Managing Mental Health Conditions: Understanding & Coping with Anxiety, Depression, and Stress

Feeling overwhelmed, on edge, or weighed down by sadness isn’t a character flaw—it’s a signal. Anxiety, depression, and stress are among the most common mental health concerns, and they’re highly treatable. At Greenstone Counseling, our licensed therapists in Pocatello and Rexburg provide compassionate, evidence-based care in-person and via secure telehealth across Idaho.

If you’re ready to talk with someone local, you can schedule in Pocatello, Rexburg, or explore telehealth counseling to meet online from anywhere in the state.

What Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Can Look Like

Anxiety

• Persistent worry, racing thoughts, or restlessness

• Muscle tension, stomach distress, headaches

• Avoidance of situations, difficulty sleeping, feeling “on alert”

Depression

• Low mood, loss of interest or pleasure

• Changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue or brain fog

• Hopelessness, self-criticism, withdrawing from others

Stress

• Irritability, overwhelm, trouble focusing

• Physical tension, headaches, GI issues

• Feeling “stretched thin,” struggling to recharge

If these patterns stick around for weeks or begin to interfere with work, school, or relationships, it’s a good time to reach out.

What Helps: Evidence-Based Treatments We Use to Managing Anxiety, Depression & Stress

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Builds skills to challenge unhelpful thoughts, reduce worry, and increase balanced behaviors.

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing): Helps the brain reprocess disturbing memories that may fuel anxiety or depression.

• IFS (Internal Family Systems): Cultivates compassion for the “parts” of you carrying fear, shame, or exhaustion, creating more inner harmony.

• Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Strengthen present-moment awareness to calm the nervous system and reduce rumination.

• Interpersonal & Relational Therapies: Improve communication, boundaries, and support during life transitions.

Explore more in our related posts:

• Reducing Stress Through Mindfulness Techniques

• Effective Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder

• The Link Between Trauma and Anxiety or Depression

  
  

Woman sitting and thinking

Practical Coping Strategies You Can Start Today

For Anxiety

• Name it & narrow it: Write down your top worry, then list one small action you can take today.

• Box breathing (4–4–4–4): Inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4—repeat for 1–2 minutes.

• Right-size the threat: Ask, “What would I tell a friend in this exact situation?”

For Depression

• Behavioral activation: Schedule one doable activity (walk, shower, text a friend). Action often precedes motivation.

• Catch the inner critic: Replace “I should have…” with “Given what I knew, I did my best.”

• Tiny wins, tracked: Note one small win per day to counter all-or-nothing thinking.

For Stress

• 90-second reset: Stand, stretch, and take 6 slow breaths.

• Boundaries with kindness: Try, “I can’t this week, but I can next Tuesday.”

• Mindful micro-breaks: 3 minutes of present-moment focus between tasks (feel your feet, notice the room, soften the jaw).

For structured practices, see our mindfulness guide.

When to Consider Professional Support

• Symptoms persist most days for 2+ weeks

• Daily life, relationships, school, or work are impacted

• You’re coping with trauma, grief, or a major transition

• You’re unsure what you’re feeling—just that you need support

Our therapists offer in-person counseling in Pocatello and Rexburg and telehealth statewide. Learn more and schedule your session.

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger or considering self-harm, call or text your local emergency number or 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.).

Why Choose Greenstone Counseling

• Local, inclusive care for anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, faith transitions, and more

• Trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches (CBT, EMDR, IFS, mindfulness)

• Flexible access: in-person or telehealth

• Compassionate clinicians who tailor therapy to your goals and pace

Ready to start? Schedule in Pocatello or ask about availability in Rexburg and via telehealth across Idaho.

FAQs

Is it anxiety or just stress?Stress has a clear trigger; anxiety often continues even when the trigger is gone. Therapy helps with both.

Can therapy and medication work together?Yes. Many people benefit from a combined approach. We’re happy to collaborate with your medical provider.

How long does therapy take?It varies. Some feel relief in a few weeks; others prefer longer-term support. We’ll set goals together and check progress regularly.

Do you offer online sessions?Yes—secure telehealth counseling is available anywhere in Idaho.