Anxiety. Depression.
First of all, I will say that I am no expert in this field. I go to counselling for anxiety myself right now, and find this a difficult subject. I do know that mental and emotional health is something that is just as important as physical health - and something that seems to be taboo to talk about, until recently with the Bell campaignes ("Let's Talk") that have been happening within the last few years about talking through mental health issues.
A friend on facebook posted a blog article that I really want to share today. As someone who has been dealing with anxiety on and off over the last (many) years through different situations in life, I found myself agreeing and relating to what was written. It's not a big profound-change-your-life kind of article, but what I found great about it is that it makes it really simple. And gives you reasons why it's really that simple. And shows how we can relate and care for those dealing with anxiety and/or depression.
And that I find value in.
I'm sure if we really thought about it (or if someone quickly comes to mind), we could find someone who this could apply to in your life. Or if it's yourself that deals with this on a daily basis, I would encourage you to seek out a counsellor. I have found that every penny (read: hundreds of dollars LOL) I spend on counselling has been worth it. Honestly.
So please read and see if any of it can be applied to your life in any way/shape/form.
Instead of trying to 'fix' loved ones who are dealing with these kinds of issues, lets see how we can walk along side them.
You may not understand them, but you can sure love them.
7 Ways To Show Love To Someone With Anxiety/Depression
The hardest people to love are the ones who need it most.In honour of Valentine’s Day, here are some ideas for showing love to friends and family members with anxiety/ depression:
1.) Give Compliments:
Chances are, someone who suffers from anxiety/depression also struggles with self esteem. Help her challenge her feelings of self loathing by giving her sincere, specific compliments. Being specific is really important, because it will make her more likely to remember what you said later. It will also make her more likely to believe you. For example, instead of saying, “You’re a good mom,” you could say something more meaningful: “You are so patient with your children. I love how you encourage them to keep trying. They are so lucky to have you.”
One thoughtful, genuine compliment has more power than 10 careless comments that feel like flattery. Put your heart into what you say.
2.) Offer Your Company:
Appointments, trips to the grocery store or mall can be very trying for someone with anxiety. If your friend has someone he trusts to come along with him, it can be quite helpful. It offers distraction, support, and ensures he won’t have to face unforeseen events, such as a panic attack, all alone.
3.) Send Texts or Email To Ask How They Are Doing….Really:
Text and email might be better for this than a phone call. It can be very hard for someone to open up if they are going through a tough time. Text or email gives her all the time she needs to respond honestly, and might help her be more comfortable. It also takes the pressure off to say she’s “good” or “okay” when that’s not actually the case. In the depths of depression, it is easy to feel like nobody cares. Ask how she is doing, and really listen. Make it all about her. Let her know you believe everything she is saying, and you are there for her whenever she needs. She is not alone.
4.) Take Care Of Him:
Depression can make even the most mundane tasks absolutely exhausting. Self care is often neglected, because the person just doesn’t have the energy, the ability to focus, or the desire to do things for himself. You could cook him a nutritious meal, pay for and send him for a massage or haircut, take care of his kids while he takes a bath. Remind him that he deserves TLC just as much as anyone. This just might help motivate him to start loving and caring for himself.
5.) Invite Her For A Walk Outside….And Keep On Inviting Her:
Being in nature is soothing to the soul, good medicine for anyone. Exercise increases the body’s production of serotonin, which helps reduce anxiety and depression. Exercising outside just makes sense for someone with mental illness, but the hard part is getting her out there. Invite her often, and if she declines, be sure to not make her feel guilty….she probably has plenty of guilt in her life already. Just shrug it off, and invite her again in a few days. Your persistence will let her know you care, and hopefully she will one day accept.
6.) Hug Him….The Longer The Hug, The Better:
We are all familiar with the healing power of a hug. What you may not know, is loving gestures like hugs cause the body to release oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin causes relaxation, and aids sleep, perfect for someone with anxiety/depression. So hold him tight, for as long as you can, and you will be helping him feel better on an emotional and physiological level.
7.) Let Her Be
The hardest, most isolating part of mental illness is trying to live up to real, or imagined pressure from family and friends to be happy.
Accept that she is not happy today.
Offer no advice on how to change her mood.
Be with her when she is irritable, and don’t make her feel guilty for it.
Let her know that although you don’t fully understand what she is going through, you believe every complaint she has, and you respect her strength in living through it.
Let her be.
Don’t force her to pretend.
Love is unconditional, after all.
https://amylynnrand.wordpress.com/2015/02/12/7-ways-to-show-love-to-somene-with-anxietydepression/ (Feb, 2015)
*I've noticed all the traffic on the blog recently and love that you are finding value in previous posts I have made*
Take care friends. Let's also take care of those who need that extra genuine bit of love.
Naomi.