Have you noticed that life seems a lot more overwhelming these days? You’re not alone. The team and I have been taking a hard look at the surge in anxiety and depression sweeping through our fast-paced world. Let’s chat about what’s causing this mental health storm and how we can find our way to calmer waters.

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Why Are We So Stressed?

It’s been a tough decade for mental health. The World Health Organisation tells us depression is a top cause of disability globally. So, what’s fuelling this growing epidemic? Here’s the scoop:

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Living Online and On the Line

Remember when phones were just for calls? Now, they’re like a command centre for life. This constant connectivity means work follows you home, blurring lines between work and play, and the space that used to give us much-needed downtime. It’s no wonder many of us feel like we’re always on the clock, leading to burnout and stress.

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The Highlight Reel Effect

Social media can make it feel like everyone else has a perfect life, leaving us questioning our own. This daily dose of comparison can chip away at our self-esteem, feeding anxiety and leaving us feeling down or unfulfilled.

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TMI (Too Much Information)

Our digital world bombards us with information. News cycles also deliver grim headlines daily, that can make the world feel like a pretty scary place, adding to our anxiety and compounding our depression.

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Work, Money, Life: The Stress Trifecta

The stress trifecta constantly challenges our wellbeing. Job pressure pushes productivity over personal health, leaving us feeling perpetually behind and overwhelmed. Balancing career and personal life can feel like a high-wire act without a safety net, often straining relationships and our sense of happiness and fulfilment. Meanwhile, financial worries—driven by economic uncertainty, job security concerns, and rising costs—add another layer of strain, chipping away at our peace of mind.

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What are the Common Pitfalls?

Feeling Alone in a Crowded Room

Oddly enough, in our uber-connected world, loneliness is on the rise. We’re interacting face-to-face is becoming less and less, and that lack of real community connection can leave us feeling isolated.

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Chasing Perfection

This is a big one! Society’s got us aiming for a flawless life. Spoiler alert: it’s a set-up for disappointment. When we inevitably fall short, it hits hard and we start a negative internal dialogue that tells us we are weak, a failure or unsuccessful.

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Neglecting Our Needs

Skimping on sleep, eating on the run, and skipping the gym? We’ve all been there. But these choices have a real impact on our mental health, making us more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.

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Let’s Turn the Tide on Mental Health

If you weren’t overwhelmed already, I am sure it may be peaking a bit now! Here’s the good news: there are real, actionable ways to cut through the chaos and nurture our mental health and wellbeing.

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Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

Self-care is essential! Find what replenishes you, be it a run, a good book, or a few quiet moments with a cup of tea. Listening to upbeat music, staring up at the stars at the end of a busy day, or practicing prayer or meditation – find your space, feel your feet on the ground and breathe! Whatever your self-care and self-love activity is, keep it healthy and do it for you.

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Tech Time-Out

Set boundaries with your gadgets. Maybe declare the bedroom a no-phone zone to help you unwind and get better sleep. Or carve out specific times during the day or night to turn off your phone and devices. Use this time to reconnect with nature, your family, or yourself in a way that's healthy, fun, or peaceful. When was the last time you played a board game with family and friends, without the distraction of technology? 

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Build Your Tribe

Make an effort to forge meaningful connections.

Face-to-face is best, but even a call to an old friend can boost your mood. Cut ties with toxic relationships—those dominated by gossip that breeds insecurity and clashes with your values. Instead, choose to surround yourself with people who inspire rather than conspire. Seek out those who are honest, uphold strong core values, and consistently leave you feeling uplifted rather than drained.

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Help Is Here

Sometimes, it’s more than a bad day. If anxiety or depression is weighing you down, reaching out to a mental health professional can be a game-changer. There are so many options to get the support you need without feeling shame, fear or overwhelm. There are coaches, support groups, psychologists etc. – Find one that fits best with you and start your journey back to wellbeing.

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Mind Over Chatter

Mindfulness might sound trendy, but there’s a reason for that. Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help us stay centred amid chaos. It goes beyond balancing the mind in a state of positivity and restoration – It regulates your nervous system, calms the body and uplifts your spirit. 

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Work Smarter

Set realistic goals and learn to say no. Your time and energy are precious—treat them that way.

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Join the Conversation, Advocate for Change and Be a Safe Space

At De Sa Coaching & Consulting, we promote open dialogue about mental health. By understanding and discussing our stressors, we can drive personal and community change. 

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Normalising mental health by supporting initiatives that raise mental health awareness and prioritize wellbeing, and encouraging open conversations within your circles is important - knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference in the world.

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Wrapping Up

Life today has its challenges, but together, we can navigate the storm. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and at De Sa Coaching & Consulting, we’re here to support you on your journey to a happier, healthier life. So, let’s keep this conversation going. After all, we’re in this together, and together, we can weather any storm.

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