Coping with Anxiety and Depression

There are many ways to cope with anxiety and depression. There are many ways to manage them. Courtney Parker shares a story and her artwork.

Roxy- a golden retreiever, sitting in the middle of a living room, looking happy. Her fur is completely golden.

This is my dog Roxy. She is a golden retriever. She was nine years old when she passed away. She was my very best friend before I met Brian, my partner. She wasn’t a trained therapy dog, but she was a big support to me and helped me with my emotions. I have severe anxiety and depression so day to day living can be very stressful sometimes. I love and miss Roxy everyday.

A drawing of two birds. Onve is a red cardinal siting on a branch with green leaves. The other bird is a blue jay sitting on a leafless branch.

Courtney also deals with her anxiety by drawing. She draws everything from imaginary creatures to animals to portraits of loved ones to Biblical imagery. The above picture is of two birds sitting on two brances.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND ARTIST: Courtney Parker has spina bifina. She has a young son. Courtney deeply loves her family and God.

IDJ Questions:

How do you deal with anxiety and depression? Does your organization offer safe spaces and offer time where employees and clients can use the techniques that they need to maintain or increase well-being? Why or why not?