Healthy Living

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preventing and Dealing with Depression & Anxiety

 

Depression

The good news about depression is that it can be treated very effectively with medication, and/or counseling and support from family and friends.

Getting over a serious depression takes time and effort. This is because finding the right medication and/or the right type of counseling is a process of trying different things until you find what works for you. Sometimes this can take one to three weeks, or as long as 6 to 8 weeks.

If you think you may be depressed, or if you have questions or concerns about anti-depressant medicines, see your doctor or local mental health professional immediately! It’s important to get help as soon as possible because the longer a serious depression goes untreated, the harder it is to recover from it.  

 

Anxiety

Although anxiety is one of Canada’s most common illnesses, it is also the one we know the least about. People with anxiety might often be mistaken for being unstable or insecure, and this makes it hard for people to seek treatment. However, anxiety, like depression, is treatable. Treatments for anxiety are very similar to treatments for depression (medication and/or counseling). If you think you might have anxiety see your doctor. 

 

Tips on Dealing with Depression and Anxiety

  • Don’t isolate yourself. Schedule outings and visits with friends and family and ask them to call you regularly. Get out and do things you enjoy, such as going to a funny movie or taking a walk or hike.
  • Get as much sunlight as possible—keep your shades and curtains open, and get outside as much as you can.
  • Be kind to your body! Eat a balanced diet and get proper daily rest and physical activity. This will improve your mood.
  • Practice relaxation techniques like massage, meditation, yoga or tai-chi.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and nicotine. They may increase your anxiety level.
  • Discuss your fears and feelings with a good friend and keep a record of your feelings and thoughts.
  • Be patient and kind to yourself and remember that feeling depressed and/or anxious is not your fault! Depression and anxiety are illnesses like any other and they require professional medical help to overcome.
  • Recognize and accept your anxiety about specific fears or situations, and then make a plan for dealing with them. For example, if you are constantly worrying about finances, set up a budget or savings plan.
  • Change your mind and focus on the present. Think about and do whatever you can to feel better now! Try not to worry about the past or think about things you can’t control and can’t change.
  • Plan your day. Having too much or too little to do can make you more anxious.

 

To find out more about mental health programs and resources in your community, contact your local health unit.

    • Victoria: 250-388-2200
    • Saanich: 250-744-5100
    • SaanichPeninsula: 250-544-2400

For More Information on Preventing and Dealing with Depression and Anxiety please visit the following sites:

BC HealthGuide – Depression Prevention
http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/topic/major/hw30709/prevent.htm

BC HealthGuide – Depression Home Treatments
http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/topic/major/hw30709/hometrt.htm

BC HealthGuide – Postpartum Depression Home Treatments
http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/topic/major/tn9653/hometrt.htm

BC HealthGuide – Anxiety Prevention
http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/topic/symptom/anxty/prevention.htm

BC HealthGuide – Anxiety Home Treatments
http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/topic/symptom/anxty/hometrt.htm

 

 

Sources:

BC HealthGuide. Depression: Home Treatments. http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/topic/major/hw30709/hometrt.htm
BC HealthGuide. Postpartum Depression: Home Treatments. http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/topic/major/tn9653/hometrt.htm
BC HealthGuide. Anxiety: Home Treatments
http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/topic/symptom/anxty/hometrt.htm
Canadian Mental Health Association. Depression.
http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-86-87&lang=1
Canadian Mental Health Association. Anxiety Disorders.
http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-94&lang=1