CW: anxiety/depression, mental health
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), women are more likely than men to develop generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, major depressive disorder, and specific phobias. Some people argue that women merely report their symptoms more often than men do, but there are also a number of biological, psychological and social factors that might influence this disparity between genders.
Regardless of the causes, though, this is a real issue for women. I speak from experience when I say that anxiety and depression—if left untreated—can truly invade and negatively impact all aspects of an individual’s life. Over the past year or two I have experienced severe anxiety and some minor depression. It’s been a struggle, but I finally feel like I’m regaining control.
This return to relative normalcy has only occurred because I forced myself to reach out and ask for help. I could not have brought myself to the point I’m at now if I hadn’t sought assistance from loved ones and from professionals. I have learned valuable methods for coping with anxiety and have even found a medication that helps me control anxiety more effectively.
I think in today’s society we emphasize self-reliance a little too much. Even in the Church we push for self-reliance. While I agree that individuals should work to cultivate independence, at least to a degree, I fear that we often take this teaching too far.
We forget that Christ asked us to bear one another’s burdens, to mourn with those that mourn and comfort anyone in need of comfort (Mosiah 18:8–9). The flip side of this Gospel principle, then, is allowing others to help us with our burdens. We must not only reach out for the burdens of our friends, family members, and acquaintances, but we must also offer our own burdens so that these same people may fulfill their promises to the Lord.
And besides all that, our Heavenly Parents want us to be happy. We can only find true, lasting joy if we take special care of the minds and bodies we have been given. We follow certain guidelines regarding food and drink because we want to maintain our physical health. It only makes sense that we should follow certain guidelines regarding our mental and emotional health as well. Just as you would go to the doctor if you noticed your body working differently from its norm, you should not hesitate to seek professional help if you think you might be suffering from a mental or emotional disorder.
Some (but not all) symptoms of depression and anxiety include the following:
I think in today’s society we emphasize self-reliance a little too much. Even in the Church we push for self-reliance. While I agree that individuals should work to cultivate independence, at least to a degree, I fear that we often take this teaching too far.
We forget that Christ asked us to bear one another’s burdens, to mourn with those that mourn and comfort anyone in need of comfort (Mosiah 18:8–9). The flip side of this Gospel principle, then, is allowing others to help us with our burdens. We must not only reach out for the burdens of our friends, family members, and acquaintances, but we must also offer our own burdens so that these same people may fulfill their promises to the Lord.
And besides all that, our Heavenly Parents want us to be happy. We can only find true, lasting joy if we take special care of the minds and bodies we have been given. We follow certain guidelines regarding food and drink because we want to maintain our physical health. It only makes sense that we should follow certain guidelines regarding our mental and emotional health as well. Just as you would go to the doctor if you noticed your body working differently from its norm, you should not hesitate to seek professional help if you think you might be suffering from a mental or emotional disorder.
Some (but not all) symptoms of depression and anxiety include the following:
- Loss of interest in activities or subjects that once excited you
- Changes in sleeping habits (both sleeping more and sleeping less)
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Increased irritability
- Appetite and weight changes
- Inability to concentrate
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Feelings of loneliness
Trained professionals will offer you helpful suggestions for treatment, perhaps including individual therapy, group therapy, meditation exercises, or medication. Counsel with therapists and doctors about the treatment methods that will work best for you, and remember that there is no shame in taking proper care of your mind and your body.
ADSENSE HERE