Anxiety and Depression

You have almost become an expert diagnostician.

You barely made it through the day at work or school. Back home, you landed on the couch, unable to move an inch, utter a word, or bother to turn on the light.

You don’t know how long you lay there – all you knew was the paradox of a scattered, unsettled mind and a ravaged, exhausted body.

Noticing you alone in the darkness, seemingly depressed, your concerned loved one reaches out, “Why didn’t you tell me you’d come home?”

You know you’re not in the right place – again.

You tried to be cautious. You quietly explained, “I think I am about to be anxious/depressed again.” And without another word, you got up, walked away, and left them staring helplessly at your back.

Before bed, they tried again. “Maybe you need to schedule another session with your therapist.”

“Maybe.” you sighed, trying to calm your brain and get some rest. However, tossing and turning all night, you couldn’t turn your mind off. Your breathing became quick and shallow, and you feared another full-blown panic attack, depression itself, or even worse, in the making.

You haven’t slept at all, and already, the alarm blares. Another day that now begins with exhaustion. You know you can’t keep up this cycle for long, and you honestly don’t even feel like trying.

Is it really anxiety or depression?

Does the question even matter?

Sometimes, anxiety dominates; other times, it’s depression. Sometimes, they arrive together or attack in alternating waves. They often overlap, as if your brain is doing jumping jacks.

Just as the urge to control can coexist with the urge to give up, anxiety and depression battle for control of your single, overwhelmed body.

Perhaps you’re even aware of the cause.

That may be true. If you used some substance or watched porn the day before for your anxiety, you may feel self-loathing and more depressed the next day.

If you need to schedule a lengthy family trip with many logistics to attend to, you can expect your brain to hit so many “what if(s)” that you feel totally exhausted before you even start the trip.

Often, even the season you’re experiencing – the upheavals of pregnancy, the demands of a newborn, the grief of loss, the stress of an unexpected crisis – can bring on anxiety or depression or both.

Other times, you may have no idea of their actual source. You may have felt this way for so long it’s too frightening to challenge the norm.

But what’s the point?

Even if you’re crystal clear of the cause, how can that help?

All you want is control. You want to break the cycle, relax, and enjoy the life you want.

Besides, isn’t that the promise of the Gospel? To bring us rest and peace in Jesus Christ? To enjoy abundant life and the blessings God has planned for us?

You often wonder – if that’s true – why am I not getting that yet?

Maybe it’s because you haven’t found the right pathway. Let me help you – not around, but through – the darkness and into the light.

Embrace your pain, transform your mind, and restore your passion.

I’ve stood where you stand. And though I still go there sometimes, I’ve learned how to get out of there quicker and resituate myself better with God and others.

My peer Brainspotting therapists help me regularly, too.

I’ve also sat with many others who suffered just as you are. As I worked with them with mutual commitment, I saw them heal, grow, and gain more personal insight. I’ve watched as their brains developed a more robust capacity to allow multiple levels of reality to coexist, achieve greater balance, and function more effectively every day.

And I can help you, too. If you’d like to let me share your journey in our therapy place, reach out to me at (720) 468-0424 or fill out the contact form.

Enjoy the rich, fulfilling life you deserve.