Women's Guide To Getting Through the Day with Anxiety and Depression

As women we have a lot on our plates with work, family life, maintaining a home, social life, not to mention our own needs and it's even more challenging when living with Anxiety or Depression. Anxiety and Depression make what should be a simple daily task the most difficult. Some days it's hard even to just get out of bed in the morning. The only thing that gets you out is knowing that after the day is done you can get right back into bed. So below are some helpful tools to make living with Anxiety or Depression more manageable.

1. Consider the basics - sleep, eat, exercise. These 3 simple things are PROFOUND on your mood. If you can get into a consistent routine just for these 3 things, everything else will feel less awful and will improve your productivity and mood.

2. Find little bits of joy for yourself throughout the day, week, month, and/or year to look forward to. Your favorite cup of coffee, playing with a baby, talking to a friend, planning a day, weekend, or week long vacation. Anything that gets you even the slightest bit excited - maybe its a new episode of your favorite show.

3. Get outside. The fresh air helps remove toxins from your body and provides oxygen rich air to your lungs. Try to take a small walk even just around the block, or read your favorite book outside in the sun. Living in Michigan, most people are Vitamin D deficient, which can also affect mood with Depression and Anxiety. Get outside in the sun and maybe talk to your doctor about getting your Vitamin D levels tested.

4. Try acupuncture. Acupuncture is an alternative to feeling better without taking medications. It helps balance hormones immediately to provide relief from symptoms of Depression and Anxiety.

5. See a Licensed Counselor or Therapist. A Counselor or Therapist is a huge resource to feeling better. They are able to support you by listening and helping to bring perspective. They will encourage you towards your goals in life. They are like your own personal cheerleader who helps you take on the symptoms of Anxiety and Depression.

6. Consider talking to your doctor about medications that may relieve your symptoms. Sometimes medication can be helpful to get out of a slump or difficult time. There is no shame in taking care of your body and sometimes that means taking medicine.

Rachel Bauer is a Licensed Therapist and Acupuncture Specialist at Empower Counseling Services located in Grand Rapids, MI. She specializes in helping women with Anxiety and Depression. Check out empowercounseling.org for more information!