Cope with anxiety and depression

Instructions

Gain knowledge about your condition and self-destructive behaviors. Read books, consult with experts, and conduct online research to gain knowledge about your specific mental health condition and the self-destructive habits commonly associated with it.
Cultivate mindfulness and self-control. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, to develop greater self-awareness and control over your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These practices can help reduce stress and prevent automatic engagement in self-destructive behaviors.
Keep a mood and anxiety journal. Maintain a daily journal where you record any noticeable changes in your mood and anxiety levels. Include details about the circumstances that triggered these changes, both externally (events, interactions) and internally (thoughts, physical sensations). Review your journal regularly to identify patterns and potential triggers.
Acknowledge positive changes and identify their sources. Pay attention to moments or experiences that have a positive impact on your mood or alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety. Make a conscious effort to identify these sources of positivity. Then, strategize ways to incorporate more of them into your life.