10 Ways of Dealing with Anxiety and Depression

DEALING WITH ANXIETY

Feeling anxious about how you will deal with your life, function as a spouse or parent, or manage to live alone when you can’t take care of yourself is understandable. You may worry about how you’ll survive financially, where you’ll get quality healthcare, what your future holds, and so many other things. It’s also understandable to feel depressed over all the losses and changes an illness has brought, including the things you didn’t get to have or experience in the first place.

There are no simple answers, so be honest and gentle with yourself as you face these complex issues. Consider the following suggestions to help you take a step or two in dealing with anxiety and depression associated with managing life with a chronic illness.

10 SUGGESTIONS FOR DEALING WITH ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

1. Cling to the Lord. God gives comfort and strength. You can trust Him with every troubling thought and every raw emotion. You can cry out as David does in the book of Psalms, write your prayers in a journal, or sit in His presence as you figuratively show Him your heart. He is never distracted or too busy to hear you.
2. Remember that your feelings are valid. Among many new challenges, you are doing hard things – such as figuring out how to manage your life, face your fears, make difficult decisions, let go of what could have been, deal with changed relationships, and find a new purpose. You’re doing all of that on top of surviving. That’s a lot. It’s understandable to feel anxious or depressed at times.
3. Be gentle with yourself. Refrain from berating yourself for how you feel. You’re human, you’re dealing with a debilitating illness, and you’re allowed to struggle. It’s hard to find your way in a body that can’t keep up in a world where it’s hard to find your place. Learn to process your emotions in healthy ways.
4. Find those who can relate. Connect with others who have experienced similar difficulties. People with chronic illnesses face many common issues. There’s nothing wrong with leaning on others. Let them support you.
5. Be open to getting help. It’s okay if you need to talk to a professional – and if taking doctor-recommended medication or supplements helps you, that’s also okay. This isn’t a sign of weakness. You’re taking care of your mental health just like you’re taking care of your physical health.
6. Prepare for the tough moments. Think about what uplifts and inspires you. Perhaps it’s Bible verses, music, inspirational quotes, photos, jokes, or memes. Compile these items in a notebook, scrapbook, computer document, Pinterest board, or whatever works for you. The point is to have them handy when you need something to distract, uplift, or calm you.
7. Reach out in a crisis. Have contact information readily accessible in case you need to reach out for crisis support. Whether a hotline, friend, family member, or professional, keep that contact information close to you. You’re a special person in this world who’s worth saving. Let someone help you see that and keep you here.
8. Practice gratitude. While being sick is difficult for many reasons, there are many things for which to be grateful if you truly think about it. It can be anything from a supportive friend to a helpful household gadget, from a life lesson you’ve learned in this difficult season to a new hobby. Consider starting a gratitude list and adding one thing to it each day.
9. Do something relaxing. Find what is calming for you. Focus on scenery, bubbles, or a calming jar. Listen to nature sounds or soft music, hold a stuffed animal or pet, or use relaxing essential oils. Try a weighted vest or blanket, take deep breaths, use a fidget spinner, or drink a calming tea.
10. Have a good laugh. Tune in to how good it feels to laugh. Watch funny TV shows, movies, and comedians. Learn to laugh at yourself. Follow lighthearted pages and profiles on Facebook and Pinterest. Write humorous pieces (This can be as simple as writing about something you did and adding a funny spin to it.). Rework favorite jokes or write silly lyrics to an established song.

YOU’VE STRUGGLED AND SURVIVED

You’ve survived every day of this illness, even if you may have struggled to hang on. When some days were grueling, you managed to get through them despite being tempted to give up. The Lord is willing to walk with you and always sustain you. You can reach for Him at any moment. Let Him strengthen you as well as lead you to any beneficial resources. He always has your best interest at heart.

INVITATION

We invite you to check out the Anxiety Exercises and the Depression Self-Care Action Plan printables for more suggestions to manage these complex topics.