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How effective is mental health self-care for managing anxiety and depression?

Aiyana Schrir

Well, as someone who has struggled with both anxiety and depression, I can definitely say that mental health self-care has been an extremely effective tool for managing my symptoms. Of course, everyone's experience is different, but for me personally, taking the time to prioritize my mental health and engage in self-care practices has made a huge difference in my overall well-being.

One of the biggest things I've learned is that self-care isn't just about bubble baths and face masks (although those can be nice too!). It's really about taking intentional time to focus on yourself and your needs, whether that means meditating, journaling, practicing yoga, or just taking a walk outside. For me, even just taking 10 minutes in the morning to do some deep breathing exercises can have a noticeable impact on my mood and anxiety levels throughout the day.

Another important part of mental health self-care for me has been learning to set boundaries and say no when I need to. As someone who tends to be a people-pleaser, this was a really tough lesson to learn, but it's been incredibly freeing to prioritize my own needs and not feel guilty about it. Whether it's saying no to a social event when I'm feeling overwhelmed, or setting boundaries with a friend who's been draining my energy, learning to stand up for myself has been a key part of my self-care journey.

Of course, self-care alone isn't always enough to manage mental health issues, especially if they are severe. There's absolutely no shame in seeking professional help, whether that's therapy, medication, or a combination of both. But for me, practicing regular self-care has been an important supplement to the professional support I've received, and has helped me feel more empowered and in control of my mental health.

Overall, I truly believe that mental health self-care can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety and depression, as long as it's practiced consistently and with intention. It's not a cure-all, and it won't work for everyone, but for me at least, it's been an incredibly positive and transformative part of my mental health journey.