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No matter if you had a good upbringing or not, many people prefer to keep their past in their rearview mirror. For some, it isn’t always that easy. No matter how painful the memories are or how hard they try to forget about them and move on, it’s part of them. Those good and bad experiences are what shape everyone into the people they are today. Individuals who experience a negative upbringing like a childhood trauma don’t always have the luxury of leaving it behind them. Most of the time, other signs, symptoms, and disorders may form. Let’s learn more about the connection between childhood trauma and anxiety.

When most people carry in groceries, they apply a certain strategy to it. Carry the heavy stuff first, then finish with the light stuff. Once everything’s inside, you’re done for a couple weeks until you have to shop again. High-five! Carrying in groceries is similar to acute pain caused by injury or disease that heals over a short period of time. Chronic pain is different. It looks like carrying in groceries every day without much of an option to choose a lighter load over a heavy one. You don’t even get the satisfaction of fresh food after exerting so much energy. Instead, you feel constantly drained with no reward. Even worse, no one can see the bags you’re carrying. They’re invisible weights stuck to you—the reason you need an accessible parking spot. (Despite judgy glances of pain-free people around you.) Just because your struggle isn’t visible does not mean you deserve no accommodations or help. Living with constant pain, dealing with others’ judgment, and feeling like you’re missing out on life can cause anxiety symptoms to spike. The added stress can irritate physical pain, and the cycle continues. Let’s talk about anxiety, chronic pain, and how to cope with it.

Depression is an extremely common but serious mental health disorder. While it’s completely normal to experience feelings of sadness and fatigue from time to time, if you notice that these feelings persist for longer than two weeks, it’s a good indicator that depression may be at play. If you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with depression, it’s important to seek support. If you’re not quite ready to make a call and set up an appointment with a therapist just yet, there are lifestyle changes that you can make to try to reduce or limit some of the signs and symptoms you may be experiencing. Here are four practical tips for dealing with depression.