Question:
16/F

Anxiety and depression runs in my family.. My mom, dad, and brother are all on depression medicine. I was once diagnosed with deperession about 3-4 years ago, but I overcame it. I now have realized that I am starting to feel major anxiety. (always wondering what my boyfriend's doing, why won't he text me back, what if something bad happens to my family, etc.) I overthink everythingg. I AM SO SICK OF THIS! I'm a happy person, but this anxiety is turning into depression.

I've tried a lot of things to fight this. (praying, learning how to not be so senstive, and now I'm going to try meditating.) I really do not want to take medication like the rest of my family, but I'm afraid it's come down to that.

What are some tips for fighting anxiety and depression? What medications are helpful?

Thanks so much!

My Answer:
First of all, good choice.

Some antidepressants and anxiety medications come with nasty side effects, especially on females. Of course some are better than others, but the doctors could never know for sure which is best for you. It's not very rare to see patients request their doctors for a medication change. Attempting to overcome anxiety and depression without the help of medication is a good choice.


Also, be careful with your meditation. Stay absolutely still for an extended period of time is extremely difficult for a human. It will be hard, uncomfortable, and quite annoying. Once you are used to it, meditating will help you keeping your emotion in control, but during your first week of doing that, make sure that you sleep after you have meditated.

Else, your "uncomfortableness + annoyance + anxiety" would turn you into a machine gun that shoot jealousy bullets at your boyfriend.



Getting counseling and medications are popular methods of fighting clinical depression and anxiety. These are treatments that use external influences and materials.

What you are trying to do here is the opposite--influence from within, or self-help.

So I suggest that you combine the two of them together. You will meditate and exercise every morning, as well as drink a lot of water and eat well; but at the same time, you will also get counseling and support from close friends.


About exercising, I would suggest that you wake up as soon as 4:00 AM and job for at least 30 minutes, if possible. If not, try 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM; the latest is 7:00 AM. Well, it's depends on whether your neighborhood is safe or not and whether your martial art skills are decent (whether you can take on one or two armed men or not), but strive for the earliest possible, counting from 4:00 AM. Remember: safety comes first.

Don't forget to drink a lot of water and take a nice bath (or shower) after you've done jogging. It's a perfect way to start off a day--very refreshing.


When you feel like you are over-thinking too much, try lying on your bed and have your left arm lie over your forehead. Close your eyes and relax your body for a while. It will help somewhat.


Counseling and supports from whom you trust and love are definitely necessary. It's tough to go through those "I wonder" and "what if" games alone. . . .

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