How to Avoid Depression & Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are temporary emotional states that we all experience from time to time.

Yes, sometimes depression and anxiety are sustained clinical conditions that require professional treatment. But often depression and anxiety are merely temporary emotional states. Too often we seek to avoid them through the least healthy means. Doctors overprescribe anti-depressants and anxiety suppression meds. 

Even when we don't seek medical "solutions," we choose drugs, alcohol, or other means to dull the pain or push it away. This approach only causes further harm to our health and knocks us out of alignment with our virtue.

Recognizing that this kind of suffering is self-imposed and caused by our attachment to the past or future, allows for a healthier approach. We can choose to return to the present moment. Take a pause. Contextualize our situation or circumstance.

We can ask ourselves, "Is what I'm choosing to feel serving me? Serving those I care for? What can I choose to do now that will encourage joy to return?"

“Joy for human beings lies in proper human work. And proper human work consists in: acts of kindness to other human beings, disdain for the stirrings of the senses, identifying trustworthy impressions, and contemplating the natural order and all that happens in keeping with it.” ― Marcus Aurelius

What could you do right now that would discourage suffering and encourage joy?

Keep flying higher!

Scott Perry, Chief Difference-Maker at Creative on Purpose

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