Management of Stress From Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety disorders are serious mental illnesses that need to be treated, but combining those with the stress of daily life can often be debilitating. Too much stress in a person's life can lead to physical symptoms, such as headaches, irritability, fatigue, sleeping problems, as well as many other psychological symptoms. Finding effective stress management techniques is crucial for anyone, especially those suffering from depression and anxiety disorders.

Identification of Stress

• Identify the sources of the stress in your life. If you're suffering from anxiety disorders then one of the sources may be socializing with other people. Perhaps you're trying to accomplish too many things at once and this is the source of your stress. The identification of the stress in your life is important to be able to attack what's bothering you and plan a response.

Understanding Feelings

• Determine how you're feeling about the situation or the source of the stress. Stress responses such as irritability and anger are outward expressions of the stress, but figuring out your feelings about the underlying problem is important. If there are multiple problems, take an account of each one and figure out how you're feeling about each.

  Sometimes depression and other anxiety disorders can lead to one feeling stressed out about even small problems that should seem insignificant. If this is the case, take a step back and examine your feelings and emotions to help gain clarification.

Relaxation

• Give yourself a much-needed break from the day and perform some relaxation exercises that promote good health, concentration, and a mind boost. For example, sitting in silence and concentrating on deep breathing exercises is a good way to de-stress and compose yourself. Remembering to inhale and exhale deeply is important if you are practicing deep breathing exercises.

  Other relaxation exercises include meditation techniques such as those using a certain phrase or "mantra," as well as visualization and imagery techniques that take you to a relaxing mindset. All of these relaxation exercises will help relieve the feelings and symptoms of stress and give you a fresh start for the day.

Journals

• Keep a journal as a good stress management technique for your depression or anxiety. In the journal, write about all the feelings of stress and anxiety you have felt throughout the day. An example of a technique to use when keeping a journal is to allow yourself five or 10 minutes to write down absolutely every feeling or thought that you have at the moment. This will allow all of your emotions and feelings to come to light, and you may even find a solution to a problem in the process.

Exercises

• Exercising is a great way to relieve stress and make yourself feel great in the process. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise reduces the symptoms of depression anxiety. In addition, it can help you feel healthier overall and give you a boost of self-confidence when dealing with problems and stress in your life.

  Exercising also doesn't mean that you have to go to a gym to have a good workout. Taking a jog or an hour break for a walk in the outdoors are both good ways to improve your mood, relieve stress, and feel the effects that exercise can have.