With so many changes to the world in the last few weeks, we are seeing increasing numbers of people reaching out with new or worsening issues with stress, anxiety, or depression. We are able to see you for these at Karas Health Care, and we also offer telemedicine visits.
Signs of anxiety and depression include mental fatigue, lack of enjoyment in former hobbies/interests, panic attacks (palpitations, crying, feeling short of breath), sleeping too much or too little, change in eating habits, irritability and anger.
Whether you have the quarantine blues or pre-existing mental health issues, there are several things you can do to improve your mood!
1. Exercise, exercise, exercise! Movement increases endorphins (a feel good hormone) and decreases the stress hormone cortisol. Walk or run. Do push ups in the floor. Stretch. Turn on music and dance! We are recommending 30 minutes twice a day, and get the whole family involved.
2. Sunshine. Get outside and connect with nature. Sunshine exposure helps regulate your sleep hormones.
3. Talk it out! Journal your feelings, call a friend or support person. Color, draw, or create.
4. Keep a schedule. Scheduling purposeful activity, if you are not working, will help mindset. Clean the house, organize, start a routine of making your bed each morning.
5. Sleep. Keep an intentional sleep routine with sleep and wake up times. We call this “sleep hygiene”. Turn off screens in the afternoon. This includes iPhones, tablets, and even social media. Light from screens inhibit our body producing melatonin, a sleep hormone. Avoid caffeine in the evening. Avoid excessive alcohol intake.
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/tools-resources/index.htm
1-800-273-8255 – The National Suicide Prevention Hotline
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself or others, Call 911.
