I suffer from anxiety & depression, what can I do to overcome it?

WHAT YOU CAN DO
· Question the reasonableness of your anxiety. Being concerned about your responsibilities is one thing; being overly anxious is another. Anxiety is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.
The Bible says: “Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span?”—Matthew 6:27. Unless anxiety leads you toward a solution, it will only add to your problem—or become your problem.
· Take things one day at a time. Think it through. Will what you are anxious about matter tomorrow? in a month? in a year? in five years?.
The Bible says: “Never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.”—Matthew 6:34. It makes little sense to take on tomorrow’s problems—some of which may never even become a reality.
· Learn to live with what you cannot change. The best you can do is prepare for situations to the extent possible, but accept the fact that some situations are out of your control.
The Bible says: “The swift do not always win the race, . . . nor do those with knowledge always have success, because time and unexpected events overtake them all.”—Ecclesiastes 9:11. Sometimes you cannot change your circumstances, but you can change the way you view them.
· Put your situation in perspective. “I find that I have to focus on the big picture and not stress over the details. I have to choose my battles and channel my energy into taking care of priorities.”—Alexis.
The Bible says: “Make sure of the more important things.”—Philippians 1:10. People who put their anxieties in perspective are less likely to be overwhelmed by them.
· Talk to someone. “When I was in the sixth grade, I would come home from school very anxious, dreading the next day. My mother and father would just listen to me as I expressed myself. It was so good to have them there. I could trust them and speak freely to them. It helped me to face the next day.”—Marilyn.
The Bible says: “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.”—Proverbs 12:25. A parent or a friend might be able to give you practical suggestions on how to reduce your anxiety.
Some young people suffer from chronic anxiety. For example, a teenager named Jenna says: “As a result of anxiety, I had a constant headache, I couldn’t focus, I would sleep for days or not sleep for days, I wouldn’t eat, or I would eat too much—I was wired all the time. Very small problems seemed like mountains.”
When anxiety is prolonged or excessive, it might be good for you to get a medical checkup.