I have never experienced such a profound number of clients, both new ones and my regulars, tell me that they are suffering from anxiety, depression, or both -- until within the last few years. And this extraordinary amount of people seems to be holding steady, if not worsening in number.
As of recent data, the rates of depression and anxiety among Americans have been notably high, particularly since the pandemic. According to surveys conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Depression: Approximately 8-10% of adults in the U.S. experience major depressive disorder in a given year. However, this rate has seen spikes in recent years, especially among young adults.
Anxiety: Around 19% of adults experience an anxiety disorder annually. Like depression, these rates have increased, particularly among younger populations and those facing significant life stressors.
What to do? Here are some ideas, and most of these were told to me by my guides over a decade ago, when they were advising me on the best way to keep my vibe high so I could do psychic readings to the best of my ability.
Regular Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
Eat Clean: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids can positively impact mental health.
Drink Tons of Water: Drink half of your body weight in ounces per day. Say you weigh 150 pounds, then drink 75 ounces of H20. Dehydration taxes your organs, makes you tired, and makes your body work much harder. And by the time you're thirsty, it means that you are already dehydrated, so drink drink drink all day long. In fact, you should drink enough water so that your urine is clear, not yellow.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness meditation can help reduce anxiety and promote emotional regulation. Techniques like deep breathing can also be beneficial. Check out Wim Hoff's breathing technique to hyper-oxygenate yourself, it feels amazing.
Adequate Sleep: Prioritize good sleep hygiene to ensure you get enough restorative sleep, as poor sleep can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Stay Connected: Maintain social connections with friends and family. Talking about your feelings can provide support and reduce feelings of isolation.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Both can worsen anxiety and interfere with sleep, so it’s wise to moderate their intake.
Set Realistic Goals: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Celebrate small achievements to build confidence.
Engage in Hobbies: Pursue activities you enjoy to boost your mood and provide a sense of fulfillment.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that it’s okay to seek help and take time to heal.
Seek Professional Help: Therapy (like cognitive-behavioral therapy) can provide tools to manage symptoms, and medication may be beneficial for some individuals.
Want to build a better future? A reading can tell you where you’re headed. And if you don’t like the direction in which you're going, I can help steer you down a better path. Book your reading with me today here.
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