ANXIETY and DEPRESSION in today's world are an epidemic that people don't or won't acknowledge. It is so subtle and widespread that people just assume it is normal. Even doctors are so used to it coming into their offices that they just automatically hand people a prescription for Zoloft, Valium, Prozac, Paxil, Celexa and many more. There comes a time when it is bad enough that medication is definitely necessary. However I want to talk to you about the thousands of cases that may not need to go directly to medications.
Firstly if you find yourself under STRESS or DEPRESSION in the slightest do not run for medication until you try a few other things first. Remember the doctors offices are full and the doctors are trying to put people through as fast as they can so they do not always take the time to actually listen to you. Many cases of mild anxiety people just need to realize that they are stressed and need to take the time to slow down some. Our world is built on doing as much in as little amount of time as possible.
As a parent of 4 kids I tried to give my kids everything and paid for anything they wanted to do, not considering that I was creating a monster. Now my kids are not happy unless they are doing things from sun up to sun down. I realize that I never taught them how to take time out so I am forced to teach that to them now as adults.
My research into Anxiety and Depression shows that we must first recognize that we are under stress and learn day to day things that may help us deal with it and avoid the harsher meds.
TAKE TIME to sit and just listen to your surroundings (preferably a more quiet environment).
No TV or Radio or book. Nothing! Try 5 min, then 10 min, then eventually 30min.
BREATHING - techniques are useful. Diaphragmatic breathing is good.
Practice while you are relaxing.
MOMS WITH KIDS- play a game with kids that you are going to each sit for one min without doing anything. Then increase it with time. Some kids reading a book quietly may be needed to get started. There is no hard and fast rule just try to incorporate slowdown times.
EXERCISE FOR ADULTS- this is so important for you adults and young adults. Teach your kids and yourself that exercise is away to burn off stress. When stressed try to take break and go for walk, go for run, punching bag, go to quiet place and practice breathing. What ever you find to help you to release some stress.
It is amazing how a little exercise break will reduce your anxiety or depression.
EATING HEALTHY FOODS - This is so important with anxiety and depression. I could write pages on this subject alone.
Your WORST ENEMY is SUGAR. Please, please stay away from sugar. I raised my kids to believe that sugar is as bad as cocaine (we called it the White Poison). It is highly addictive and will hurt you!
PARENTS- have you ever had the kids come home from school grumpy as h__l, no smile, hostile, then they head straight for the fridge and get something to eat. Then 15 to 20 min later they are a whole new person, smiling, more calm and even approachable. That is usually do to HYPOGLYCEMIA or low blood sugars.
Again that is topic I could talk about for hours. For now please help the kids to understand that they need to eat proteins and vegetables all day to avoid this.
NOTE TO PARENTS. Think about this and then evaluate what is at the end of very hallway at high schools--sugar drink vending machine, chocolate bar and chip vending machine. Also follow the students at lunch and after school and you find the students head straight for 7=11 or nearest confectionary store. AND WE WONDER WHY SO MANY KIDS ARE SICK AND OBESE.
Same thing applies to grumpy, unapproachable workers who live on nothing but carbs at work.
NATURAL HEALTH TREATMENT SUGGESTIONS - Besides trying to eat better (staying away from sugar) and exercise just a little bit more there are natural health supplements that you can add to your diet.
St JOHN'S WART is herbal formula that has been known to help in some cases.
GABA or Gama Amino Buteric Acid is another natural health product that might help.
VITAMIN B COMPLEX - is necessary to help all the mechanisms in the body that help you deal with stress.
VITAMIN B 12 - I suggest keeping a bottle of B-12 in your purse, in glove box, at home and work. A good high dose of 1000 mcg or more per tablet. Having it handy for when your having a bad day or start to feel anxiety or depression coming on-- take one or two.
The B Complex should be taken 1-2 tablets everyday and the extra B 12 when you feel you need it. (Note: B Vitamins are water soluble which means your body will use what it needs and flush the rest away in your urine. You may get a different smell and color to your urine when taking them but is not bad sign).
If these basic procedures are not enough then please seek out your nearest natural health provider. Sometimes when a person has been stressed for long periods of time they may have worn out their ADRENAL GLAND which is the gland that secrets hormones that help you deal with stress( a topic to discuss another day).
This by no means is the end all answer for the problems of ANXIETY and DEPRESSION but is away of trying to help even a few of the thousands of people suffering with this condition. If you have suggestions or knowledge in this field please share it as so many people need our help.
