Mental health topics and discussions have exponentially grown over recent years in not only adults, but also younger teenagers. At any given time, 1 in 10 people living in the UK experiences anxiety in some form, and within these numbers, 6% of these people have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
Anxiousness is closely linked with another mental health condition that makes the entire recovery process even more difficult, which is depression. A recent study done by a UK mental health charity highlighted that 90% of affected patients also suffer from depression, indicating how these conditions can often co-occur.
Keep reading to discover why mental health problems are on the rise, and what medical or natural solutions people can use to restore a sense of balance to life.
How the Brain Influences Feelings?
For a long time, researchers believed that conditions such as depression and anxiety were merely based on a small chemical imbalance. Although this is true, and anxiety medication UK can temporarily give people relief, modern science has highlighted that this imbalance is much more complicated than previously thought.
Brain imaging machines have noted that people who have anxiety often have an overactive amygdala (the fear region), meaning that their ‘’fight or flight’’ response is constantly on alert. Patients dealing with depression often become forgetful and shut down because their hippocampus area becomes less active.
Collectively, patients dealing with both conditions at the same time will often have fluctuating serotonin levels, which will lead to them having irregular mood swings. Other chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, are also affected as the brain struggles to absorb or release these neurotransmitters.
Environmental and Social Contributors
As mentioned above, these mental health issues are becoming more common in society, but what are the factors that lead to someone developing these conditions?
Stress is one of the biggest environmental contributors, and this is something that people can experience at home, or at work. Demanding jobs or university work can lead people down this stressful road, which can act as a gateway for future mental health problems.
Social factors can include issues within personal relationships, and this can even extend to close work colleagues or poor family dynamics. Social media, although it has had a profound impact on connectivity, can lead to people comparing themselves or their life stages with others, leading them into a cycle of self-doubt.
Types of Conditions
Given the fact that a large percentage of people suffer from these conditions on a daily basis, it is important to remember that not everyone will have the same experience.
The most reported form of anxiousness in people is GAD, which leaves them in a constant state of worry daily. Panic disorders are also common, where people have uncontrollable phases of intense fear that are often unexpected. Social anxiety is developed in people who are afraid of interacting with others out of the fear of rejection or being embarrassed.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most recognised form of depression, which lasts for 2 weeks. If it lasts for more than 2 years, it is then diagnosed as persistent depressive disorder (PDD). Postpartum depression is also a form of MDD, and women can start showing early signs during pregnancy.
How Medicine Will Help?
Benzodiazepines are often prescribed to patients going through these difficult phases. These treatments are designed to rebalance the chemicals in the brain, while giving patients a sense of calm and relaxation.
This is done by these tablets binding to GABA receptors in the brain, the main neurotransmitter that is responsible for slowing down cognitive activity. Once this happens, areas such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex become less active, directly lessening the impact of fear and worry.
This sense of calm also extends to the rest of the body, as muscles become less tense, and the minor sedative effects can help people fall asleep easier, without overthinking becoming an obstacle.
Positive Lifestyle Changes
Even though these treatments can be taken daily, they will not be able to tackle the underlying causes. This is where positive habits and life changes come into play, along with safely taking the prescribed pills.
People can start by creating a stable sleeping schedule, as this will allow them to have more energy during the day and feel much more rested. On top of this, patients should avoid having caffeine and limit their social screen time before bed.
There are multiple stress-reducing activities that patients can do daily, such as meditation or mindfulness sessions. More physical exercise can also give people an outlet to release negative emotions, there are more focused workouts that incorporate both of these areas, such as yoga.
Natural Solutions
Building on the positive lifestyle changes, there are also natural remedies and foods that patients can pair with their treatment.
Taking vitamin D and vitamin B tablets every morning can help with brain functionality, while supporting healthy neurotransmitters. Chamomile, a supplement that is mainly used in teas, can have minor calming effects, and lavender can be used in oil diffusers as it shares the same properties.
In relation to diet, people should focus on consuming omega-3 fatty acid foods, along with whole and unprocessed ingredients for maximum nutrient intake. Lastly, patients need to remember to stay hydrated, and should aim to have 7-8 glasses of water daily.
Long-Term Recovery
Mental health problems are difficult to overcome, and even more so when people are not aware of why they happen. This is why it is so important for people to understand the factors that can influence its progression, so that once it happens, they are well equipped to tackle it. This also sets a good foundation for long-term recovery, because while people can buy diazepam online UK, they can also create a lifestyle that promotes positivity.
When patients are able to adopt a combined approach they stand the best chance at developing a healthy outlook on life, and if the symptoms of these conditions start seeping in again, they know exactly how to handle them. Find out more at healthexpressuk.com.
