As a psychiatrist with almost 30 years of experience – and also as an individual who has suffered severe, incapacitating depression – I’ve seen the journey to mental health from various angles.
Over the years, I’ve come to this reality: The goal of any treatment – whether therapy, medications, or healing habits – is to “lower the noise”.
What do I mean by Lowering The Noise?
Well, picture of your anxiety or depression as a literal “noise”. As it gets louder, it starts to get in the way. The noise starts to impact all aspects of our life and it becomes harder to think straight, if at all.
The “louder” it gets, the more it takes from you. At its worst, my “noise” almost overtook me completely.
But… the noise is NOT your strength and perseverance.
Lowering the noise of depression, anxiety, or other emotional struggles isn’t achieved through one silver bullet. It isn’t just about medication or therapy. They are a part of this process, but they should never be seen as the whole.
We are much more complex – and stronger – than that.
Getting back to health is a multifaceted approach involving multiple methods to improve our health:
✅ Therapy and Medication:
These are foundational, but not stand-alone solutions. Make sure your health-care providers agree with this position. If they don’t, get another opinion.
✅ Self-Care Habits:
Setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, meditation, exercising, and maintaining a proper diet are all crucial – and equally important, if not more so – in getting back to health.
These actions collectively enhance our emotional well-being.
Depression, anxiety, and emotional illnesses act like Great Deceivers, making us feel weaker than they are.
But people are incredibly strong. The patients I am privileged to treat are some of the strongest individuals I’ve ever met in my life. Despite the pain, they dare to carve out lives of meaning and purpose.
By “Lowering the Noise” of these struggles, the true strength of an individual is brought back into awareness and one is able to utilize the coping skills that they had all along. In doing so, people flourish and succeed.
“You can’t choose the ways in which you’ll be tested.” – Irvin Yalom, MD
When you apply positive self-help techniques, you empower yourself to continue feeling better.
Remember, you are not alone.
You can do this, no matter how dark it seems.
You are very strong.
✨ Please feel free to share this post to help spread awareness and support around mental health. ✨
Peter Zafirides, MD
Central Ohio Behavioral Medicine
PSYCHIATRY
COLUMBUS, OHIO
If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression do not take these symptoms lightly. The earlier you get help, the quicker you can find healing, because your symptoms truly can get better. Working with our psychiatrists is a proven path for dealing with such concerns. Contact us to talk about getting you the help you need and deserve.
