This is a topic that I have been hesitant to write about for quite some time. When you talk about Anxiety & Depression, a lot of people don't believe you and some may even think that you're just plain crazy. It's most certainly a touchy subject. Most people prefer to keep it hid and not let anyone know that they suffer from Anxiety & Depression. However, mental health is very very important and it is necessary to seek ways to get help and get it under control.
There is no one reason why depression or anxiety happens. In fact, all sorts of things affect mental health. Anything from major life events to ongoing challenges to genetics. For myself, my issues stem from several past experiences including some of the following: I lost my mom to ovarian cancer when I was only 18. I was in a car wreck at 19 which broke my neck in 3 different places. I had to undergo physical therapy for months after that. During that same year, our home burned and I lost everything including all of the things that I had of my mom. I now only have a few pictures of my mom. Justin and I also miscarried twins before having Raylan. Once I was blessed to have Raylan, I suffered from Postpartum Depression. Also, my dad's health has not been good at all and he is currently on Kidney Dialysis. I'm not telling you all of this for you to feel sorry for me, I'm just simply stating some of and not all of the obvious reasons for my Anxiety and Depression Some people may not have any past or current issues at all that would cause them to be depressed, but still suffer from it anyway due to chemical imbalances. We are all different, but we all need to take care of ourselves because like I said, Mental Health is so very important. Here are some natural ways that have helped me deal with my Anxiety & Depression and they may help you too. They may or may not work for you, but I feel like I need to share them with you.
1) God- My relationship with God and my faith in him is my main source of help. Going to Church and Praying to God gets me through my toughest Days. If I didn't have God in my life, I couldn't have made it through all that I have went through.
2) Magnesium Supplements- I researched and researched this before giving them a try. They have been a tremendous help. I feel like a completely different and happier person. Magnesium is great for many things
3) Exercise- I don't exercise a lot, but walking once or twice a day has been great for me. I instantly feel better after a long walk. It boosts my mood! We also bought a pool this Summer, so swimming has also been a great method of exercise and relaxation.
4) Getting Out in Nature- Fresh air and beautiful scenery helps clear my mind after a long and stressful day. For me, a hike or just a visit to the lake to take in all of the beautiful scenery is a necessity at least twice a month.
5) Self-Care- I can't stress this one enough. No matter how busy you are, you must take time for yourself. I know moms never seem to have enough hours in the day to get everything done, but taking time for yourself is so important. Make time for yourself even if it is for 10-15 minutes a day. Drink a hot cup of coffee, listen to music, take a hot bubble bath, read a few chapters from a book, work on a hobby that you enjoy and etc. Just do something that you enjoy and do more of what you love. My friend and I took a paint class, and it was very therapeutic. It was nice to have some girl time with my friend.
6) Get some sleep- Sometimes sleep is all we need to feel better, but don't allow yourself to sleep too much or you will be depressed even more. You know you're depressed when you want to sleep all day long all the time.
7) Wake up at the same time every morning- I know this sounds silly, but If I sleep late I feel worse throughout the day. If I wake up at the same time every morning, I feel much better. So, I tend to set my alarm for the same time everyday even on weekends.
8) Take a break from Social Media- It seems in this day and time that Social Media is one of the main sources for anxiety and depression. There are so many things on there that can cause someone to get upset. There is always someone on there complaining, arguing or trying to outdo someone else. It's just mostly drama. When we get on social media it seems like time slips away and we don't get anything productive done. It's okay to unplug for a day or two from social media. Trust me, you will feel much better when you take a break from it.
9) Invest in Yourself- This one goes along with Self-Care, but you have to take time to invest in yourself. Get up, get dressed and begin your day. I always feel much better after I shower and get myself ready for the day. Even if it's putting on the bare minimum of makeup, I feel 100% better after I take time to make myself look presentable. If I lay around in pajamas all day and don't even bother to comb my hair, I feel terrible by the end of the day.
10) Be Productive- Begin each day by making your bed. It's a proven fact that If you make your bed in the morning, you are more likely to be productive throughout the day. Begin a task and stick with it. Accomplish a small task everyday.
Like I said, these tips may not be for everyone but they work well for me and it's worth giving them a try. Just take the time to take care of yourself! You can't pour from an empty cup, take care of yourself first. You and your health are important! God created us all with a purpose and he wants us to take care of ourselves so that we can fulfill his plan and purpose for our lives.
Don't be afraid to talk to someone or get some help. Anxiety and Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. Also please know that I'm praying for you!
National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
