Finding Peace and Calm Into 2026: A Guide to Reducing Anxiety and Depression

Pamela Varas
Jan 1
3 min read

As we move into 2026, many of us are seeking more than just short‑lived happiness — we’re looking for peace, stability, and inner calm. For people dealing with anxiety, depression, or the long‑standing effects of trauma, everyday life can feel heavy, exhausting, and overwhelming. The good news? Healing and relief are possible, especially when approached gently and with support.

Before exploring ways to build calm, it helps to understand how common these experiences actually are.

Mental Health in Australia: What the Numbers Tell Us

Over 42% of Australians aged 16–85 have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives. Of these, about 21.5% had a mental disorder in the past 12 months, with anxiety being the most common type. Australian Bureau of Statistics
Around 17.2% of Australians experienced an anxiety disorder and 7.5% experienced depressive symptoms within a 12‑month period. National Mental Health Commission
Nearly half of Australian adults surveyed reported experiencing a traumatic event before the age of 18, and those individuals have a roughly 50% higher risk of developing a mental health condition like anxiety, depression, or panic disorder later in life. The University of Sydney
Research also suggests that childhood maltreatment (including abuse and neglect) contributes to a significant proportion of long‑term mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, self‑harm and even suicide attempts. The University of Sydney

These statistics remind us that mental health struggles are widespread, and the impact of early experiences can last well into adulthood. You are not alone if you’ve been affected.

Understanding Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma

Anxiety and depression are not personal weaknesses — they are complex responses shaped by biology, environment, relationships, and life experience. Sometimes these responses arise from unresolved experiences from childhood, including situations where emotional needs weren’t consistently met. This can lead to patterns such as:

Feeling constantly on alert
Emotional overwhelm
Difficulty regulating feelings
Harsh self‑criticism

Many adults find they are still reacting from an earlier, younger part of themselves rather than from a grounded adult perspective. Recognising this is an important step toward healing.

Ways to Build Peace and Calm

1. Start With Your Body

Our bodies hold memories of stress and trauma. Mindful breathing, gentle movement, and grounding techniques can calm your nervous system and help you feel more present.

2. Notice Small Moments of Calm

Peace doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can be found in small moments — a quiet cup of tea, a short walk, absorbed focus on a task. Reflect on a time when your body felt relaxed or experienced a hint of neutrality, and allow yourself to hold onto that.

3. Be Compassionate With Yourself

Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer someone you love. Self‑validation matters. Acknowledge that your feelings make sense given what you’ve been through.

4. Do More of What Helps You Feel Grounded

Engage in activities that support your wellbeing, even in small ways — reading, creative expression, time in nature, or connecting with supportive people.

5. Reach Out for Support

Talking with a qualified counsellor provides a supportive, safe space to explore feelings, heal from past experiences, and learn strategies for managing anxiety and depression. You deserve support that feels understanding and tailored to you.

A Gentle Reminder

Healing isn’t about erasing the past. It’s about learning how to live more peacefully in the present. Many adults are still responding from a younger version of themselves. Treating yourself with kindness and validation supports the healing process and helps soften the grip of anxiety and depression over time.

Small, consistent steps can lead to meaningful change. Peace doesn’t arrive all at once — it grows bit by bit.

How Pam Can Support You

Pam offers childhood trauma counselling, depression counselling, anxiety counselling, and trauma‑informed counselling through Rebuild Together Counselling. Sessions are available both as online counselling and in‑person Sydney counselling in Canterbury, helping you find support that meets your needs and comfort level.