As of 2021, West Virginia ranked the highest of all states in depression rates. With a rate of 26.4%, over one-quarter of West Virginians battle depression. The rates of suicide, anxiety, and stress in the state also rank among the highest in the nation.
Part of the reason for this is the significant amount of economic hardship many residents face, which has led to high rates of drug addiction and overdose in the state. Coupled with difficulty accessing resources, this can seem like an uphill battle.
While there is no single cure for depression, anxiety, or stress, each person can take steps to manage their symptoms and restore a sense of balance in their lives.
Living a Balanced Life
It is important to live a balanced life in order to manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. This means incorporating both healthy habits and relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Some tips for living a balanced life include:
Eating a nutritious diet
Exercising regularly
Getting enough sleep
Practicing mindfulness
If you do these things, your body will be healthier and better able to cope with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety. These things can also help boost your mood and endorphins, which will result in more energy and a more positive outlook.
Practicing Holistic Remedies
In addition to a healthy diet and exercise, alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, nutrition counseling, and yoga can help with symptoms of depression. These holistic treatments are effective because they look at the whole person (mind, body, and spirit) and address the root cause of symptoms.
In this way, they can help to balance out your moods and ease symptoms that stem from stress or anxiety. These forms of treatment are especially good fits for those who struggle with mental illnesses but are unwilling to take medication for it.
If medication is recommended, there are a variety of antidepressants that can be prescribed. It is important to work with your doctor to find the best treatment for you.
Considering Rehabilitation
If you are struggling with addiction in addition to depression, anxiety, or stress, rehabilitation may be the best option for you. In rehab, you can receive treatment for both your addiction and mental illness.
This is a great option if you feel like you have tried everything else and haven’t been successful. Rehab can provide the support and resources you need to manage your symptoms and return to a healthy life.
While some have trouble accessing rehab in West Virginia, the state has many resources for getting mental health treatment. Additionally, telehealth makes finding access to treatment much easier.
Unless you require full inpatient care or medically-assisted detoxification, lots of your treatment and consultations can be done online from the comfort of your own home.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, but by incorporating healthy habits, relaxation techniques, and holistic remedies into your life, you can find relief from your symptoms.
If you are struggling with more severe symptoms of mental illness, rehabilitation may be the best option for you. West Virginia has many resources for getting mental health treatment, so there is no reason to suffer in silence.
