Research is strongly showing us that we need to be seriously paying attention to three things that are often just “annoyances” and not given enough thought. Education probably needs to be targeted into these areas so they are not ignored or explained away.
They are:
- Sleep problems.
- Anxiety.
- Anhedonia (Pleasure loss).
Sleep Problems and Mental Health
Sleep problems are an early indicator that a depression may be incubating. Both lack of sleep and excessive sleepiness are indicators that something is happening to the body chemistry, and it needs to be fully “worked out” before any psychological issue deepens to the suicidal point. Be aware that as we age our body’s production of melatonin drops away and older people may need to take melatonin to assist their natural sleep cycle.
Anxiety and Mental Health
Anxiety coming and going in waves is an early warning sign that a depressive disorder may be developing. All levels of anxiety need to be addressed and resolved with good healthy and repeatable strategies (Relaxation and CBT). Studies indicate that anxiety waves occurring without environmental cause can be a track leading towards a major depressive disorder in about four years. Let’s target and eliminate all anxiety/panic attacks for continued good mental health.
Anhedonia and Mental Health
Anhedonia can be explained away as “just being off the boil”, or “lost my mojo recently”, but don’t let you or your mates do that, as it indicates that serotonin and other neurochemicals may be declining in number and effectiveness. Pumping back positive chemistry is the priority. Our basic serotonin pumping activities need to be audited and got back up to the right level ASAP, and medication examined if things don’t bounce back within 28 days.
Serotonin boosters, from the St Marks Lancet Study – 20-40 minutes a day of..
- Age-Stage appropriate exercise
- Sunlight exposure
- Creative activity
- Celebration and Worship activities
- Altruism
All done with what I call the “yahoo factor”.
Let’s ensure we are pumping up our serotonin levels consistently daily with a variety of healthy activities.