National Anxiety And Depression Awareness Week (May 18-23)

Millions of people in the United States struggle with anxiety and depression. Our modern lifestyles combined with the effects of the pandemic can be a challenge for anyone to manage. During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the week of May 18th-23rd is dedicated to anxiety and depression awareness. Chances are, you or someone you love is dealing with one or both of these mental health conditions. At BrightView, we understand that anxiety and depression can go hand in hand with substance use disorders. We include mental health counseling by licensed professionals in our comprehensive outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment programs to give you the best chance at recovery. Call us today at 888.501.9865 to learn more about anxiety and depression treatment at our many treatment locations.

How to Know If You or Someone You Love Is Anxious or Depressed

Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week is an ideal time to check in with yourself and your loved ones. Sometimes we are so busy dealing with our daily responsibilities that we might not even notice when someone is making a cry for help. Take some time to reach out to those you care about and let them know you are there for them. If you notice any of the warning signs below, you can gently encourage them to seek treatment for their mental health. Some of the signs of depression include:

• Isolating oneself and avoiding spending time with others
• Sleeping more than usual
• Loss of pleasure in activities once previously enjoyed
• Feelings of hopelessness, feeling stuck, or believing things will never get better
• Crying spells
• Changes in appetite
• Weight gain or weight loss

Some of the signs of anxiety include:

• Inability to relax, agitation, and restlessness
• Persistent feelings of worry, often about things that are not under one’s control
• Exhibiting nervous habits such as biting one’s nails
• Racing thoughts
• Insomnia
• Inability to concentrate

When you or someone you care for needs support to manage stress, do not hesitate to get help. No matter what you are going through, you do not have to suffer alone. Find a local mental health treatment program with counseling and therapy and get started on your path to mental wellness.

Helping Yourself or Others Through Anxiety and Depression

There may be times when you or your loved one may not wish to seek treatment for depression or anxiety. Until they are ready to get help, here are some tips on how you can support yourself or your loved ones to encourage self-care:

• Food and mood are closely related, so make some dietary changes. Some of the best foods for supporting your mental health are fruits, vegetables (especially dark, leafy greens), fatty fish, nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils.
• Prioritize healthy sleep patterns. Turn off electronic devices one hour before bedtime and use that time to wind down for the evening. Take a warm bath, read a book, write in a gratitude journal, or do yoga.
• Resist the temptation to snooze your alarm in the morning. Oversleeping can exacerbate depression. Get up, have a glass of water, and stand by a window where you can receive some natural light on your face. Light therapy can help improve your mood.

These are just a few self-care tips that can help start a positive momentum and may even inspire you to take the initiative to get the mental health services you need for anxiety and depression.

Find the Mental Health Help You Need at BrightView

Many people turn to drugs or alcohol to help them cope with the challenges of anxiety and depression. At BrightView, you can receive drug addiction treatment in an MAT clinic while receiving mental health counseling as a part of your program. Call us today at 888.501.9865 to find out how our holistic approach of medication-assisted recovery combined with a mental health treatment program can help address the root causes of your addiction and empower you to take back control of your life.