Treatment of Anxiety and Depression:A Self-Empowering Process
As with any presented issue, Tinker Psychotherapy Services – Gail-Elaine Tinker MS, LPC, provides treatment with a custom approach and emphasis on self-empowerment. The idea is to help the individual and family to manage and reduce the depressive symptoms and the anxiety which often occurs simultaneously. The notion of becoming personally empowered is an idea which should be employed more often.
This creates a ‘chicken and egg’ process to discover ‘which came first,’ and to determine and properly address the precise issue and symptoms. This does not mean blaming another for your discomfort. Sometimes the diagnosis is difficult to determine, even for your doctor or counselor, but the process of motivating an individual toward taking his or her symptoms in hand works for both diagnoses. No one can ‘do this for you,’ it is necessary to make some life changes to eliminate Anxiety and Depression. Many people enjoy the activities of reclaim the joy of life and finding true relaxation.
Let’s discuss the methods that Tinker Psychotherapy Services would utilize in the treatment of Depression and Anxiety. Firstly, CBT or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is useful in teaching a person to replace negative and unproductive thought patterns with more helpful, realistic thought, this approach to one’s Self-Talk is very effective for Depression and Anxiety. So, the notion of, “I am a loser because I lost my girlfriend due to my depression,” can be substituted with, “I feel sad about my girlfriend’s break up, but my depression is a serious issue in my life. If she couldn’t cope with my symptoms, perhaps it is for the best.” Such problem-solving therapies can help a person feel more in control, an important aspect of feeling well.
For many people, Medication, prescribed by a Family Doctor or Psychiatrist, can assist the wellness process. This is a very personal issue and educating yourself about it is a relevant activity. Medication such as an SSRI and/or anti-anxiety medications can play a role in preserving life function. I liken it to having fallen down a deep hole and medication can be a ladder helping someone to climb out. Therapy helps the person to realize and manage faulty behaviors to ‘avoid another fall into the deep hole.’ Not everyone can or desires to use medication, so other techniques are employed to help a person ‘build their own ladder’ to feel better and avoid returning to a difficult space. On another note, some medications taken for medical issues can cause, facilitate, and add to Depression and Anxiety. Noting patterns of change can aid you in discussing these symptoms with your doctor.
Mindfulness techniques are the best in helping all those with Depression and Anxiety to manage their pain. Relaxation, meditation, and breathing exercises can be immediately helpful. Other alternative methods include professional massage, acupuncture, reiki, EFT-tapping methods, tai chi, and hypnosis because they can assist people in finding true relaxation, so that the ability to return to that space is possible. A therapist can teach you these various techniques or a coach, class, or activity group can support your desire to be well again.
Having your family and friends support can be very helpful to recovery. This means educating your support system of people to understand, cope with disruptive symptoms, and support your wellness process. Learning that wellness takes more time than anyone would like, is a critical part of educating folks. There are support groups for mental illness and corresponding family groups to aid in the serious process of ultimate wellness.
Exercise and Diet are other issues to be addressed. ‘You are what you eat’ may sound like a cliché, but appropriate diet and even dietary supplements can aid in wellness. Anxiety and Depression can exacerbate poor eating habits, as one lacks the energy to prepare proper meals or even inhibits shopping for healthy food.
Moderate exercise is another aid, as it supports the body in natural wellness, possible problem weight loss, and better sleep. Few can do this well on an immediate basis, but therapeutic motivation, determination, and practice are helpful mindsets. This is where gyms, clubs, classes, or groups can be of enormous help.
Development of new activities which distract from your condition can be vital to ultimate wellness. Returning or rediscovering hobbies and activities are not only fine coping tools, but are also the life-skills of wellness. For example, walking, knitting, sewing, writing, woodworking, automobile care, doing mind puzzles, board games and mindfulness approaches can be helpful distractions to troublesome Anxiety and Depression symptoms.
Engaging in psychotherapy with a qualified counselor can be a valuable step in recovering from Depression and Anxiety. Therapists have the experience and understanding needed to coach you through the empowerment process. Selecting an appropriate therapist while you are in the thick of Anxiety and Depression symptoms can be overwhelming. There are many websites, such a psychologytoday.com, which give therapist profiles. Be mindful to select a therapist with the outlook to serve you best.
Depression and Anxiety often go hand-in-hand, but the suffering from these two difficult conditions need not be long. The effort to believe that you deserve treatment and relief may seem challenging at first, but accepting your issue and seeking treatment is the ultimate gift you can give to yourself and your family.
Gail-Elaine Tinker, MS, LPC is a psychotherapist in private practice in Bethlehem, PA. She uses conventional therapeutic methods in concert with mindfulness and hypnotherapy to treat a variety of condition, including Anxiety and Depression. Many insurance providers are accepted and you can use a Credit Card for payment, if needed. For contact, you may call 610-216-4319 to interview her and set up an appointment.
