Anxiety & Depression | Madison Messerli, LCSW

Anxiety & Depression:
The Dance of Two Companions

Various metaphors describe these two relentless companions.

Depression and anxiety are like two sides of the same coin. They could be cousins, so closely related yet different in their ways.

Picture them as counterparts, gracefully dancing to the same tune. Imagine them as two parts, playfully bobbing up and down on a teeter-totter.

These two human conditions – depression and anxiety – have caused immense suffering for many.

As humans, our wiring allows us to experience various emotions, including depression and anxiety, making it challenging to distinguish when we’ve crossed the threshold from a “typical” amount of distress.

So, when do we say, “Enough is enough”?

Have you found yourself checked out at work lately? Are you pulling away from your relationships? Do you find it hard to muster enthusiasm for the gym or company happy hour?

Anxiety and depression have unfortunately become common and part of our everyday language to describe suffering. But I urge you not to accept these experiences as the new normal.

You do not have to endure endless suffering.

Let’s delve into anxiety.

It manifests as tension, pushing you to escape or freezing you in place, making it hard to see a way forward.

But let’s not overlook that anxiety can also be a call to action, a unique language your body uses to signal that something isn’t right and needs addressing.

Persistent anxiety, however, can create distress as you constantly worry about when things will get worse. That worrying can impact you mentally and physically.

And now, let’s explore depression.

When things happen differently from what you planned, sadness and anger may be your go-to emotions. These familiar states of being can lead to a numbing lack of emotions, like walking through quicksand in a bad dream.

The causes of depression are varied, but the result is a sense of hopelessness about the future.

Depression can create moodiness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, isolation from others, irritability, and various physical symptoms.

Therapy can help ease anxiety and depression.

Have you been in and out of therapy, struggling to find lasting relief from anxiety and depression? If so, there might be more beneath the surface.

As a therapist, I use several approaches with clients suffering from anxiety and depression.

In our therapy sessions, we’ll work together to understand the different parts of your thoughts and emotions, just like characters in a story. We aim to create a more balanced and harmonious inner world by understanding these parts and their interactions.

We’ll explore your strengths and positive qualities, helping you feel more confident and capable of handling challenges by emphasizing what you’re already good at. You’ll learn practical skills to manage intense emotions and communicate better while practicing mindfulness to notice unhelpful thoughts as well as how to effectively feel your feelings.

We’ll work on treating yourself with the same understanding and care that you would offer a close friend, helping you navigate challenges with a gentle and supportive mindset.

We’ll reflect on the deeper meaning of your experiences, helping you live a more authentic life aligned with your values.

Throughout our journey, we’ll pay attention to your behaviors and make targeted changes to support your growth and achieve your goals. You’ll learn strategies to handle stress, regulate emotions, and communicate effectively, enhancing your ability to cope with life’s ups and downs.

Remember, our specific approach will depend on your needs and preferences. Our goal is to create a supportive and practical therapy experience that helps you grow and thrive.