You don’t have to feel bad about your anxiety or depression. These circumstances can be a big part of life, and they are incredibly valid. Coping with these illnesses is very unique to every individual. Dealing with these illnesses can be very challenging. But you are more than your illness and deserve to cope how you see fit. Below are four reasons that you should not feel shame about your anxiety or depression.
Your Feelings Are Valid
Your feelings and situation are valid. You don’t have to justify to anyone why you feel the way you do. Maybe you don’t even have the words to describe what you are going through to others. And that is ok. Even if others don’t understand, you are the only one who knows exactly what you’re feeling or what you are going through.
How you are feeling is real. When you or someone else tries to invalidate your feelings, you are actually worsening the symptoms you are dealing with by denying them. Over time, too much denial can add a lot of extra stress and emotional turmoil in you.
Sometimes our own intuition is the best kind to listen to.
You Aren’t Alone In Your Struggles
Globally, over 264 million people are affected by depression, and nearly 284 million people are affected by anxiety. Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health conditions. Everyone may experience it differently, but that doesn’t make you any less alone.
There are people out there who know exactly how you’re feeling. While it might be hard for others to understand exactly what you are going through, everyone has had moments where they experienced depression to some capacity. All too often, people who struggle to cope with anxiety or depression feel as if no one could possibly understand how they are feeling. That could not be further from the truth.
Depression & Anxiety Doesn’t Need A Reason
You don’t need to have a reason to be depressed or to feel anxiety. The reality is, is that depression or anxiety can hit us for no reason at all. Instead of feeling bad about and trying to justify your situation, know that depression and anxiety can manifest themselves randomly. Someone can live their happiest and most fulfilled life and still feel crippling anxiety. When you are experiencing fear or just debilitating sadness one day, there may not be any reason for it. And that can be frustrating trying to explain to someone that you are scared about something with no validation as to why you are.
This is just as normal as it is for someone who has dealt with trauma and stress their whole life. Life circumstance, brain chemistry and structure, and general biology are all big contributors to these conditions. There is no reason to feel bad about that.
You Are Deserving of Help
Feelings of shame or embarrassment about your condition can make it significantly harder to heal or cope. But you are worthy and deserving of help and support. Feeling shame for these illnesses can contribute to the fear of feeling judged, misunderstood, and as if your symptoms aren’t as “bad.” But everyone deserves help. These feelings are not uncommon. While it may take time to shift that mindset, reminding yourself that your situation is valid can help a great deal.
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How you feel and handle your mental and emotional health is important. Taking the time to learn more about your anxiety or depression can help you find better treatment methods. Please call or contact us to learn more about how we can help you overcome the feelings of shame your condition brings you.