How to Live and Thrive After Being Diagnosed with Anxiety and Depression

May 5, 2016 by WestBridge

Receiving any diagnosis of a serious, lifelong disease can be devastating—and depression and anxiety are no exceptions. Even when you have long suspected that you have one of these disorders, hearing a physician pronounce it can make you wonder what the rest of your life could possibly look like.

These are serious conditions, however, the news is ultimately hopeful: You can live, thrive, and experience recovery. You do not have to be defined by your diagnosis.

The question is, what can you do to move on from the diagnosis—not just to cope, but to live your life, pursue wellness and experience true abundance?

Here are a few tips:

Set small goals for yourself, each day and every week. Change takes time and recovery does not happen overnight, but you can make a goal to find a support group, reconnect with an old friend, learn a new hobby or something else noteworthy and attainable.
Try to cultivate meaningful social relationships—and do not allow yourself to become isolated! Continue to engage in socialization, even if you do not always feel like it.
Put some movement into your life! Make it a priority to get up and get moving everyday—whether that means joining the gym or just going for a walk. Taking a walk with your dog or with a friend is better still!
Surround yourself with people who are positive—and if you have toxic relationships with people who bring you down, cut them off.
Do something for someone else. Volunteer somewhere. Step outside yourself and think beyond your diagnosis, even if it is just for an hour or two each week.

Depression and anxiety cannot keep you from thriving—not if that is what you decide to do.

How do you thrive? Let us know!