FAQ Depression and Anxiety: What can I do? Therapists reply

Member: My depression has reached a really high level and I think i suffer from some others disorder alongside with depression but I can’t pinpoint which and it’s ruining me. I have read books and books and different online sites and so much more but it has only made a doubt a possibility. So what do you suggest I should try?

Therapist Parvathy reply

Self-diagnosis can be risky. There is always a danger of misdiagnosing the health condition. Even though books and internet resources do have a lot of information, a formal diagnosis should always be made by a qualified mental health professional. A mental health professional goes through years of training in the field and can thus provide effective help. You can use the screening tests or the information as aids to formal therapy. So, if you feel that you are suffering from mental health concerns, do speak to a qualified mental health professional. Want more info on Parvathy, click here for bio.

Member: What are some tips for dealing with burnout?

Therapist Kajsa Futrell reply:

One of the key ways to deal with burnout is self care but what that looks like depends on the person. Self care in a lot of ways means taking an introspective look at yourself and the things that are impacting you whether it is negative or positive. If it’s positive then you would continue but if it’s negative you would need to take steps to correct it.

For example, if you notice that you are having a lot of stress in the realm of work, what can be done to alleviate that? Can you take time off? Can you negotiate for more breaks? Is it time for a job change? Etc.

These are all things that need to be taken into consideration and analyzed by you as an individual. The key is to change the things that you can and mitigate the things that you cannot and have a plan to take care of yourself during the whole process. A lot of times you have to prioritize yourself because your friends, family and work may not be. Going to therapy can help you to figure these things out if it works for you.

For more info and bio on Kajsa Click Here.

Member: Can depression be self treated without medication?

Therapist Kajsa Futrell reply

Yes it can, however it does require self discipline in order to maintain self care practices. It is also important to be self aware and curious as to what triggered the depression. Do any physical changes need to be made in one’s life? If one is living in or working in an environment that is very difficult it may be necessary to think about some changes. There may also come a point where medication does become necessary. (Kajsa Futrell).

For more info and bio on Kajsa click here.

Member: How does a therapist differentiate between someone who is "resistant" and someone who merely disagrees with them?

Therapist Graham Barrone reply

Haha i love this question. Its the old problem of personality over procedure and whose ego is getting in the way. Even therapists feel rejection sometimes and a client who simply disagrees can feel like rejection. The defence mechanism of the therapist can unhelpfully be one of judging disagreement as resistance. Theres also the discomfort of confrontation that can have both therapist and client feeling a bit weird about each other. However, for me therapy uncovers the truth about what works for a client. ITs not my place to tell someone what their truth is or to impose facts. Fear can often be sensed behind a clients concern which can often lead to them rejecting a pathway forward. And thats ok. Its done to the skill of the therapist and the rapport they have with the client to talk about that, uncover whats going on behind it and be creative and courageous about finding other paths.

For more info and bio on Graham click here

Member: How do I put the past behind me?

Therapist Parvathy reply:

Letting go of the past can be a tough task because of all the complex emotions that might be associated with it. Letting go would mean making peace with the negative experiences you have had. It is important to realize that we hold the narrative of our lives in our hands. Facts will remain as they are, but a change of narratives can alter the emotional charge associated with the experiences. Journaling can help redefine and process your experiences from different perspectives. There would be many difficult emotions that may come up when you think of your past, such as guilt, shame, anger, etc. A mental health professional can help you cope with the experience.

For more info and bio on Parvathy click here.

Member: I'm in the process of healing myself of depression which has been months-long. I'm beginning to be able to do things I normally enjoy, and even some in-house duties. However, I'm still reluctant to risk meeting people (even people I don't know, like a cleaning lady), let alone to work. Even just a thought of one of these (either passing someone by or work) makes me want to hide beneath the "shelter" of my blanket. Why does this happen, and what are the possible solutions? Thank you in advance.

Therapist Parvathy reply:

Depression is often comorbid with social anxiety. what you are experiencing could be intense anxiety or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social situation. You may even be worried about acting or looking anxious in public. To avoid such stressful situations, you tend to steer clear of social interactions or events. Depression has a negative effect on self-esteem and confidence which may have contributed to your social anxiety. Glad to know that you are in the process of healing. Working on your identity and your self-concept would be important for you. Graded and gradual exposure to stressful events can also help. However, it is important to do this under the supervision of a mental health professional who will be able to equip you with skills to manage the anxiety.

For more info and bio on Parvathy click here.

Member: What is the best remedy for anxiety?

Therapist Parvathy reply:

Understanding your anxiety- the cause, triggers, and your current coping styles would be the first step to manage your anxiety. Keeping fit physically by exercising as well as maintaining a healthy diet and sleep schedule is important. To gain better control over your thoughts and emotions, you can try practicing mindfulness and meditation. Symptoms of anxiety can be relieved by various anxiety management techniques including breathing exercises and muscle relaxation. Psychotherapy can help address the root cause of the anxiety and help with self-esteem and confidence. A therapist will also be able to equip you with various coping strategies.

For more info and bio on Parvathy click here.

Member: Hi, I've been searching for an answer for so long but haven't been able to find any. For over six months now i have been totally unable to feel any emotions, enage in any conversations meaningfuling. I always feel exactly the same, neither happy or sad. I am on anti depressants but i feel like they are doing nothing at all. Please help me. It would be challenging to live like this. Even when I am doing self caring activities, i'm still feeling nothing.

Therapist Parvathy reply:

Feeling emotionally numb is a symptom of depression. If you're not feeling any difference after taking your medicine, I suggest you visit your psychiatrist again and let them know about this concern. They may change your medicine or the dosage to suit you better. Along with medication, psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial for you. Talking about what you're going through to a mental health professional will be very helpful. Psychotherapy can help you identify stressors in your life that could be contributing to your depression. It can help you challenge negative thinking patterns which may be making you feel hopeless. Through therapy, you will be able to gain a sense of control over your life. Psychotherapy also reduces the risk of a relapse.

For more info and bio on Parvathy click here.

Depression, Anxiety, Neither? I have been feeling a lot of intense emotions the past 6 months. I got to this state where I felt like I was crazy and I talked to my cousin about it who suffers from bad anxiety and she said she thought I was having a panic attack. Now that I don't feel that crazy anymore, I dont think it was anxiety. For a solid 3 maybe 4 weeks I felt like I was wired, couldn't stop thinking, obsessed over specific topics, and felt like my heart was going to just pound out of my head. I never felt scared or panicky though just wired and unfocused. Since that has finally subsided Ive just felt depressed and I felt depressed before it. I don't want to go to therapy because Im afraid of it negatively affecting me when I get life insurance, but I also want to know more about why I keep getting these episodes of intense obsession and wired feelings and then sad and angry.

im always overthinking and have this constant feeling in my chest that makes me so uneasy and melancholy that it's debilitating. I am so afraid that looking into my anxiety and telling myself that there is something wrong with me will do irreversable damage to my mental and affect the way i am going foward (for the worst). I don't know where to begin my healing but i am hurting.