As a young adult, you might feel like you’re constantly on a rollercoaster of emotions. The pressure to succeed, build relationships, and discover your purpose in life can be overwhelming.
If you’re experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression, you must understand that you’re not alone. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) approximates that nearly 23% of adults 18 and older experienced a mental illness in 2021. The good news is that there are actionable steps to take to manage your symptoms and improve your mental health. My Warrior Mom Life shares some here:
Recognize Your Triggers
The first step in managing anxiety and depression is to identify your triggers. These can be specific situations, people, or even thoughts that cause you to feel anxious or down.
Learning to recognize your triggers will help you avoid them, or come up with healthy coping mechanisms to deal with them. For instance, if you feel anxious in crowded spaces, you might try going to a smaller gathering or bringing a trusted friend along for support.
Start Self-Care
Practicing self-care is critical for maintaining good mental health. Set aside time for yourself daily to do something you enjoy, such as listening to music, doing a puzzle, or reading a novel.
It’s also important to make your physical health a priority. Eating a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising regularly will go a long way in boosting your overall well-being. When you take care of yourself, you’ll have more energy and mental clarity to deal with the challenges of everyday life.
Here is a list of over one hundred ideas for self-care from Warrior Mom! Click here!
Go Back to School
If you feel stuck in your career or struggle with anxiety and depression, returning to school can be a great way to improve your prospects and gain new skills. You can work at your own pace and fit studying into your busy schedule through online courses. Pursuing further education can also provide a sense of purpose and direction, which can prove invaluable in your mental health battles.
Further, earning a degree or certification, can open up new job opportunities and increase your earning potential. For example, there are countless ways to use a business bachelor’s degree, making it a wise long-term investment!
Talk to a Professional
It might be helpful to meet with a mental health professional if you’re experiencing persistent feelings of anxiety or depression. The right therapist or counselor can give you tools and strategies to manage your symptoms while offering support and guidance. Therapy can also help you identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to your mental health struggles.
Establish a Support System
Having a strong support system can make all the difference when fighting anxiety and depression. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support groups to connect with people who can empathize with your struggles. Sharing your experiences with others who have been there will likely help you feel less alone and more understood.
Focus on What You Can Control
Finally, it’s essential to focus on what you can control instead of what you cannot. Worrying about the future or dwelling on past mistakes is natural, but it only leads to more anxiety and depressive feelings.
Try to focus on the present moment and take small steps to improve your situation. For instance, if you’re worried about finding a job after graduation, put your energy into updating your resume or networking with people in your field.
Wrapping Up
Dealing with anxiety or depression is challenging, but it’s crucial to remember that you hold the power to take control of your mental health. Recognizing your triggers, practicing self-care, building a support system, and implementing the other strategies in this article can help you manage your symptoms and boost your overall quality of life.
Don’t forget that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There’s no shame in taking care of your mental health!
Please leave a comment below on how you personally handle anxiety or depression. Sharing is one way to show others that they are not alone.
If you enjoyed this article, you can find more helpful content on MyWarriorMomLife.com!