Anxiety
Anxiety can be a normal and healthy emotion. It can aid in maintaining our vigilance and awareness of our surroundings. However, when our feelings of anxiety become excessive, it can interfere with our day-to-day lives. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the US. Anxiety disorders include:
– Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
– Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
– Panic Disorder
– Agoraphobia
– Specific Phobias
Symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:
– Feeling nervous, tense, or restless all the time
– Anticipating the worst
– Being constantly on edge
– Having difficulty concentrating or mind going blank often
The main treatments for anxiety disorders are counseling and medication. It often takes trial and error to discover which treatments work best for individuals struggling with anxiety.
Depression
Depression is more than just a feeling of being sad or “blue” for a few days, it is a serious medical illness. Depression affects how you think, feel, and behave. It can also lead to physical problems. Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that requires treatment.
Depression is characterized by persistent sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, as well as feelings of worthlessness or guilt, decreased energy levels/fatigue, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can cause physical symptoms like aches or pains, cramps, headaches, or digestive problems that may not ease even with treatment. Depression can also lead to weight gain or weight loss.
Many people with depression turn to medication to address their symptoms and struggles. Talk therapy (psychotherapy) can also help some people manage or even recover from depression. But often people with depression don’t get the help they need. Others struggle with side effects from medications.
Stress
When it comes to stress, there are two types of stressors: internal and external. Internal stressors are things like our daily worries and concerns. External stressors are things like our job or family life. Both types of stress can take a toll on our mental and physical health if we’re not careful.
There are different ways to manage stress. Exercise helps many people relieve stress, others find that relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation work better for them. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to managing stress, so it’s important to find what works best for you.
Acupuncture for Depression, Stress, and Anxiety
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese healing modality that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of physical and mental health ailments. In recent years, acupuncture has become increasingly popular as a treatment for mental health conditions including, depression, anxiety, stress, and mood disorders.
Acupuncture has been found to be an effective treatment for mental health because it can help regulate the levels of stress hormones in the body. Acupuncture can also help to support healthy levels of serotonin, which is the hormone that is associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. A review of studies published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine also found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for depression. In another 2013 study from the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, students who underwent acupuncture were found to have less anxiety and better memory immediately afterward than those who didn’t receive acupuncture treatment. Research has also found that acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system and support energy, restful sleep, headaches, and pain.
Experience the benefits of acupuncture for yourself! Book a Vero Beach Acupuncture appointment now!