Beck et al (1985) describe people with anxiety disorders a having “negative, apprehensive beliefs about some future threat that contributes to avoidance, anxiety and perhaps panic” and goes on to describe people with depression as having “global, negative views about themselves, the world and the future that contribute to their feelings of despair, guilt and sadness (Beck, 1979).
We are all complex individuals and can have a mix of both anxiety and depression at times; however it is when such feelings stop us from doing everyday things such as work, play and enjoying relationships that such feelings can become problematic.
Sometimes it is more difficult to let close one’s know how we feel because of perhaps preconceived worries about being judged, not wanting to be seen as someone who can not cope when previously this has never been a problem. This is when accessing either one to one or group therapy in a safe and secure environment can help us to develop a more positive regard, and acceptance of ourselves.
Resilience is an individuals likelihood to cope with stress or adversity and may be helped where there are cumulative protective factors such as secure parenting and family life. The majority of people exposed to a serious traumatic event will often find they recover in time with few ill effects; however some people may develop a range of problems around their daily living including, panic attacks, phobias, depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder.
Having worked with such individuals it is always a wonderful feeling for both me, and the client, when they feel able to continue and live with their past despair and traumatic experiences, and move forward with their lives.