Читать книгу Anxiety and Depression Workbook For Dummies - Laura L. Smith - Страница 17

IN THIS CHAPTER

Burrowing through biology

Studying your history

Reviewing what’s happening now

Finding fault (or not)

If you’re reading this book, you probably feel a little anxious or depressed, but you may not know where those feelings come from. It’s valuable to understand the origins of your feelings, whether it’s biology, genetics, personal history, or stress. This chapter helps you gain insight into the source of your problem and connect the dots. Knowing the origins of your emotions allows you to discard the baggage of guilt and self-blame, and what’s not to like about that?

This chapter reviews the major causes of depression and anxiety: biological, genetic, personal history, and stress. Many therapy clients believe that they’re to blame for having succumbed to emotional distress. They think that personal weakness is responsible for troubling emotions. However, when they discover the factors that have contributed to the origins of their problems, they usually feel less guilty. Getting rid of that guilt frees up energy that can be used for making important changes.

Figuring out why you have anxiety or depression may help you stop blaming yourself. However, dwelling in the past doesn’t move you forward. Once you understand your history, it’s time to look to the future. Gently close the door on your grievances and look to the future to find solutions so you’re not stuck in remaining a victim of your past.