Dealing with Depression and Anxiety

It is alarming to think of the sheer numbers of people complaining of depression and anxiety in the 21^st Century. Of course, it is prudent to treat the interpretation of all data and statistics with healthy skepticism. Perhaps there is more data on depressed people these days because people just accepted their unhappiness in the past. Perhaps it is less of a stigma these days. Perhaps people simply have higher expectations of personal happiness or the data-gathering methods used today are simply better.

However, whatever the case, you probably know if you want to be happier. If you suffer from depression and anxiety (the two tend to go together) there are ways of dealing with it. You just have to remember to employ them.

Anti-depression medication. This is a hot-button topic. Some people swear by their meds. Other people refuse to take them because they either stop working after a few months (and the resulting crash is devastating) or they plague the patient with side effects that are worse than the condition being treated. One possibility is working with your physician, be that your family doctor or a psychiatrist, to find the best medication that works best with your brain chemistry. Your physician should help you monitor the results.

Mental exercises. This is another hot-button topic, as some people consider depression a purely chemical process (and therefore rely on medication) while others consider it a thought process. It does seem that it is a delicate balancing act and that one process influences another. If you have self-defeating thoughts, they can trigger chemical processes that make you feel depressed. If you don't have enough chemical (like seratonin) in your brain to make you feel good, then you may begin to have self-defeating thoughts. Therefore, even if there is a lot going on in your brain chemically speaking, it still seems like a good idea to practice having thoughts that feel good, and it does take practice if you're used to thinking in negative terms. Therapy with a trained psychologist or psychiatrist and meditation - even daily affirmations - can help.

Regular aerobic exercise. Jog. Walk fast. Bicycle. Whatever it takes to release those endorphins, do it, even if you have to force yourself at first. There is a reason runners talk about "runner's high." When you spend 20-30 minutes or more on aerobic activity, your brain begins to release natural "pleasure chemicals." The effects can last the rest of the day and even into the following day. You will also find that tension disappears during your exercise sessions, and tension contributes to anxiety and depression. In short, you will begin to feel physically good, which will make you feel better mentally. And you will be in better shape.

These are just a few ways of dealing with depression and anxiety, but they can be very effective, especially if used together. If you are very out of shape, don't dive into an exercise program all at once. Give your heart and lungs time to catch up so you don't overload the muscle. Dwell on things that make you feel good as opposed to bad. Use medication under a doctor's supervision if necessary. And keep a journal of what works and what doesn't. Since depression often involves feelings of helplessness, exercising just a little control over your condition can make all the difference in the world.