Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental disorders in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 8% of American adults experience at least one major depressive episode in a given year, and also millions of people experience bouts of anxiety annually
Depression can be caused by several factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life events. Genetic and brain chemistry factors can also cause anxiety disorders, but they often develop in response to stressors in a person’s life.
While both disorders can be debilitating, there are things that you can do to help alleviate your symptoms. Here are five creative ways to get started.
Exercise
The science behind the exercise is that it releases endorphins, hormones that make you happy. So when you exercise, your body releases these hormones, which bind to the receptors in your brain that reduce pain and stress. They also trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.
It also helps control the stress hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that is released when you are under stress. It can cause various symptoms, including weight gain, headaches, and fatigue. Regular exercise can help regulate the cortisol levels in your body and alleviate some of the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
So not only does exercise help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, but it also makes you feel good in the short term. This is why it’s such an effective way to combat these disorders. It can also keep your confidence and keep you in a good mood.
Yoga
Yoga is an effective treatment for both depression and anxiety. In addition, studies have found that yoga was as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating patients with clinical depression.
Another study found that yoga was more effective than relaxation techniques in treating patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Yoga works by helping to calm the mind and relax the body.
It also helps to increase flexibility and strength and improve balance. All of these things can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a type of therapy that uses art as a means of communication. People can use it to help people express their emotions and to explore their thoughts and feelings.
Art therapy is an effective treatment for both depression and anxiety. In addition, studies have found that art therapy was effective in reducing the symptoms of depression in patients with major depressive disorder.
It lets the person express bottled-up feelings they can’t otherwise express. It’s an excellent alternative to therapy, especially if you’re someone who enjoys creating things with your hands.
Music Therapy
Music therapy is a type of therapy that uses music as a means of communication. However, it’s different because the medium you’re using this time to alleviate anxiety and depression is sound.
Sound is a fundamental sense. It’s one of the things that humans use to understand and interact with the world around us. In addition, people can use it to change their mood and state of mind.
Music can be used to help people relax and to ease anxiety. You can also use it to improve mood and increase self-esteem. All of these things can help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. A good music instructor can help you play music that would be soothing to both body and soul. In addition, it’s helpful to have an instructor watching over you as they can suggest different music that would better help alleviate your symptoms.
Aromatherapy
Another fundamental sense is smell. Smell is one of the oldest and most potent senses humans have. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most underrated in alleviating anxiety and depression.
Aromatherapy is a therapy that uses essential oils to help improve mood and alleviate stress. Essential oils are natural, and they’re extracted from plants. They have a variety of different scents, and each one has its unique benefits.
Some essential oils that you can use to alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety include lavender, chamomile, and jasmine. You can use these essential oils in a diffuser or add them to your bathwater. You can also put them on your skin, but do a patch test first to see if you’re allergic to them.
Final Thoughts
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental disorders in the United States. They can have a significant impact on your life if left untreated. However, there are ways you can handle them without getting therapy. By following these options, you can help alleviate your depression and anxiety.
