Thursday – Health & Wellness

Anxiety & Depression: When Your Mind Won’t Let You Rest

There are seasons in life when everything looks “fine” on the outside…

But inside?

Your heart won’t slow down.

Your mind won’t stop talking.

Or worse… it goes quiet in a way that feels heavy.

I’ve had moments in my life where anxiety showed up loud.

And other times where depression slipped in quietly.

And sometimes… they show up together.

More people deal with both than we admit out loud.

What Anxiety Can Feel Like

Anxiety isn’t just “being nervous.”

It can look like:

Constant worrying — feeling keyed up, restless, unable to relax.

Racing heart — chest tightness, palpitations, feeling like something bad is about to happen.

Brain fog — trouble concentrating, mind going blank.

Muscle tension — tight shoulders, headaches, jaw clenching.

Sleep problems — can’t fall asleep, or waking up at 3am with thoughts running wild.

You might also feel:

Sweaty palms

Upset stomach

Dizziness

Shortness of breath

Anxiety lives in the body as much as the mind.

What Depression Can Feel Like

Depression isn’t just “being sad.”

It can look like:

Persistent sadness or emptiness

Losing interest in things you used to enjoy

Extreme fatigue

Pulling away from people

Feeling hopeless or worthless

Trouble concentrating

Changes in appetite or sleep

Physical aches and pains

It has to last at least two weeks to meet the clinical definition, but honestly… when you’re in it, time feels different.

There are different types:

Major Depressive Disorder

Persistent Depressive Disorder (long-term, lower-grade)

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Postpartum Depression

And causes can be layered:

Brain chemistry

Genetics Trauma or life changes

Chronic illness or pain

Sometimes it’s one big event.

Sometimes it’s a slow buildup.

When Anxiety & Depression Show Up Together

This is common.

You’re anxious…

About feeling depressed.

You’re depressed…

Because you’re exhausted from anxiety.

It becomes a loop.

And that loop can make you feel alone.

But you’re not.

Gentle Ways to Support Yourself

This is not about “just think positive.”

That advice helps nobody.

This is about small, steady support:

• Talk to a healthcare provider if symptoms are persistent.

• Therapy can be life-changing.

• Medication is not weakness — sometimes the brain needs support.

• Move your body gently (even a short walk).

• Keep a simple routine.

• Limit caffeine if anxiety is high.

• Let someone safe know how you’re feeling.

And if you ever have thoughts of harming yourself — please seek immediate help. Call 988 in the U.S. for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You deserve support.

My Honest Take

I’ve learned this:

Mental health isn’t about being strong all the time.

It’s about noticing when something feels off…

And caring enough about yourself to do something about it.

You are not dramatic.

You are not weak.

You are human.

And humans go through seasons.

If this is your season right now — be gentle with yourself.

Healing doesn’t always look loud.

Sometimes it looks like simply getting out of bed.

And that counts.