Depression is characterised by persistent emotions of discouragement, hopelessness, or apathy that interfere with daily activities for more than two weeks.
Anxiety is the term used to describe the anticipation of future worry and is more frequently linked to tense muscles and avoidance behaviour.
As described by an anxiety therapist, a crucial psychological element that depression and anxiety have is the tendency to make people avoid the present.
People with anxiety are constantly concerned about the future, whereas those with depression are frequently preoccupied with the past.
A depression or anxiety therapist helps clients identify when they are thinking negatively or anxiously. She assigns them assignments encouraging them to pay attention to their internal dialogue.
She uses imagery to " bring them back down to their bodies" and break free from a loop of unfavourable thoughts.
Tree meditation: In this method, the client visualises herself as a tree sprouting branches from the ground. Clients are instructed to breathe in and out while imagining sucking air in through their feet as another technique she employs.
Practice while driving: The anxiety therapist counsels her clients to drive while they are in the car. Turn off the radio and your phone and focus on the road instead. Stop at a stop sign and consider if you are driving or compiling a list of things to buy.
According to the depression therapist in Palm Beach, over time, these skills assist clients in being more conscious of their thoughts and learning to identify when they are meditating or talking negatively to themselves.
According to the expert, clients can employ visualisation or other mindfulness techniques to disrupt the cycle after recognising their negative thought patterns.
vanessa@therapistinwestpalmbeach.com