How I'm Dealing with my Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety can be a touchy topic for most people. It's hard to talk about, and many people tend to feel ashamed that they have those feelings in the first place. Let me be clear, there is nothing wrong with feeling depressed or having anxiety. And there is especially nothing wrong with seeking out help, whether its talking to your friends, your family or seeing a therapist. I've done all three, and I can say I am miles ahead of where I thought I'd be.

My first touch with depression happened when I was sixteen. My father had just died of cancer, and I felt as if I would never be whole again. It was as if there was a hole in my chest, a deep resonating ache that would never be filled again. I struggled for two years afterwards, crying in the shower, and staying in bed for too long.

I experienced my first panic attack during my freshman year in the middle of a sociology lecture. I felt as if I was about to die, I felt completely removed from my body, my heart racing and completely terrified. The next few months were grueling, I still had some feelings of panic, feeling as if my throat was too tight, like I was about to hyperventilate. I sought out a therapist, and realized that while these feelings were uncomfortable, they were things often experienced, especially by people my age. I was prescribed anti-anxiety, and over the course of the summer, I focused on bettering my mental health. I regularly saw another therapist weekly, increased my dosage of medication, and started going back to church.

I still struggle with feelings of anxiety, and mornings where it's hard to get out of bed. Thats ok, really, it is. What's not ok is to feel ashamed by it. Go and talk to someone, tell them how you're feeling, because its more than likely they've felt similar at one point.

There are many things I do to combat anxiety and depression on a daily basis

1: Reading-good books always help me feel better, if not get me out of my head a little

2:Painting-painting, as well as drawing are very therapeutic

3: Molly-having a do enforces responsibility and makes me go outside

4: My mom-just calling my mom, telling her how I feel and hearing her voice immediately makes me feel better

5:Take a shower, nice and long and warm, putting on some cozy pajamas and watching a funny movie always help