How to Carry Yourself Through Depression and Anxiety
If you struggle with anxiety or depression (or both), life can feel so mentally, physically, and emotionally heavy. Throw in an added stressor like an unplanned pregnancy, STI diagnosis, a vaginal health concern, or even a draining relationship, and the heaviness is likely to intensify.
The emotions you feel with anxiety or depression are very real, and they can affect every area of life, including your physical health, your relationships, and your outlook for the future.
If you’re feeling weighed down right now by depression or anxiety, it’s important to know you’re not alone. At Women’s Clinic of Atlanta, we’re here to walk alongside you, no matter what challenges life has thrown your way.
In this article, we’re offering some practical and compassionate advice to help you carry yourself through these difficult seasons.
Recognize That Your Feelings Are Valid
The first step in navigating depression and anxiety is to acknowledge your emotions. Too often, women push their feelings aside or minimize their pain because they believe they “should” be stronger. But what you’re feeling is not weakness. It’s a human response to difficult circumstances.
Whether you’re processing a health diagnosis, facing the uncertainty of an unplanned pregnancy, experiencing certain pressures in a relationship, or even experiencing depression or anxiety with no discernable cause, it’s okay to admit that you’re struggling. Recognizing your feelings is your first step toward healing.
Don’t Face It Alone
Isolation often makes depression and anxiety worse. Many women keep their struggles to themselves out of fear of judgment, but reaching out for support is a way to lighten the burden.
Lean on trusted friends or family, talking to them about what you’re going through. A heart-to-heart with a reliable friend or family member can provide relief.
Seek professional help from a therapist, counselor, support group, or even a healthcare provider. Trusting a mental health professional or healthcare provider or confiding in a dedicated support group can equip you with the tools you need for better coping.
Connect with those who can provide beneficial resources. At Women’s Clinic of Atlanta, in addition to our abortion screening services, STI testing and treatment, birth control consultations, and post-abortion support, we are also available for counseling services, all offered with compassion, care, and confidentiality.
You don’t have to carry your struggles on your own.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
Your mind and body are deeply connected. Taking small steps toward physical well-being can make a big difference in how you feel mentally and how you manage anxiety and depression.
Here are some ways you can improve your physical health:
Prioritize Sleep
Lack of rest worsens mood and stress, but enough sleep can help you improve emotional regulation and give you more energy to improve your health during the day. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep each night.
Eat Nourishing Foods
What you eat plays a huge role in how you feel physically and mentally. A nutritious, balanced diet works wonders to help stabilize your energy and regulate your moods.
Strive to eat plenty of the following on a daily basis:
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh veggies
- Lean meats or protein sources (chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, beans, etc.)
- Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, etc.)
- Probiotics (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, etc.)
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds
Stay Active
Moving your body also matters. Even gentle daily exercise helps reduce anxiety and boost your mood.
Try exercises like:
- Walking
- Yoga or stretching
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Light weightlifting
- Bodyweight exercises
Schedule Regular Check-Ups
If some or all of your anxiety and/or depression stems from a health issue like an STI concern, vaginal issue, or pregnancy, don’t delay seeking care. Knowing your health or pregnancy status and getting proper treatment can ease unnecessary worry.
Practice Mindfulness and Stress-Relief Techniques
Learning valuable tips and tricks to calm your mind during anxious or overwhelming moments can give you the strength to push through to a better, brighter future. Some practical mindfulness techniques include:
- Deep breathing exercises to slow down racing thoughts.
- Journaling to process feelings and release negative energy.
- Prayer or meditation for grounding and peace.
- Limiting social media if it increases comparison, stress, or anxiety.
These tools won’t erase depression or anxiety completely, but they can help you manage them day to day.
Create a Plan for Your Situation
When health or relationship issues contribute to emotional stress, creating a management plan can help you restore a sense of control.
- Pregnancy: If you’re pregnant or think you may be, schedule a pregnancy screening, learn your options, and make a plan.
- STI or vaginal health diagnosis: If you suspect you have contracted an STI, UTI, yeast infection, or other vaginal health issue, testing and treatment can provide clarity and relief.
- Birth control: If you think birth control solutions may help ease some stress in your life, learn about safe, affordable options and where to find them.
- Relationships: If you’re in a difficult relationship, setting healthy boundaries, reaching out to a support system, or even making an exit plan can reduce emotional strain.
Having a plan for whatever is going on in your life and taking small steps toward it can help you feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.
When to Seek Immediate Help
While sadness and worry are common, it’s important to recognize when anxiety or depression require immediate attention. Seek professional help right away if you:
- Experience overwhelming hopelessness or despair
- Lose interest in daily life or relationships
- Experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you are ever in immediate danger of harming yourself, call 911 or reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for support.
Women’s Clinic of Atlanta Is Here for You
At Women’s Clinic of Atlanta, we understand the complex emotions that come with health challenges, relationships, and life transitions. Our team is here to provide no-cost or low-cost:
- Pregnancy testing and abortion screenings
- Post-abortion support services
- STI testing and treatment
- Vaginal health care
- Birth control consultations
We offer compassionate, confidential care so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Depression and anxiety can feel overwhelming, but they don’t define you. And you don’t have to face the pain alone. By acknowledging your feelings, leaning on supportive people, caring for your health, and making a plan, you can carry yourself through even the hardest seasons.
Struggling With Anxiety or Depression Alongside an Issue Like Pregnancy or an STI? Chat With Women’s Clinic of Atlanta Today.
At Women’s Clinic of Atlanta, we’re here to walk with you. Whether you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, an STI, vaginal health issues, or other concerns, our compassionate team provides the medical care and emotional support you need to feel stronger, healthier, and more hopeful.
Send us a chat to talk today.
Women’s Clinic of Atlanta is HIPAA compliant and AAAHC accredited.
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