How to navigate internal chaos and conflict?
It can sometimes be confusing to completely understand what we feel, how much we feel, intensity and dureation of our emotions and to make sense of our thoughts and emotions. Folx in psychotherapy and healing field are often intrigued by these questions and study mental health concepts for decades to come up with the solutions. Our team has expertise in helping who pendulate between anxiety and depression and here are some of our thoughts on it.
In today's fast-paced, interconnected world, it's no wonder that mental health concerns are on the rise. Among the most common mental health challenges are anxiety and depression. These conditions can silently take hold of our lives, affecting our thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being. By recognizing the symptoms of anxiety and signs of depression, we can take important steps towards understanding and managing these conditions and making sense of our inner experience. Our counselling team is here to support you through it all.
Symptoms of Anxiety:
Anxiety can manifest in various ways, impacting both our physical and emotional well-being. While everyone experiences anxiety differently, here are some common symptoms to watch for:
Excessive Worry: Constantly feeling overwhelmed by worry, even when there is no clear cause for concern, is a hallmark of anxiety. It may involve anticipating the worst outcomes or constantly ruminating over past events.
Physical Symptoms: Anxiety can take a toll on our bodies, leading to physical discomfort such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, headaches, muscle tension, and digestive issues. These physical manifestations can further fuel anxious thoughts and feelings.
Restlessness and Irritability: Feeling restless or on edge, being easily agitated or irritable, and struggling to relax or concentrate are common signs of anxiety. It can feel as though one is constantly on high alert, unable to find peace of mind.
Avoidance Behavior: Anxiety can prompt individuals to avoid situations or places that trigger their anxiety, leading to a withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed. This avoidance can inadvertently reinforce anxious thoughts and perpetuate the cycle of anxiety.
Signs of Depression:
Many of us might have experienced profound sadness andinability to move or motivate ourselves from time to time in our lives. Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions worldwide. It's essential to recognize the signs, as early intervention can make a significant difference. Here are some common indicators of depression:
Persistent Sadness: Feeling sad or empty most of the day, nearly every day, for an extended period (two weeks or more) can be a sign of depression. This emotional heaviness may seem unexplainable or disproportionate to the situation at hand. I’ve heard some clients say that there family doesnt understand what they are going through and simply think that they are lazy or tell them to shake it off or just go out and do soemthing. While ‘behavioural activation’ is an important component of CBT strategy, it requires strategy and plan for implemention.
Loss of Interest and Pleasure: Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable can be a strong indicator of depression. Hobbies, social interactions, and even personal relationships may start to feel uninteresting or burdensome.
Changes in Sleep and Appetite: Depression can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or excessive sleep. Similarly, it can affect appetite, causing either a significant increase or decrease in eating habits, resulting in weight loss or weight gain. Formulation of routines is another strategy that our counsellors help folks with.
Fatigue and Loss of Energy: Feeling persistently fatigued or lacking energy, even after getting adequate rest, is common in depression. Simple tasks may feel overwhelming, and motivation to engage in daily activities can diminish.
Recognizing the symptoms of anxiety and signs of depression is the crucial first step toward seeking help and support. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or depression, reaching out to a mental health professional is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. As counsellors we do not do formal diagnosis but certainly provide psychotherapy support to help you navigate internal turmoil.
If your are struggling with chaos inside, you are not alone and mental health challenges are nothing to be ashamed of. By fostering open conversations and reducing the stigma associated with these conditions, we can create a society that promotes understanding, empathy, and support for those navigating the storm within. Together, we can find the courage and resources needed to reclaim their mental well-being and live fulfilling lives. Our processes are collaborative and we help even when folks do nothave means to pay for help through our low cost counselling services.
