Stress, Anxiety & depression

Stress

The purpose of our adrenal glands, small walnut-sized glands that sit on top of both kidneys is to help us cope with stress and to survive from physical injury, disease, work pressure and even relationship troubles, they are responsible for our resilience, energy and endurance.  Our wellbeing is dependent on our adrenal glands functioning correctly.

The adrenal glands produce hormones that are responsible for all the major physiological processed in the body:

• affect the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats
• responsible for converting fats and proteins into energy
• responsible for the distribution of stored fat
• blood sugar regulation
• proper functioning of the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems
• anti-inflammatory effects
• anti-oxidant affects
• minimize negative reactions to allergens, alcohol, drugs, foods and environmental toxins
• libido

Often when running around these people feel run down and no longer able to keep up with the continuous demands of their daily lives, this results in a collection of signs and symptoms known as Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome.  People suffering from this syndrome may appear and act normal as there may be no signs of illness, yet on questioning they reveal that is not well, they continuously feel unwell, they need stimulants such as coffee, energy drinks or sweets to get them going in the morning and often use these products repeatedly in the day to help them produce energy.  To family and friends, these people may appear as lazy, demotivated or with loss of ambition.

• Allergies
• Alcoholism
• Anxiety
• Arthritic pains in joints
• Asthma
• Auto-immune disease
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Concentration difficulties
• Decreased immune response
• Depression
• Fear
• Fibromyalgia
• Hypoglycaemia
• Hot flushes in menopause, experienced ass intense
• Insomnia
• Irritability and frustration
• Premenstrual tension in female
• Periods of confusion
• Poor memory recall
• Recurrent infections
• Rhinitis
• Type 2 Diabetes

• Repeated stresses
• Acute or chronic infections
• Emotional stress
• Death of a loved one
• Allergies
• Overtraining
• Smoking
• Lack of sleep
• Poor food choices – sugar and refined, processed foods
• Lack of exercise
• Wound healing
• Lack of sufficiently good quality food
• Marital / relationship strain/stress
• Prescription or non-prescription medication
• Toxins
• Financial pressure
• Lack of relaxation time
• Negative attitude and belief
• Unhappy employment situation
• Fear
• Coffee /Caffeine

There is no particular “magic pill” to heal this condition, there are important lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements that will assist with recovery.

When considering lifestyle changes, patients will need to seriously consider how they are spending their energy, how we can implement strategies to conserve their energy and what we will implement to create new energy.  What food and drinks being consuming are of critical importance, if there are severe cravings we can assist to reduce them with correct dietary interventions. It is important that we also look at what thoughts you are putting into your mind as well as the beliefs that you base your life.

Depression and anxiety can occur at the same time. It’s been estimated that 45 percent of people with one mental health condition meets the criteria for two or more disorders. One study found that half of the people with either anxiety or depression have the other condition.

Although each condition has its causes, they may share similar symptoms and treatments.

Some symptoms of depression and anxiety overlap, such as problems with sleep, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. But several key differences help distinguish between the two.

Depression

Feeling down, sad, or upset is normal. It can be concerning feeling that way for several days or weeks on end.

Physical symptoms and behavioural changes caused by depression include:

• decreased energy, chronic fatigue, or feeling sluggish frequently
• difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or recalling
• pain, aches, cramps, or gastrointestinal problems without any clear cause
• changes in appetite or weight
• difficulty sleeping, waking early or oversleeping

Emotional symptoms of depression include:

• loss of interest or no longer finding pleasure in activities or hobbies
• persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
• feeling hopeless or pessimistic
• anger, irritability, or restlessness
• feeling guilty or experiencing feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
• thoughts of death or suicide
• suicide attempts

Anxiety

Anxiety, or fear and worry, can happen to anyone from time to time. It’s not unusual to experience anxiety before a big event or important decision. But, chronic anxiety can be debilitating and lead to irrational thoughts and fears that interfere with your daily life.

Physical symptoms and behavioural changes caused by generalized anxiety disorder include:

• feeling fatigued easily
• difficulty concentrating or recalling
• muscle tension
• racing heart
• grinding teeth
• sleep difficulties, including problems falling asleep and restless, unsatisfying sleep

Emotional symptoms of anxiety include:

• restlessness, irritability, or feeling on edge
• difficulty controlling worry or fear
• dread
• panic

In addition to a formal treatment plan from your doctor, these strategies may help you find relief from symptoms. It’s important to know, though, that these tips may not work for everyone, and they may not work each time.

The goal of managing depression and anxiety is to create a series of treatment options that can all work together to help, to some degree, whenever you need to use them.

1. Allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling — and know that it’s not your fault

Depression and anxiety disorders are medical conditions. They aren’t the result of failure or weakness. What you feel is the result of underlying causes and triggers; it’s not the result of something you did or didn’t do.

1. Do something that you have control over, like making your bed or wash up the breakfast dishes.

At the moment, regaining a bit of control or power can help you cope with overwhelming symptoms. Accomplish a task you can manage, such as neatly restacking books or sorting your recycling. Do something to help give yourself a sense of accomplishment and power.

1. You could also create a morning, evening, or even daily routine

Routine is sometimes helpful for people with anxiety and depression. This provides structure and a sense of control. It also allows you to create space in your day for self-care techniques that can help you control symptoms.

1. Do your best to stick to a sleep schedule

Aim for seven to eight hours each night. More or less than that may complicate symptoms of both conditions. Inadequate or poor sleep can cause problems with your cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and nervous symptoms.

1. Try to eat something nutritious, like an apple or some nuts, at least once a day

When you’re feeling depressed or anxious, you may reach for comforting foods like pasta and sweets to alleviate some of the tension. However, these foods provide little nutrition. Try to help nourish your body with fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.

1. If you’re up for it, go for a walk around the block

Research suggests exercise can be an effective treatment for depression because it’s a natural mood booster and releases feel-good hormones. However, for some people, exercise or a gym can trigger anxiety and fear. If that’s the case for you, look for more natural ways to move, such as walking around your neighbourhood or looking for an online exercise video you can do at home.

1. Do something that you know brings you comfort, such as watching a favourite movie or flipping through a magazine

Give yourself time to focus on you and the things you like. Downtime is a great way to let your body rest, and it can distract your brain with things that bring you a boost.

1. If you haven’t left the house in a while, consider doing something you find soothing, like getting your nails done or getting a massage

1. Reach out to someone you’re comfortable talking to and talk about whatever you feel like, whether that’s how you’re feeling or something you saw on Twitter

Strong relationships are one of the best ways to help you feel better. Connecting with a friend or family member can provide a natural boost and let you find a reliable source of support and encouragement.