For many people, depression and anxiety take over and make it hard to manage day to day living.  Depression can make it hard to get out of bed, and anxiety can make it hard to leave the house.  The thought of going out in the community can become overwhelming, and even getting groceries can be too much.  There are little things that when you add them together they should be signals to reach out for help from family, friends, or professionals.  Don’t let anxiety and depression become overwhelming to the point that you no longer function in life.  Here are some good reasons to get help.

1.  I’m so depressed, I sleep all the time.

One of the symptoms of depression has to do with sleeping too much, or not enough.  Sleeping too much is a common symptom of depression, and should be assessed.  It could include taking multiple naps per day or sleep and sleeping 12+ hours a day, multiple days per week.  Sleep issues often accompany anxiety and depression, but when it begins to affect your functioning, you should consider getting support.   A therapist can help better assess symptoms and functioning and help you develop a plan to get back into life.

2. I have trouble getting out of the house, because I have to check everything.

Anxiety affects many of us, and at times we might have days where we get worried about whether we locked the door, or shut a window.  When the issue becomes more, we check things multiple times, to the point that we are late for work.  We can’t go to sleep without getting out of bed, checking doors and windows multiple times.  This can make it impossible to get to sleep, and to feel settled when you are at work or trying to get to sleep at the end of a long day.   If your anxiety is affecting you this much, get support.  Talk about your issues with someone who can help with coping strategies and skills to better manage anxiety.

3. I don’t like being with people.

Many people isolate and avoid social interaction.  Sometimes this isolation has a reason, and other times not.  If you are having issues with social interaction, it can be hard to work, go the grocery store, or even get gas in your car.  Finding support can help better assess what’s happening.  It can identify trauma that may be affecting your behavior.   There are therapeutic interventions that can help minimize your symptoms and let you return to your life. 

                These are only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, but they are good reasons to look for help.  Symptoms of mental health issues come in all kinds of forms, but when they affect your day to day living, and your happiness, get help.  A good therapist can address any issues that you might have.  They can review your history with you and help you understand the source of the issues and give you solid options to manage the symptoms.  Don’t think that you are beyond help, or don’t deserve help.  You don’t have to live this way.  There is help, if you reach out for support.  Don’t suffer in silence.  Getting support for issues can be the first step in being happy, for life.