues do not affect me negatively." "I love myself and I deserve the love of others." Summary You are in control of your thoughts and feelings. Depression and anxiety are not unbeatable conditions that you are powerless to control.

Start by following the tips presented in this article and then seek the help of an expert in the field of anxiety and depression management if you require additional assistance.

Susan Huebert, L.S.C.S.W., has practiced counseling in Wichita KS for over 15 years. Visit her Wichita Counseling and Coaching Center to find out more ways to relieve depression and anxiety.