Ami Sharma-Desai

One of the most important aspects of having generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is learning how to cope with persistent anxiety and physical symptoms. Although each person has their own unique experience with GAD, there are many common symptoms including, not limited to dizziness, chest pain, irritability, shortness of breath, persistent worrying, trouble sleeping, feeling keyed up and on edge. Building awareness of your anxiety symptoms and triggers is often the first step in treatment with clients. 

A strong sense of self-worth is often correlated to self confidence, achievement of goals, motivation, portrayal of self image in life and the quality of relationships around you. When a person struggles with self-esteem and confidence it can lead to feeling stuck in life, causing an inability to create change. Anxiety and worry can fester leading to overall dissatisfaction in life, often creating perpetual rumination of failure. In my work, I emphasis the importance of understanding the origin of our "self-critic" and building self-compassion as healthy mechanism to combating low self-esteem.

Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Going to work, socializing with friends, or even just getting out of bed can feel like a struggle. At times it can feel utterly hopeless, with no end in sight. Feelings of sadness, guilt, lack of motivation, fatigue, suicidal ideation, are often associated with depression. Nearly one-half of individuals diagnosed with depression often struggle with anxiety.

There is no face to depression. Anyone can struggle with depression.

Visit, for more resources www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

If you're struggling with self-esteem and depression it can unconsciously promote exposure to unhealthy relationships. It is not uncommon for individuals struggling to see themselves in healthy ways to attract partners who reinforce similar negative beliefs.

You may also wonder if you're capable of devoting time and energy to a relationship if it feels so difficult and overwhelming to navigate your own life. As humans, I believe we are all deserving of love and are drawn to people for connection. Developing healthy boundaries and communication are not only important skills for improving our own individuality, they are also necessary in creating and sustaining healthy relationships.