Blog Post 220221

Times have been hard recently. We thought that the pandemic would be behind us by now, however we are still in lockdown awaiting the Prime Ministers announcement as to what the future holds for us.

A lot of clients have been asking me what they can do to make themselves feel better for those that have been suffering anxiety and depression. Due to this I have decided to give you some tips which may help with improving your mood and easing your anxiety.

These tips may work for different people at different times. Only try what you feel comfortable with. And try not to put too much pressure on yourself if anything doesn't feel possible right now. This issue I will be focusing on, ‘mindfulness’, however over the coming weeks I will focus on other things which may help with your mental wellbeing.

Mindfulness

When you’re feeling low, it can be difficult to feel connected to others or the things you usually enjoy. Some studies show that practising mindfulness, where you give full attention to the present moment, can help to manage depression as well as ease anxiety and those situations that cause anxiety.

Mindfulness is a technique you can learn which involves making a special effort to notice what's happening in the present moment (in your mind, body and surroundings) – without judging anything. It has roots in Buddhism and meditation but you don't have to be spiritual, or have any particular beliefs, to try it.

It aims to help you:

become more self-aware
feel calmer and less stressed
feel more able to choose how to respond to your thoughts and feelings
cope with difficult or unhelpful thoughts
be kinder towards yourself

Many people find practising mindfulness helps them manage their day-to-day wellbeing, but it doesn't always work for everyone. The way we think (and what we think about) can affect how we feel and act. For example, if you think or worry a lot about upsetting past or future events, you might often feel sad or anxious.

If your anxiety is sporadic and getting in the way of your focus or tasks, some quick natural remedies could help you take control of the situation.If your anxiety is focused around a situation, such as being worried about an upcoming event, you may notice the symptoms are short-lived and usually subside after the anticipated event takes place.

These relaxation tricks are particularly helpful for those who experience anxiety sporadically. They may also work well with someone who has generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). However, if you suspect you have GAD, quick coping methods should not be the only kind of treatment you employ. You will want to find long-term strategies to help lessen the severity of symptoms and even prevent them from happening.

Try it for yourself

Find a space where there is only you. No distractions. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Listen to your breathing, the air going in and then going out.

Notice the thoughts that are coming and going into your mind. Listen to what your body is telling you and focus on the here and now. Control your breathing, this technique will then allow that space between you and your thoughts. The time you spend applying mindfulness is dependent upon you. Maybe try for a few minutes a couple of times a week. Feel the calmness.

If anyone would like to discuss depression and anxiety, then please contact me. As the counsellor for PCS, this is a free, completely confidential service which means I will not discuss with anyone what you tell me. You can contact me via telephone, text or email using the contact details below.