Posts

Getting Your Mental Health in Check

/0 Comments/in /by

We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel when things don’t go according to plan. How we handle stress could be related to our mental health, which plays a huge role in how we think, feel, and act.

Like so many, talking about mental health can be hard—however it’s more common than you may think. Nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year according to Mental Health America.

But did you know that your primary doctor, like me, can help you identify triggers as well as develop specific goals and strategies to help get your mental health in check? In doing so, I like to start by having an honest conversation with my patients. You can do a quick mental check in at home by asking yourself the 4 questions below.

  1. How are you feeling today, both physically and mentally?
  2. How have you been sleeping?
  3. Have you been isolating yourself from others?
  4. Are you always worrying about the worst-case scenarios?

If you’re concerned about your responses, reach out to me. Getting help starts with talking to your doctor. We can work together to create a plan that will teach you how to cope. The most important thing is that you get help.

HOW ARE STRESS AND DEPRESSION LINKED?

/0 Comments/in /by

Most of us have felt stressed at one point of our life but aren’t sure how to answer when asked if we are depressed. I wanted to shed some light on the link between stress and depression.

Stress impacts all ages and can certainly be unbearable at times. Long-term, chronic stress can harm your overall health, enabling your body to start responding negatively. When this starts to happen, the following symptoms could occur:

  • Suppressed immune system
  • Digestive issues
  • Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
  • Reproductive issues

Over time, continued strain on your body from routine stress may contribute to more serious health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other illnesses, as well as mental disorders like depression. Stress can lead to elevated hormones such as cortisol and will reduce the serotonin in the brain, which has been linked to depression. Having a stress management plan can help you to effectively handle your stress to potentially prevent depression.

Depression is more serious and long-lasting than stress and requires a different kind of help. If you are suffering from stress or depression, please contact your doctor to make an appointment.

Break Up with Stress

/0 Comments/in , /by

April marks the beginning of a time filled with transition and activity. With so much happening this time of year, it can be very stressful for some, and it’s important we recognize this early. With the start of a new quarter, the countdowns towards the end of the school year, and even the segue into the heart of spring, stressful moments await; which is why April is recognized as Stress Awareness Month.

In small bouts, stress isn’t all bad. It may help motivate, perform under pressure, and even keep your body at a heightened level of sharpness. Conversely, when you’re under heavy amounts of stress, this can lead to major emotional, psychological, and even physical consequences. Today we’ll discuss ways of identifying stress, and also some of the best strategies to deal with it.

The International Stress Management Association (ISMA) lists the following ways to identify stress:

  • Psychological Signs
    • Memory lapses
    • Worrying
    • Negative thinking
    • Depression and anxiety
  • Emotional Signs
    • Mood swings and irritability
    • Lack of confidence and self-esteem
    • Feeling out of control
    • Extra sensitivity to criticism
  • Physical Signs
    • Weight loss or gain
    • Aches and pains as well as muscle tension and grinding teeth
    • Indigestion and heartburn
    • Hyperventilating and panic attacks
    • Menstrual changes and loss of libido
  • Behavioral Signs
    • No time for relaxation or pleasurable activities
    • Prone to accidents and forgetfulness
    • Social withdrawal
    • Insomnia
    • Increased reliance on alcohol, smoking, recreational or illegal drugs

Stress comes in different shapes and sizes, and will never affect any two people alike. While these effects vary, there are staple activities we all can do to help cope with, or eliminate stress. According to Health.com, here are some ways to cope:

  1. Get some fresh air – Sights, sounds and smells redirect your focus. Vitamin D from sunlight may elevate your levels of feel-good serotonin.
  2. Rely on rituals – A consistent routine not only helps you sleep, but our bodies naturally crave it. It can help take back control over part of the day.
  3. Get out of your head – Stress lingers on your mind so immerse yourself in creative, involving activities.
  4. Exercise – Exercise lowers the symptoms related with mild depression, boosts your energy, all while keeping you calm and focused.
  5. Express your gratitude – Writing down your feelings of gratitude and/or expressing them to friends, family, and other close ones, has positive impacts on the brain.

April is a great month that needs to be enjoyed and not hampered by stress. If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate the month, check out beliefnet on ways to garner recognition for stress awareness. Additionally, if you feel you may be exhibiting some of these symptoms, don’t rationalize them. Talk with your R-Health doctor for solutions.