“Inhale the Future. Exhale the past.”
Ernest Hemingway
Individual therapy is an important part in surviving and thriving through depression and anxiety. But it is only one component.
To support our health, it is important for us to take care of five pillars of our well-being:
- Physical Self-Care
- Mental and Emotional Self-Care
- Social Support
- Spiritual Connection
- Healthy Lifestyle
What make up each of these components of well-being?
- Physical self-care includes exercise, sleep, nutrition, supplements (if needed), staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, physical touch (massage is part of physical touch), and medication (if needed).
- Mental and emotional self-care is where individual therapy comes in and the different strategies to help manage difficult symptoms from negative self-talk to emotional dysregulation.
- Social support is important because we are social creatures. The amount of social connection is different for each of us. This includes family, friends, religious affiliations, support groups, and companion animals.
- Spiritual connection is about connecting to something greater than ourselves. This can include spending time in nature, meditating, or being part of a spiritual community. It can also include gratitude and forgiveness.
- Healthy lifestyle encompasses setting out worthwhile goals, engaging in meaningful activities, spending time each day to appreciate beautiful, participating in activities that give you joy, creative self-expression, and taking time to relax.
When dealing with depression, anxiety, or other life challenges, I hope this outline helps you take care of yourself in all different aspects so that you can live a balanced life and one that expresses your vitality.
I would welcome the opportunity to help you with your mental and emotional self-care, as well as help you stay on track with the other pillars. I am available for a free 20 minute phone call to see if I would be a good fit for you.
