What is causing the climb in depression & anxiety?
As the year is coming to an end, many people are experiencing depression and anxiety. Many of whom have never had depression in the past, so why is this happening now?
There could be many reasons to ones depressed and anxious state, they may differ from person to person but on the whole it has to do with uncertainty, if there is a lot happening in your life and it feels like there is no sense of control, these mental health conditions come into play.
It is important to remember that it doesn't always have to do with the severity of your situation, it is always important!
Hearing people say, OH your situation is not so bad and comparing it to someone else's problem, really grinds my teeth.
If it is affecting you and your mental health it is IMPORTANT!
More to the point, the rise in mental health conditions (Depression & Anxiety), has a lot to do with our lifestyle today, we work until our bodies force us to slow down. Missing out on so much life just to survive another day. With our economy dwindling and cost of living rising, it is no surprise that most of us are having these conditions creep up on us. Wanting to provide the best for your family, and not being able to do the little things can really affect one in the most negative of ways, Making you feel alone, exhausted and out of control in your life...
Many people feel so drained they want to sleep for the next week instead of facing time alone with themselves. Truth is, over thinkers tend to avoid moments alone because that triggers anxiety, causing insomnia to crown off the trifecta of stress. It is a vicious cycle, one that unfortunately can't be fixed over night and facing the things causing these uncomfortable conditions is the only way. You can't walk around it, you have to go through it! Now medication is ones favourite option as it treats the symptoms but it's important to remember it may help you feel better but the problem is growing like a tumour, you will get triggered by the smallest of things and regret your actions after the fact, this will accumulate adding to your already growing tumour. Medication and therapy together can do wonders, treating the symptoms and the problem at the same time!
Now, we ask the age old question, how do we get through this gorgeous trifecta of stress?
We identify what is causing the negative thought patterns, what is currently happening within your life and how these situations make you feel, looking at your life from a different perspective, this is when therapy is fantastic, having someone that truly wants to understand, no judgements just 100% understanding, and sometimes (it happens more often than not) getting asked the difficult questions, ones you know you should ask but avoid them instead, this is a way to help you see things for what they are, and to find solutions with a support system.
Solutions: Finding and identifying the problem!
Ask yourself the difficult questions, if therapy is not an option then speak to someone you trust and respect. Speaking about the situation and having someone else give you their point of view can be really helpful, that being said, it has to be someone that won't be afraid of asking you those difficult questions. Another option, if you enjoy writing, then writing down the problem and how it all makes you feel can also be helpful, writing it down is a way to document what it is you are going through, revisit what you wrote when your mindset is feeling more relaxed, you will find that you see things more analytical than emotional, helping you see things more clearly.
The good old saying, Sleep On It! Not everything needs to be dealt with there and then!
So as life is getting more stressful, and everyone's situations are different, there is no one reason fits all, but that being said, it is very important to remember that depression, anxiety and insomnia goes hand in hand and its cause is stress, uncertainty and fear. So finding what is causing your stress, creating uncertainty and what you are afraid of, you will be able to ask the questions you need to ask, and find solutions.
There are many things that goes into a depressed state, and there are very real dangers attached to it, and feeling alone is the worst thing. Remember there is always a solution even when you can't see it, there is always help out there.
Suicide Crises Line: 0800 567 567 Help is available 24/7
Written By Chantel Groenewald 28/11/2023
