Local therapist shares ways to manage depression and anxiety

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) - Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental health issues, according to the World Health Organization. Over 300 people worldwide are living with depression, according to the WHO. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and mental health experts around the country are urging people of all ages to prioritize their mental health and fight the stigma associated with mental illness.

Carolina Vasquez, founder of Desert Insight, a local therapy clinic, says the the first step to managing depression is awareness. Vasquez says some of the common symptoms of depression are low mood, low motivation, difficulty concentrating and irritability. After awareness, Vasquez says the next step is patience and self-compassion.

"Depression doesn't happen overnight and it's also doesn't get healed overnight," she says

For those struggling with anxiety, Vasquez says it's great to practice breathing techniques, and find ways to ground yourself in the present moment.

"One thing that would be helpful is to notice where you feel [anxiety] in your body," she says.

Vasquez says movement can help with both anxiety and depression, "it can get the blood flowing and help with things like releasing endorphins and releasing dopamine."