Ever feel in a low mood and be anxious in certain circumstances?
Depression and anxiety are normal human feelings that are a healthy reaction to certain situations. If occurring over a short period of time there is little to worry about. But over an extended period they can have a disastrous effect on your health and lifestyle.
Estimates state that around 50% of people suffering from depression also experience anxiety. Those who are anxious also have symptoms of depression. The two are very different but some symptoms are common in both. These include:
- difficulty in sleeping and focusing,
- irritability,
- agitation,
- reduced motivation.
The good news is, individuals suffering from symptoms such as these can opt for effective treatment. Counselling for depression and anxiety has been proven to rid sufferers of these symptoms. This is important, as prolonged anxiety and depression can lead to severe negative effects. Unpredictable accidents, for instance. In some cases death.
But suffering from depression and anxiety doesn’t have to lead to such severe outcomes. There is help available.
In this post, we’ll cover two critical questions people ask:
1. “counselling for depression what to expect”
and
2. “counselling for anxiety does it help?”
Counselling for depression what to expect
Counselling helps you comprehend the reasons that have caused you to become depressed or anxious. It is a process of allowing you the time and the space to be with an experienced practitioner. Someone who is an expert in lending and sympathetic ear and guiding you to understand those deeper, more hidden part of yourself.
It is a place where you can tackle any feeling of loneliness you may have (if you have any). And it is a place where you can understand feelings and emotions. A place where you can address obstacle like thoughts such as ‘things will never get better’.
Counselling aims to offer a safe and supportive environment and is proven to offer effective depression and anxiety relief.
If you’re searching for ‘counselling for depression what to expect’ or ‘whether counselling can help you tackle anxiety and depression’, the answer is affirmative.
Counselling for anxiety and depression techniques
Positive thinking and a fresh perspective are the primary techniques given during counselling. Both aim to help you recognize thought patterns that lead to depression. Together with the counsellor you will experiment with different attitudes and outlooks. Together you will learn efficient techniques for managing and coping with your depression.
You will learn to observe feelings of loneliness and become more accepting of them. And you will also begin to recognize feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
You will learn to understand the reasons behind your lack of energy and lack of enthusiasm for daily life.
Depression counselling focuses on:
1. Improving your day-today habits:
This involves increased self-care and involvement in day-to-day activities.
2. Positive thinking:
Thinking with fresh perspectives and without excessive negative judgement of yourself.
3. Looking toward the future:
Discovering your goals and working together on achieving them
4. Cultivating new skills and interests:
Your interest in new skills and knowledge will be the starting point for further growth
Depending on the service you’ve chosen, counselling is individually or in groups.
In addition to advice, your counsellor may recommend you to:
- practice regular medication,
- exercise,
- have consistent and nutritious meals,
- drink more water,
- spend time with friends, family, and your loved ones (if possible).
Counselling for anxiety does it help?
Are panic attacks, unsettling thoughts, phobias, and implacable worries of concern to you? Are these issues ruining your daily life?
Instead of opting for medicines that only provide temporary relief, consider visiting a counsellor or therapist to get help. Many studies have shown that the answer to the question: ‘counselling for anxiety does it help’? is yes.
There is no need to take anxiety for granted. Research proves that there are ways to it and that counselling can be a practical effective. This is all the more important as if left untreated depression and anxiety can lead to severe health-related diseases, including:
- cancer,
- kidney failure,
- stroke
- heart attack.
Often people opt for anxiety medication that may ease the symptoms, but this doesn’t get to the root of the problem.
When it comes to anxiety or any other medical illness, counselling and therapy should be at the top of your treatment list.
Counselling helps you:
- find out the primary cause of your fears and worries;
- learn how to feel calm,
- look at the situations in a better way,
- create better problem-solving and coping skills.
Your counsellor will provide you with several techniques that work as tools to overcome anxiety.
It is worth noting that anxiety differs from person to person. The treatment must tailor to the particular symptoms and concerns that you’re facing. For instance, if you have anxiety attacks; your counsellor will suggest techniques that are specific to this symptom. They will be different from those given to patients prone to repeat certain behaviours again and again during the day.
Final Words and what to do if you want to reach out
Depression and anxiety can make you feel:
- upset,
- exhausted,
- lack self-esteem,
- feel helpless and worthless,
- full of physical aches and pains.
Counselling for depression and anxiety can perhaps ease these listed issues and help you overcome them once and for all. If you’re interested in finding out more about how stress, anxiety and depression can be treated, click here.
Onwards!
