What it really feels like to have anxiety and depression at the same time

4. Getting motivated enough to work out is rare (but so important). 

When you have depression and anxiety, exercise can be really beneficial. Studies have shown the positive effects of exercise on emotional well-being. My anxiety makes me desperate to find a way to burn off the jittery “bad” energy, but my depression can make me feel too lethargic to even think about getting up, let alone hitting the gym.

One way to combat this feeling to do small exercises at home. Even simple stretching can make you feel better. For me it’s about separating shame from the equation and remembering that exercise doesn’t have to be a crazy treadmill session, it can be something small that makes me feel good.