Massage for Anxiety and Depression Relief

Is constant fear, anxiety, or depression robbing you of your happiness and joy. There are several ways to minimize the effects, recover from, and prevent an anxious or depressed state.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information about anxiety, depression, how to recognize their presence, and how to effectively treat them.

What are Anxiety and Depression?

Both anxiety and depression are common afflictions that, if not treated, can lead to severe health problems, including high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, and suicidal tendencies.

Anxiety is an intense, excessive, overwhelming, and persistent worry, accompanied by fear, over common everyday situations. Physical symptoms of anxiety may include:

• Fast breathing
• Fast heart rate
• Excessive sweating
• Exhaustion or feeling tired

Anxiety is a normal reaction in stressful situations such as before making a presentation, taking a test, public speaking, or asking someone on a date. It is when this feeling becomes excessive, persistent, consuming, and interferes with your daily life that it is an indicator of an underlying problem or disease.

Depression is a mental health disorder accompanied by a general loss of interest in any or all activities or a persistent depressed mood. A prolonged state of depression can cause significant interruptions and impairments in daily life. Symptoms of depression may include:

• Persistent sadness
• General loss of interest
• Changes in sleep routines
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in daily behaviors or habits
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low energy levels
• Thoughts of suicide

With millions of diagnosed cases per year, depressive disorder, generally referred to as depression, is more than feeling sad or going through difficult times. Depression is a mental health condition requiring understanding and medical care.

If left untreated, depression can devastate the lives of the victim and their families. Through early detection, diagnosis, and a structured treatment plan consisting of medication, therapy, and healthy lifestyle choices, people can and do get better.

Anxiety and Depression Treatment

Treatment for anxiety and depression have many similarities. The following are ways to minimize the effects of anxiety and depression and indicators of when you should seek medical care:

• Slow or cease the use of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
• Include physical activities in your daily or weekly plans (consult your primary care physician to determine any limitations)
• Establish a well-balanced diet (consult a nutritionist or your primary care physician)
• Include nightly exercises and stretching that promote relaxation (consult a personal trainer for proper techniques and intervals)
• Join a support group (the Anxiety And Depression Association of America (ADAA) provides an online support group found at adaa.org/adaa-online-support-group)
• Massage can relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and increase flexibility. Massage therapy can work to manage the fight-or-flight response, or stress reaction, that is typically associated with anxiety disorders. Visit yourfootpalace.com/reflexologist-massage-in-athens-ga/ to learn more.

You should seek medical care if you:

• Have trouble maintaining relationships
• Can no longer function efficiently at work
• Feel perpetually sad, troubled, or slowed down
• Abuse alcohol or other substances

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

• Are consumed by thoughts of self-worthlessness
• Believe your life doesn’t matter
• Are considering inflicting harm on others
• Are considering or contemplating suicide
• Can no longer complete daily activities or work

What differs in the treatment of anxiety and depression is that depression treatments will frequently include both prescription medication and therapy.

When you feel that there is no-one to speak to or help, you can reach out to:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This call is free and confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year for treatment referrals and information for individuals and families facing mental or substance use disorders (in English and Spanish).

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Eastern time) or Text “NAMI” to 741741 24/7.

NOTE: Before initiating any treatment, medication, exercise routine, dietary alteration, physical or psychological therapy should be communicated to your primary care physician to ensure its safety in your circumstances.

How to Overcome Anxiety and Depression

When anxiety or depression are interfering with your relationships, job, or outside activities, there are actions you can take to avoid spiraling into a potentially harmful state of mind.

In this article, you discovered essential information about anxiety and depression, what signs are present, how to treat the condition, and contact information for organizations that can help.

If anxiety or depression is allowed to persist, it can prevent your happiness, result in a deepening feeling of worthlessness, inadequacy, and even lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Sources:
nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-conditions/depression
samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
mayoclinic.org