2020 has probably been the most stressful year ever for most Americans. With the events that have unfolded over the past few months, it’s no wonder that there’s been a surge of panic and emotion that most people don’t know what to do with.
The waves of emotions that most people are feeling are some combination of stress, anxiety and depression. However, in order to get help in dealing with these unfamiliar emotions, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis so you can find the most appropriate treatment.
Stress
Stress is our body’s fight or flight response to a potential threat. Your body responds by releasing stress hormones—adrenaline and cortisol—and gets your body ready for action.
Your heart beats faster, your breathing quickens, and your body increases its strength and reaction time.
The problem with modern day chronic stress is that it can cause health problems. Stress can increase the risk of blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and not to mention lower your immune system so you become more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Some of the best ways to combat stress is to exercise daily and eat a well-balanced diet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein each day. You may want to establish a consistent daily routine during this time when things are uncertain to give you a sense of control in your life.
Anxiety
Anxiety has many of the same physical responses as stress; however, the difference is that, with anxiety, stress gets “stuck” in our brains and becomes a repetitive loop of worries that replay on repeat in our brains. You may feel triggered by certain events or experiences that lead to anxiety.
Some ways to combat anxiety include meditation, mindfulness, and yoga. Keeping a worry journal can also be helpful—instead of worrying all the time, devote a specific time to writing your worries in your journal. It also helps with staying present in the moment.
Anxiety that goes on for too long can turn into depression, which you may need to seek professional help for.
Depression
Depression occurs when someone has persistent sadness and hopelessness for more than two consistent weeks. Symptoms include loss of energy, appetite, changes in weight, poor sleep, and feeling socially withdrawn. The cause of depression is still largely unknown, which makes treatment hard to pinpoint, as symptoms vary from person to person.
Most common treatments include medications and talk therapy. Just like stress and anxiety, exercise and a well-balanced diet can have a deep impact on and alleviate the symptoms of depression. Mindfulness, journaling, and connecting with your support network—like friends and family—can also help alleviate depression. IV hydration therapy can help supplement the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly, which plays a role in brain function and, as thus, the manifestation of depressive symptoms. And if holistic depression treatments are failing, then antidepressants or ketamine infusions may be potential treatments to consider.
The efficacy of treatments for stress, anxiety and depression will depend on an accurate diagnosis. Whether it’s any of the three or a combination of all three, seeking a professional’s opinion will be the best way to find the appropriate path to well-being. Schedule a free consultation at Evansville Ketamine today to see what is the best fit for you.
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