This post discusses depression, anxiety and Seasonal Affective Disorder. I will be sharing about how it affects me. Please be aware that depression affects everyone differently, and it has various levels of intensity. It is best to consult a professional. You can also contact:
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
Restaurants are opening, my work is getting ready to open the office, I can work out at my gym again, I have been invited to graduation parties –we are back to normal. Well, kind off, there is a lot of restrictions, restaurants have to limit the number of patrons, my temperature has to be checked daily at the office, I have to schedule my workout online, and the graduation parties are not until August.
Everything feels uneasy; it is weird trying to get back to normal—it is actually giving me anxiety. Even more anxiety than when everything was closing. Part of my anxiety is not knowing how to act, is it appropriate to go a restaurant? Should I have small gathering with my friends? Do I wear a mask if I am invited into someone’s house? What about church? Are we ready? What if there is a second wave?
On top of that, the toxicity of today’s politics and the very real issues between Black live Matters and the police make me even more anxious. On top of top of that, I am hearing some horror stories coming out from Mexico (my home country) from my family members due to Covid-19, politicians and protest against the police, etc. Another brick on the wall around my struggle with anxiety and depression.
Over the winter, I spoke about my winter blues. Usually during this time of the year I come out of my SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder); however, this year, my SAD seemed to slowly transitioned into anxiety.
I started to research my feelings and I am not the only one. I found this article:“How to fight fear and anxiety when quarantine ends”
The article quoted Sheva Rajee the founder of the Center for Anxiety:
“We’re going to have to work through this quarantine state of mind even when the physical quarantine has lifted,”
So this is real issue to watch out for yourself and your loved ones. I wish I had a list of what do to: “Ten ways that will guarantee to take away all your anxiety” list; however, I don’t know them –I am in the mist of it. The article did interview some experts who recommend the following:
- Accept that your anxieties are normal
- Learn to manage your emotional response to fear
- Practice mindfulness, and cut out unhealthy routines
- Get involved to help stave off feelings of powerlessness
I highly recommend you read the article so you can get the details.
However, I would like to add two more
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Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.- 1 Peter 5:7 –
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7 –
In fact, I recommend those two first. Don’t forget that God is there for you, we are in this together and seek help from you family, friends and professionals. We will get thru this.
Love
Milo
