Laura L. Smith - Anxiety and Depression Workbook For Dummies

In the search for causes of your anxiety or depression, you need to include a review of your world. Open your eyes and observe. What’s going on in your life that aggravates your distress? From daily traffic hassles to major losses, stressful events deplete your coping resources and even harm your health. Complete The Current Culprits Survey in Worksheet 2-5to uncover the sources of your stress. You can’t make your world less stressful unless you first identify the stress-causing culprits.

You may notice that a few of these items have positive aspects to them. For example, retirement or the purchase of a new home may be exciting. However, all major changes, whether positive or negative, carry significant stress that tags along for the ride.

Worksheet 2-5The Current Culprits Survey

You didn’t ask for depression or anxiety. Your distress is understandable if you examine the three major contributors: biology/genetics, your personal history, and the stressors in your world. Take a moment to summarize in Worksheet 2-6what you believe are the most important origins and contributors to your symptoms of depression or anxiety.

As you review your summary, realize that countless circumstances have influenced you throughout your life. Anxiety and depression can result from several factors; some happen during childhood, arise from your biological history, or are a result of current stressors. Many causes of emotional difficulties are completely out of your control.

You shouldn’t feel guilty or ashamed for having acquired your emotional burdens. At the same time, you’re responsible for doing something about your distress. Although no one can do the work for you, you can get yourself moving toward a better tomorrow by working through these exercises with or without professional help. Just remember that working on decreasing your emotional distress rewards you with lifelong benefits. Be patient and keep at it. The effort is worth it.