What do I need to do to reduce my anxiety?

Hello,

Thank you for your question. I'm glad you have reached out for help. It sounds like the depression and anxiety has been getting pretty severe and that it is disrupting your day to day life. First, I hope to encourage you by letting you know it is possible to overcome symptoms of anxiety and depression. There is help! The best way to overcome depression and anxiety is to get professional help. Reaching out and asking this question is a great start, but seeking counseling can help you to work through the thoughts contributing to your feelings of depression and anxiety and can help you determine if also seeking consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss medication management might be beneficial.

The way we think about things can greatly influence how we feel and that in turn leads to actions such as not putting yourself out there/meeting new people. If you work through the thoughts you can start to change how you feel. Working with a therapist can help you to develop skills to challenge and reframe distorted thoughts contributing to your depression and anxiety. First, a therapist can help you to develop coping skills to help you ground yourself when experiencing anxiety and ways to distract and self soothe when experiencing depressive symptoms. They will also help you to identify distorted thoughts and to help you challenge or reframe them. They will also help you to explore the root of those thoughts and help you to work through any traumas or past experiences that are contributing to your negative thoughts.

I wish you the best and truly hope you will consider continuing your mental health journey by talking with a therapist. Again, there is help. You do not have to suffer with your symptoms alone. In the meantime try to practice good self care. Take it slow and be gentle with yourself. Don't isolate and try to keep engaging in activities even if you don't feel like it. Getting out there and staying engaged can help your depression and anxiety from worsening.

Please take care. Thanks again for your question!