Depression is both a brain disorder and a state of mind. Depression represents 99% of all mind-brain illness. In the United States it affects over 18 million adults (one in ten) in any given year. Internationally it affects over 300 million people worldwide-regardless of culture, age, gender, religion, race or economic status. Anxiety and depression can go hand in hand. In fact, chronic anxiety often turns into depression. Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects 2 – 4% of the adult U.S population, or 5 – 9 million people.
There is no doubt that we are living in stressful and anxiety filled times. Talking to friends, family or co-workers and you will hear from them frequently how worried and stressed everyone is. While it is normal and natural to feel this way from time to time and especially right now, prolonged stress and anxiety can lead to depression and can have health consequences such as high blood pressure, loss of sleep, heart palpitations and so on. So, what are some things you can do to help yourself right now?
Lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep habits can greatly help reduce feelings of anxiety. Our sleep habits are a major part of our health. When we sleep our mind has a chance to rest and reset from the day’s activities and our body does its best repair work during sleep.
Now that many people are working from home and just not going out as much we tend to need increasing support. There are several stress-reduction techniques that can be used. Exercise, journaling and meditation are a few helpful activities that can help in managing stress and anxiety. Talking with a trusted friend, family member or counselor is also a great outlet. The use of weighted blankets and/or weighted bags called grounding bags have been a growing popular tool for calming and relaxing.
How they work: Weighted blankets and grounding bags are therapeutic blankets and bags that weigh between 5 to 30 pounds. The pressure from the extra weight mimics a therapeutic technique called deep pressure stimulation. Deep pressure stimulation typically uses hands on pressure to relax the nervous system. When the nervous system is relaxed blood pressure decreases, anxiety decreases, sleep can be improved, mood can be affected in a positive way. Many people will use a weighted blanket to help them go to sleep or lay across their lap or shoulders when feeling anxious. Grounding bags can be used as well and placed in your lap, on top of your chest or back, resting on the top of the feet or hands. Wherever the pressure from the blanket or grounding bag makes you feel the most comfortable will bring relaxation. You can find weighted blankets online and grounding bags at Eterna Health Food Store.
Whatever you choose to help yourself during these trying times keep in mind that Eterna Health Food is here for you to help you in your journey. Stay safe, stay well and as always ……
“LET US BE YOUR DOORWAY TO HEALTH”
