My Recent Depression And Anxiety Tips (My Top 6)

This one is dedicated to my mom.

It's been a while since I've written anything. Lets just say I was going through stuff...

As you know, I've struggled with depression, followed by anxiety, topped-up with substance abuse. Since my last post, for some reason, my life went completely down-south, and totally unexpectedly. In the last 3 years I've lost three jobs, two rental apartments, the majority of my friends and all support from family. Today when I look back, I know what I did wrong. My life did a complete 180 degree and continued going down hill from there. Without getting into many details, and I'm sure you have an good idea, so I really want to focus on what I did to get myself out the deed, deep misery I had put myself into, how I got back on my feet, back on track, and even stronger than ever. One thing I do want to say is don't ever think you've become strong enough to suddenly be able to deal with addictions because you got over your anxiety/depression. Addictions and anxiety go hand in hand. Addictions are extremely difficult to control, and even no matter how strong you think you've got. Please keep in mind, and you know that, when you start it's extremely difficult to stop or control, and so you might just fall right back where you once were, deeper, and possibly hit rock bottom... that's exactly what happened to me, so I hope these tips can at least help some of you.

Let's get right into it. Here are my most recent 6 tips for finally concurring depression and anxiety, especially when mixed with substance abuse.

1. Stop Consuming Drugs And Alcohol, Whatever It Might Be For You

This is a crucial step, if you allow in the devil's temptations, you will never be able to see the light again or gain the strength to get through it. Go head, have that one more drink, one more night of fun, and then what? What about the following weekend? What will happen when that "friend" calls you to come chill, what will you respond? Are you going to go back just so that you can test your own strength? What does it bring to your life or future? What's at the end of that tunnel? How far in life have you gone since? Are you making good friends, I hope so, because you will need some. Those people are not your real friends, maybe you have something in common, but you can not help each other get better by doing the same thing. Talking to each other about your future goals and plans while high, is not going to take you any further, but only to that next party.

From my experiences, none of that matter. That fun you're having isn't real fun, and trust me, it's actually taking your further and further to your dreams and goals, and often extremely dangerous. No savior is coming for you, you're dreaming, comfortably numb, in your own fantasy world, but with no means of getting out of it. Life won't help you if you don't help yourself.

Sober up a bit and slowly you'll find the courage to get help, and there is so much help out there. One thing at a time, one moment at at time, one goal at a time, you will eventually reach every single one of them, as long as you stay as sober and keep your focus.

2. Come Face To Face With The Fact That You Do Have A Problem

Most of us don't think or believe we have a problem. Anxiety and depressions are linked to deep wounds that were once forgotten, pushed away and never dealt with. The reason why we rebel is because of our hurtful wounds from our past which we think no longer exist. When we feel unhappy we naturally get involved with the wrong people, introduce substances to ease the pain or to feel accepted, loved or appreciated. We must remember that we attract what we are, these people, whom match your current mental state, are not going to be helpful, however they do make you feel comfortable and welcome, right?

Don't give in, know better. You have wounds to heals and you need to accept it, don't copy them, don't settle, don't give up on your dreams just like some have. You need to talk to yourself and say "I need to change my behaviors and actions". Do that and your life will follow... it's truly the only way. You will feel it in your mind, body and soul when it's really time to quit. Then focus on you and you will begin to be more honest with yourself and with others. Transitioning is never just a walk in the park, it hurts, but it does go completely away :)

3. Be Completely Honest With Yourself

Like I just mentioned, being honest with yourself, knowing who you are, where you come from and what you want in life, all will support you during your transition. You need to be self-aware of everything about you. Whatever you need to do to find that out, just do it, trust me, it's worth it. As soon as you admit to yourself "I have a problem, I know", then, you will immediately feel that feeling of calmness, and right through your veins. What do I do now? Make a list of steps you can take, and start with one, anyone, just pick one. It is a very powerful practice, it works, it worked for me, and I hope it works for you. Be a good person and stop lying to yourself and to others. You will gain confidence, self esteem, and others will begin to respect you, once again.

My life changed dramatically; I gained back my respect, I started loving myself more, and today I  completely accept my flaws and previous mistakes. I never judge myself or anyone - I respect other's journey and where they might be today.

4. Detach Yourself From Toxic People

I've always believed that people cross your path for a reason, but I also know that it doesn't mean everyone will stay in your life, and sometimes it's just for a quick brief moment, just to teach you something, or perhaps you need to leave them with something. In any way, some people show up only to make your life miserable as hell, more then their own life. They will do anything to keep you from getting better or succeeding, because that's what they thrive on, victimization. They pick at you, wait for that reaction, and can't wait to see you hurt. It's only until you realize this, that you can then make a conscious choice to let them go. Get to know them so they don't bother you ever again, new comers, they will come. Cut them out of your life, and COMPLETELY! I'm sure you've met a few.

5. Take Care Of Yourself

It took me a few back and forth before I finally became to understand that part-time consuming, is not a thing. Only after I decided to ONLY focus on my physical health, mental sanity and spirituality, that I began to feel completely at ease with myself, my life, my behaviors and attitude towards people. I now take good care of myself, eat even better, back into yoga and meditation... life if wonderful again, but at higher level. I do not force anything, because the last thing I want to do is create any unnecessary stress while I'm healing. One day might be yes, but the next might just be Netflix. I take it one day at a time, I don't think about tomorrow or yesterday's mistakes, because I know that will trigger anxiety and overthinking, and we both know that won't lead us anywhere! I am now leading an easier, almost stress-free life style and I'm loving it. I did move to another city, but only because I left like I had no other choice. It's up to you. Whatever makes you feel good just do it, as long as it's healthy!

6. Know Your Goals

This has to be my favorite. I might not have previously touched this topic, but I truly believe that the root of the problem, is that we are completely lost human beings, not knowing what we truly like, what we should be doing with our lives, yes I'm talking about your life purpose. Picture you're an artist but you work for the government full-time, and completely dislike your job. The majority is doing it, they "seem" happy, so it must be alright. Well, it may be the worst thing for you. It is soooo important that you have a goal, mission, purpose, reason to live, reason to be alive! Otherwise, what's the point. I finally think I've got my mission figured out, which is to help people, in any way I can, through this channel, through beauty, being raw and authentic, so that others can replicate. I have decided to become the type of person I would wish to meet and have a conversation with, and be so comfortable that I can truly be myself. That is enough for me. I'm also starting my own business, and from all that, I know I'm doing what I was called to do. They're many things you could accomplish or do, it might not just be one thing! Being a good mother is one :)

You must find what those are deep down, and slowly work your way to them! I believe those are the true meaning of happiness, no anxiety, to stress, no depression. Remember, anxiety and depression are only here to assist you.

You also have a story to tell, click here.

Be well.

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Lets Redefine The Meaning Of Mental Disease

Hello again! 

We are back and with a new look :)

Today we wish to talk about a very delicate topic, because we find that there is a tremendous amount of stigma around this, and we hope to diminish the harmful effects it has towards us all -- the word [ disease ].

We're convinced you’re wondering how to distinguish between someone who is mentally ill and someone who suffered from depression, anxiety, or an ongoing issue. The thing is that both are the same -- there is no distinguishing to do here.

Let us explain:

The words mentally diseased, mentally ill or a mental disorder have been used my health care professionals to describe an individual who is "suffering mentally". However, how do we know if a person should be "diagnosed" with a mental disorder, or if they're just having a bad year?

We find that these words are very strong words. Their meaning is actually misleading. The individual dealing with multiple life stresses, who is spending the majority of their time in unwanted or undesired situations, being constantly "bullied" by their classmates or co-workers, left and right, there are many negative obstacles preventing the from attaining mental peace. That is in fact a mental disorder; but not the mental disorder that we know, but a mental dis-order. Then, it is only a label describing such, but it doesn't define or doom the individual as being mentally ill.

We do not mind using the word mental illness (not even towards my own self), because we see it differently. The level as to how it effects an individual mentally varies from person to person, since we all have our strengths when navigating in difficult situations, and not only that, we all wish for different things for ourselves. That's what makes no right or wrong, no "sicker" than others, but only who we are.

Authentically the words mentally diseased, mentally ill, mentally challenged, and as so, are really just words that were invented to describe a "mental state".

Let's look at the label disease, as an example:

dis•ease
[də'zēz]
noun
— a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific signs or symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury.

synonyms: illness, sickness, infection, ailment, malady, disorder, complaint, affliction, condition, indisposition, upset, problem, trouble, infirmity, disability, defect.

More breaking down just to see:

dis
[dis]
prefix
— a Latin prefix meaning "apart," "asunder," "away," "utterly," "opposite of" or having a privative, negative, or reversing force.

synonyms: disability, disaffirm, disbar, disbelief, discontent, dishearten, dislike, disown.

You see, it doesn't really matter which word we use, since the all essentially mean the exact same thing:

— a problem producing signs or physical symptoms to the body or mind.

So then a mental [ disease ] is really only a problem producing signs or physical symptoms to the body or mind, and not an actual disease, as we think.

As far as the prefix [ dis ] goes, it means the opposite of [ ease ]. So our body or our mind is simply not at ease.

That's really all there is to it.

If we carefully observe all of the above and make up a new sentence that would sum it up beautifully, one could be a person experiencing troubling events which are adverse to what he or she wants, and causing the mind and body dis-comfort.

What is a mental disease or illness? Nothing to worry about right? It seems scarier then it actually is.

We shouldn't let these words intimidate us, not only because they project a "negative energy" that is harmful to us, but also because they are awfully misleading and also packed with stigma. Moreover, they are man-made, created with ignorance, a lack of knowledge and perhaps a lack of experience! I hope no one allows these to stand in the way of truth -- what is the fundamental source of the mental-discomfort.

So now what...

Instead of constantly worrying about what type of mental illness we might have, and diagnose ourselves with some type of "mental whatever", along with taking multiple pharmaceutical treatments that actually will not fix the real issue, why don't we utterly place our focus on what is the ACTUAL issue causing us mental or physical discomfort? In fact, we think it would be preferable to mainly focus on the mental aspect for now, since the physical discomfort is likely connected. How about we replace the word "disease" with the word "discomfort".

Here:

mental-discomfort
[men-tl dis-kuhm-fert]
noun
— a person experiencing troubling events which are adverse to what he or she wants, consequently causing the mind and body dis-comfort.

It doesn't sound too bad after all :)

From what we all know, troubles are form within our head (our mind), by observing or experiencing things that we do not wish for, and from that we let in their unfavorable energy, which then cause us negative feelings, and finally, unconsciously allowing these to penetrate our bodies. We must know this difference to protect ourselves against outside negative forces. They definitely should teach this in all schools.

A person diagnosed with some type of mental illness is simplistically at the moment not doing well. This person may also be experiencing a spiritual awakening, in the form of a not so pleasant wake-up call. Sometime such circumstances need to happen in order for an individual to "wake up". It is the yang to the yin. We must face the darkness for the light to exist. We all have a teacher within us at all times (call it whatever you want), and it's their way of saying "Hey! listen up! It's gone way too far!" We beg you to not ignore it -- it only wants the same as you... because ultimately it is you.

Hence, a challenge like this one is without a doubt a call to action. When certain status have been ignored for too long or have been taken too far, in pursuance of a positive self-transformation it requires a negative fate powerful enough to make us "See". When a change is required, a call to action can present itself in unlimited ways. The individual now aware MUST surpass this call (current status) in order to reach what their heart's desire. Easier said than done, but knowing this can reform someone's life, furthermore, it can save someone's life.

That "moment of darkness" could last a life time, let’s keep that in mind… nonetheless that is only if we choose to ignore it.

Some people might say "this person is mentally ill, mentally challenged, out of his or her mind, nuts, or even crazy". Fine, let them say or think what they want, let them assume, because they don't really know the truth, they don't know your truth, which you are about to find out :)

On an added personal note, as far as I'm concerned I'm still ill, however I'm aware of its cause and for it I know I have a lot of work ahead of me. I'm not the type to give up on myself or on anyone who needs help, and for as long as my effort will serve. A little is better than none, and it can make a HUGE difference in someone's life. Hopefully in my next reincarnation I will learn to listen more and be less ignorant.

My teacher repeated to me year after year,

Hey you! You shouldn't be doing this! It doesn't feel right and you know it!". Hey you again! What did I say just a few minutes ago... why won’t you listen? How many times will I have to repeat myself?

I find it amusing when I say I'm mentally ill or I have mental disorder, in fact it doesn't bother me anymore because not only it's true, but I accept it. I'm not clear as to what is coming up next, but I'm very curious and surprisingly no longer afraid. I keep true to my heart and things make more sense. If it feels wrong I let it go. Sometimes it's hard to say no, but we all have places to be and it might not be where you're at right now. This has become my new drive -- finding out where I'm supposed to be.

We've been blah blah-ing quite a bit here, and maybe got off topic, but what we've attempted to show is that a disease is only "something" that is "not at ease" (dis-ease), if that can make you all more at ease, we're done our part.

Sources: Dictionary Reference and Google
Image credit: Unknown

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