Stress can lead to and trigger depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and even chronic conditions. It can also worsen existing mental and medical health illnesses. There are ways to cope with it. Please seek help from a medical professional if needed.
Dr. Dand Elsherif
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What can trigger, cause, or worsen depression and anxiety? STRESS.
Stress in general not just pandemic stress can lead to worsening in mental and chronic health conditions which then can in some cases lead to harmful habits, such as excessive drinking, or drug abuse.
We have to remember that the increase in drinking will have both a short and a long term impact on health and safety. Why?
Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to worsening depression and anxiety in the long run and even nerve damage in some cases aside from the many chronic health care conditions. Part of this is due to the fact that alcohol abuse can block absorption and or usage of important vitamins such as B1, B12, B6, and folic acid.
How are these vitamins connected to depression and anxiety?
They are needed for the production of many essential things in our bodies such as nerves, and a neurotransmitter called serotonin.
What is serotonin?
Serotonin is a chemical that has a wide variety of functions in the human body. It is sometimes called the happy chemical because it contributes to wellbeing and happiness.
How can we increase the serotonin level in the brain in order to decrease the level of anxiety and depression?
check-in with your healthcare provider Make sure that you’re not suffering from the deficiency of the vitamins required to make your happy neurotransmitter serotonin. In addition to the b vitamins
Vitamin C: Not only is it important for our immune system it’s also important for serotonin production.
Also since many of us are not out in the sun, take vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to depression.
In some cases, you might require medication to talk with your health care provider about that.
What can be done?
it’s important to seek support from friends, family, or health professionals. This support can help reduce the distress people are feeling, and strengthens their resilience to deal with challenges they are facing such as this pandemic Here are things that you can do to decrease the level of anxiety:
Try your best to allow your mind to take control of your fears and anxiety.
1. Take it one day at a time and remember that this pandemic will END, and it’s not permanent.
2. Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks in some cases.
3. Make sure you are not deficient in vitamins responsible for serotonin production.
4. Get enough sleep. …
5. Exercise daily if you can. Exercising can release stress hormones and therefore decrease the level of anxiety. …
6. Take deep breaths, count to 10 slowly.
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