Often, the two go ‘hand in hand’ – nearly half of all people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

Modern day life is very challenging – there are so many demands on our time, as well as total information overload with us being available 24/7 via email, text, social media, etc. The constant ‘doom and gloom’ fed to us via the media does not help! Many of us to not make the time and space to unwind, to truly, deeply relax and undertake valuable mental processing.

Most people feel anxious or depressed at times. Losing a loved one, being made redundant, going through a divorce, and other difficult situations can lead you to feel sad. But if you experience these feelings daily or nearly daily for no apparent reason, making it difficult to carry on with normal, everyday functioning you may have an anxiety disorder, depression, or both.

This therapy helps you to really understand the causes and origins of depression, as well as to recognise any negative patterns of thinking. People often describe this as ‘a weight being lifted’. It will free you to replace your old thinking patterns and to focus on working towards the future you desire.

Not sure if you’re depressed? Symptoms of depression include the following:

• Low mood lasting two weeks or more
• Not getting any enjoyment out of life
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling tired or lacking energy
• Not being able to concentrate on everyday things like reading the paper or watching television
• Comfort eating or losing your appetite
• Sleeping more than usual or being unable to sleep

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness
• Problems sleeping
• Cold or sweaty hands or feet
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Not being able to be still and calm
• Dry mouth
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

It is believed that just 20 minutes a day of physical activity can stimulate chemicals in the brain, (endorphins), which can help you feel better. 

Healthy eating is also important. Don’t be tempted to use alcohol or other drugs as a quick fix. These can actually make depression worse.

Although there are no instant cures, it is possible to break free from depression. When you are depressed, it can be difficult to feel motivated enough address the issues that need it. However, if you are fed-up of feeling like you do and want to change, take the first step and book a FREE lower anxiety discovery session.