Hello Beautiful readers...so todays post is more of a serious note. Anxiety and depression-a topic that many suffer from, most are silent, a topic that is seen as something in society that people "don't talk about". I have personally suffered from this and done a lot of work with people who have also suffered. In this post I want to reach out to those who do suffer, offer advice and support. I want to open peoples eyes to this subject so that they can also try and see what it is like for those who suffer or they may be able to help those who they think may be suffering. I am not a medical profession, just someone with experience.
Symptons.
Anxiety= a feeling of panic, uncontrollable fear, feeling sick, tension headache, unable to move, panic attack, palpitations, trouble breathing, loss of appetite, feeling faint, not wanting to see anyone or go anywhere. It can occur suddenly, daily or random times.
Depression.
Depression= a feeling of worthlessness, lost, unhappy most of the time, empty, unable to go out, hard to socialise, isolated, self harm, low self worth, unable to enjoy things, loss of appetite, difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, difficult to get dressed/washed. Can occur without person realising, sufferers can be unaware. Depression is long term if not treated. Is hereditary, and can reoccur again in future.
Dont feel like you are alone or that you are "strange" or "the only one" as many more are feeling the same way. Lots go through the same thing just maybe a different reason on why they feel the way they do. Its important you start to look up. It may feel like there is no way out and that you are in a black hole....but dont fear there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Recognise these symptons? If you have one or two is doesnt neccesarily mean you are a sufferer. Go to the doctor or talk to a friend if you suspect anything.
Some ways to help.
I personally am a believer that these things occur due to events happening in our lives. These events could've occured in our younger life without realising that these things can then effect us in the future. Negative voices stay with us if not recognised, if you dont face your demons or an event then you will find it hard to accept and move on. Some find a word, smell or by watching a soap with a particular storyline can trigger anxiety or the feelings within depression and not know why. Us humans sometimes go through "traumatic" events that we sometimes block from our mind. This is common and you may find that you know what causes these feelings but not the whole picture, unless you face this you may find these feelings will reoccur.
Timeline.
I have found this resource helpful for so many people. It focuses on a persons life, you look at every event that a negative or positive outcome starting from the earliest memory or event you know of, such as moving house or losing a loved one. You go through this timeline till your current status. If you look at someones timeline you can sometimes find a pattern, such as one person giving negative comments that you have remembered such as "you are so short" and "look at the state of you". Having these on a regular occurance can have a negative impact causing low self esteem. Why not give it a try and see what pattern you can see? if you cant and feel ok to then email it to me and i will have a look. I am 100% confidential so dont worry.
Letter to that person.
So following on from above, that negative person or a person who has created a negative event in your life. Write a letter to them, it can be pages long or just a word, write everything you wish you could say to them. This could be a letter of swear words, or a letter of what they did and how they made you feel. Dont send this to them, this is your private letter. When you are done read it back to yourself, then get rid of it. This could be burning it (safely!!! outside and dont be silly with this!), ripping it up and throwing it in the sea or merely a bin. However you feel is appropriate you do. This can give people a sense of closure, a sense of release.
Word drop.
Right thinking of that person or could be a place. Think of a word that you feel when you think of it. Write it on a tiny piece of paper. Screw this piece up as small as you can, and if you can see that person or place "drop" it in there house, bag or leave at a place associated with the negativity. This can also leave a sense of release. This may sound silly to some but honestly it can make you feel that little bit better, and they will never know. You will start to get some of the control they took away from you.
Positive box.
Right lets get creative!! Get a shoe box and make it a special box just for you to access. Decorate it how you would love, take your time on this as it is your special positive box. When you have done this add your favourite things, such as your favourite photo that makes you feel happy, a flower, scent, song, things that make you feel good. Then when you feel low this is the box you open and go through. As positive things happen take a picture, or write it down and put it in your box.
Letters from the important people.
Right another exciting little project. Pick one or two people that have had a positive impact on your life, that you respect and feel happy with. Ask these two people to write a positives and negatives list on you! Get them to put it in an envelope and give to you sealed. When you have them sit down with your favourite drink and open them! This is the best bit! The list will not be what you expected, the negatives are normally things such as "never does enough for her/himself". Read them and smile knowing you are beautiful and you are loved, place these in your positive box to read again and again!
Doctors.
You get some great doctors and some not so great ones, you literally need to "shop" around to find one you feel comfortable with and who you feel is listening and helping you. There are many paths to go down and its important you see your doctor and discuss how you feel. Take someone with you if it makes you feel that bit better. They may offer counselling that is very helpful, but its not for everyone and again you may need to "shop" around for one that makes you feel comfortable and helpful. The doctor will also look at medical support with medication, again this is something to consider. They will start you on a low dose with a particular brand, some solely help with anxiety and some for both anxiety and depression. Give it a go if you feel its right, but keep in mind that they dont help alone, well I personally dont think they do, have counselling alongside or support from friends/family. When you start you may feel like it wont help and thats because it takes 3-4 weeks for it to get into system and you may get side effects within this time which can fade. If you still dont feel right go back and they may either up the dose or change the type you are on. Be patient as this can take some time and when they get it right you will feel so much better.
Friends/family.
Some people will not guess what is wrong and some will not know what to do. But its important you talk to people about how you feel, what you are going through as if you suffer alone you may not get better, share a problem can halve it :). So take the plunge and talk to someone you trust.
Also, eat plenty of fruit and veg,with water and with alcohol try to moderat the amount you drink as this can sometimes heighten the low feelings.
Remember you are beautiful no matter what people say, you are a light that shines. Look deep within yourself and realise that you are stunning just the way you are.
Hope you have found this post helpful in some way, its just a little bit of advice that can help, or it may not. I hope I can help in some way. If you need any more advice or want to just talk then email me on . I am happy to help you, you are not alone.
A xx
