15 Best and Powerful Affirmations to Cure Depression and Anxiety
Before we head into the many positive affirmations to fight with depression and anxiety we must have some basic knowledge about these two mental problems.
What is depression?
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that affects how one feels, how one thinks and acts. It causes feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of physical and emotional problems and decrease the person’s ability to function properly at home or work.[1]
Depression is a mood disorder. Psychological disorders in which individuals experience swings in their emotional states that are much more extreme and prolonged than is true of most people are known as mood disorders[2]. Thus depression is a mood disorder in which individuals experience extreme unhappiness, lack of energy and other related symptoms. An individual who experiences a minimum of five of the related symptoms at once during a two weeks period is classified by the DSM-IV [3]as undergoing a major depressive episode.
Those suffering a loss might describe themselves as being “depressed”. However being sad is not the same as having depression. The grieving process is natural and unique to each individual and shares some of the same features of depression. In grief the low mood remains for a short period of time whereas in depression, mood or interest is deceased for most of two weeks. Feelings of worthlessness and self loathing are common which is not the case in grief.
Causes of depression
Depression can affect anyone at any age and any time and the reasons are not always known.
Health problems
The mind and the body are linked. Physical health problems can usher in changes in mental health. The stress of having an illness can trigger depression in an individual.
Drugs
Drugs and alcohol can contribute to depressive disorders such as statins, stimulants, anticonvulsants etc.
Stressful life events
The events which overwhelm a person’s ability to cope, may cause depression. High level of cortisol released during periods of stress may affect the serotonin and cause depression.
Grief and loss
Loss of a loved one may cause grief. Trouble in sleeping, poor appetite and a loss of pleasure or interest in activities are a normal response to loss. The symptoms are expected to fade over time. However if they get worse, grief may turn into depression.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is our body’s natural response to stress. It is a feeling of worry or nervousness about something with an uncertain outcome, that something is going to be wrong although it actually may not be so. Anxiety is a normal and often a healthy emotion. However when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety for more than six months, it may become a mental disorder.
Symptoms of anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Not being able to stay calm and still
- Muscle tension
- Cold and sweaty hands and feet
- Panic, fear and uneasiness
Causes of anxiety
- Stress at work
- Stress in school or college
- Stress in personal relationships
- Financial stress
- Stress from serious medical illness
- Side effect of medication
- Stress from emotional trauma
Amazing 15 Positive Affirmations for Anxiety and Depression
There are certain positive thoughts which help us stay strong throughout our difficult situations in life. By saying those to ourselves we feel a sense of calmness and strength to fight our illness. Here are some of the best possible positive affirmations which will help to cure depression and anxiety.
- I am strong.
- I deserve to be happy and healthy.
- I love myself.
- I am in good control of my thoughts and my life.
- My challenges bring me better opportunities.
- I am always peaceful and positive.
- I enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
- I am connected and comfortable with all people.
- I am constantly growing and evolving into a better person each day.
- I am freeing myself from all destructive doubts and fears.
- I have the power to make changes.
- It is going to be okay.
- My depression does not control my life.
- I am healing.
- I have a bright future.
These are some of the positive affirmations which a person should follow to be strong and fight depression and anxiety. There are thousands of such affirmations, such as ‘I am motivated’, ‘I am unique’, ‘I love my life’, or ‘this phase will surely pass’ etc. It only depends on the concerned person suffering to believe in his/her own self and capabilities and fight back boldly.
