2021 is coming to an end, and thanks to COVID, our lives have completely changed. Hectic schedules, staying at home with the same entertainment options, and lack of outdoor activity have rendered anxiety and stress a regular part of one’s life. Stress and depression can hamper the way of life and lead to multiple disorders in the future if not treated carefully.
Side-Effects of Depression
There are multiple side-effects of depression and anxiety that most people fail to recognize.
Emptiness
Some people may look normal, but deep down, intense emptiness and sadness are evolving with time. This is one of the worst conditions that mainly occur at the peak of depression. The issue here is that most individuals develop suicidal tendencies and are very sneaky about it. Additionally, a person feeling sad or empty would never tell you about their feelings. It is up to you to keep tabs with your loved ones about their feelings and changes in personality.
Insomnia
Inability to sleep properly is regarded as insomnia. The human body needs at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Those unable to achieve this number are often unable to keep up with their personal and professional lives. Depressed people usually stay up late evaluating their lifestyle choices and thinking about all the negativity around them. This is one of the significant reasons why psychiatrists recommend sleeping pills to such patients for regular use.
Forgetfulness
Forgetting things is a common side-effect of depression, stress, and anxiety because there is just ‘too much going on in your life. Moreover, a bad diet and lack of sleep make you an overall frustrating human being. You can put your smartphone to good use by recording all the important events and tasks for the day. Other than this, you can also go ‘Atypical’ style and keep a sectioned whiteboard in the most used part of the house to update what you have to do and cross out things off the agenda.
Weight Fluctuations
Eating disorders and depression go side by side. Whether you are overeating all kinds of processed sugars or throwing up in the bathroom after binging, there is something really wrong with the way you eat. Eating disorders might require professional help, but it is customary to bounce back and start eating healthy again with exercise and little motivation.
Physical Therapy and Anxiety
Physical therapy has an extraordinary impact on a person’s life. It comes with multiple benefits such as physical and mental strength, mind to body coordination, building stamina, clearer mind cognitive-emotional benefits, and better functional capacity. While achieving these goals is the primary focus of most physical therapists, it can quickly become an irresistible part of your life. As a matter of fact, most people start to take physical therapy as a regular part of their life only because of its benefits.
How Does Physical Therapy Help People with Depression and Anxiety?
Undoubtedly, exercise has a significant impact on your overall health, and if you are having a hard time adjusting, a physical therapist might help you get things started. Following are the most valuable benefits of physical therapy if you are suffering from depression and anxiety.
Improve Mood
Being happy is a state that depressed people find hard to achieve. Even if you only have anxiety, feeling positively delighted all the time is impossible. Not only do such people find it hard to find positivity in life, but all bring down their genuinely happy fellows. Therefore, if you are unwilling to lose friends and become one of those unlikeable Disney villains, we recommend opting for exercises and therapy. Physical therapy exercises can immediately lift your mood and help you focus on your everyday tasks much better and more motivated. Happier people are also more capable of managing their work and family life in a balanced and organized way.
Improve Fitness Level
To eradicate depression from your life, it is important to get to the roots of it. To start the process successfully, you need to discuss with your therapist what works for you and what doesn’t. They will conduct physical evaluations and tests to determine your current condition. Once your doctor has an awareness about your present fitness level, they are going to develop procedures to get rid of that issue. For instance, if you have trouble sleeping, they will conduct sessions involving exercises that boost sleep. Most patients immediately start feeling better after the first few sessions, while others must go through a series of physical changes.
Reduce Stress
Whether it is your job or dealing with day-to-day family life, it’s common to get stressed and feel tired. A stressed person has more chances of falling into depression as they constantly evaluate their life choices. Physical therapists recommend massage therapy which is incredibly useful in eliminating stress from your muscles. Cortisol is a stress hormone that triggers stress, but physical therapy can help you eliminate this hormone once and for all. People who regularly take sessions are less likely to feel a burden on their body and enjoy their daily activities feeling as relaxed as a boiled potato.
Control Blood Pressure
Depression and stress fluctuate mood, which often results in changes in blood pressure. Most depressed individuals have high blood pressure or hypertension as their prime issues. Other than causing you more anxiety, it also has multiple side effects on your overall health. For instance, diabetes and migraine are constant problems linked directly to high blood pressure. Visiting a physical therapist can control this persistent issue with exercises designed to regulate blood flow and improve blood vessel functionality for controlled figures on the charts.
Increases Self-Confidence
Do you look at yourself 10 times before heading out, or are you an expert at pointing flaws in your body? These are signs of low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Starting off from minor discussions, these actions can really make you feel depressed and worthless. Many children, especially teenagers, suffer from this issue by constant comparison and stress of looking perfect at school. Whether you are of a larger frame or a shorter stature, regularly shedding some sweat according to the directions of your physical therapist can immediately release endorphins which send a boost of positivity throughout your body. Most people even seek physical therapy for babies as it helps boost metabolism. This way, your child has better weight management and lives to remain healthy in the coming years away from issues like obesity and eating disorders.
Conclusion
Depression is a real state that might hamper your overall life if not addressed on time. If you are suffering from depression, then seeking physical therapy might be a worthwhile solution. Working with a professional therapist means having access to many customized exercise plans that are designed specifically to cater to your present health conditions.
Whether you are suffering from an eating disorder or having unwanted fluctuations in blood pressure, a physical therapist can be a savior in disguise with the ability to give you a more positive, motivated, and well-balanced outlook on life despite the current world crisis. Furthermore, it is mandatory to opt for a physical therapist who lives within close proximity, so there are no excuses for missing your next appointment.
