Attacking Anxiety -
Trust Your Inner Wisdom
“I didn’t know how to go about attacking anxiety and depression because I didn’t understand my problem,”
... said Bill a high school teacher and father of three. “I didn’t know if I was depressed because I was anxious or if I was anxious because I was depressed.”
Bill’s problem is a very common one and his confusion is shared by both sufferers and medical professionals.
Attacking anxiety and depression takes time, patience and skill. Surveys show that 60 to 70 percent of those diagnosed with depression also have anxiety. And half of the people diagnosed with anxiety have significant symptoms of depression.
Dr. David Larson, a licensed psychologist and author of “How To Stop Your Anxiety Now!” believes that many of the answers lie within ourselves. He contends that patience is a major key to attacking anxiety and depression.
“We live in a society of instant pudding, instant coffee and instant e-mail, but the skill of anxiety management is not an instant process,” writes Dr. Larson. “If you have been anxious for a long time you are facing a major change.”
Dr. Larson believes that most people don’t think they have any control of their emotional state. “We feel victimized by our feelings, as if attacked by them. We even have names for this (like anxiety attack). We also tend to personalize our problem, as if there is something wrong with us. We feel discouraged, weak, maybe even ashamed that we struggle so.”
The key to attacking anxiety and depression is to stay the course and believe in our inner wisdom. “I have often said that the heart of therapy is teaching people to trust themselves,” said Larson.
If you have a loved one who is attempting to attack anxiety and depression, the best thing you can do is offer your unconditional support. Talk to a mental health professional about the best solutions for your family.
Remember that there is hope for attacking anxiety and depression and it is within your reach.