Black Dog

   Depression is one of those things that is both complex and simple. While no one experiences depression in exactly the same way, there are some universal indicators. It is an emotional condition marked by feelings of sadness, loss of pleasure or motivation, and most concerning, hopelessness. It can also impact a person in physical ways. Those symptoms include a decreased appetite, reduced sex drive, fatigue, tension, and insomnia. Situational stress, like starting a new semester, can trigger symptoms associated with depression. Tragically, depression can also lead individuals to consider and even attempt suicide.
    Feeling depressed is a human experience. The World Health Organization has predicted that by 2030, depression will be the number one global health concern. It strikes people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Abraham Lincoln struggled with intense bouts of despair. Winston Churchill famously called his lingering sadness his "black dog."
    The good news is anyone suffering from depression can get help. Talk therapy has proven to be very effective at treating depression. A mental health professional can help a person gain greater perspective on their life and feelings, as well as develop strategies for moving past these feelings. Sometimes medication (usually used in concert with therapy) can make a big difference in a depressed person's life. Sometimes a massage from a skilled professional can ease physical pain that contributes to the problem. People can and do get better. Fortunately, Salt Lake Community College students have access to low-cost counseling, medical help, and massage therapy from Health and Wellness Services.

[Photo: healthline.com]

Give Thanks For Keeping Your Sanity

     As we get closer to the end of the year, finals, the holidays, and family (or not) some of us feel the mounting pressure. The increased chaos of the hell-days and approaching finals make some of us feel like tearing out our hair or banging our heads on our desks. Trust me on this, massage helps at this time. In October, I wrote about depression and how massage can help. I wrote a bit about the body’s chemicals and how they change when a person is depressed.  This month I will explain a bit more about how massage helps the body and mind keep it together.

     The human body is an incredibly complex system that functions and communicates through chemicals and electrical signals.  A person’s mood, mind, body, and emotions are all controlled by chemicals.  The goal of every body is to keep it together, a state known as homeostasis: being in balance at any given time.  This is achieved by controlling chaos through constant change and our moods reflect what our bodies are going through and vice versus.

     Everyone feels anxious, depressed, and stressed at different times. When we feel stressed for a long period of time though, anxiety and/or depression can become more constant.  That means our endorphins (the chemicals in the brain dealing with mood) get out of balance. The main brain chemicals are norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.  When any or all of these are out of balance, our mood can become depressed and/or anxious for a long period of time. These imbalances can range from mild to severe.  Medications attempt to change our mood and hopefully balance them by affecting the chemical levels.  Other things effect endorphin levels and help balance and release them: exercise, healthy food, sunlight, regular sleep, having fun, chocolate, laughter, and of course massage therapy.   

     Massage therapy facilitates endorphin release in the same way exercise does.  Massage therapy moves toxins out of the cells helping to break them down at the same time, increases lymph and blood flow, drops the heart rate and blood pressure, and increases digestion (which is why your stomach gurgles during massage).  When a person exercises, the body releases endorphins to elevate the mood and “encourage” the person to keep working out. When a person feels good, they keep doing what they are doing.  The body naturally releases endorphins whenever there is a positive physiological effect for the body.  When toxins are broken down and removed from the body, there is “more room” for endorphins and they have a stronger effect on the body, bringing the body, mind, and mood closer to homeostasis.  When our brain chemicals are balanced, we sleep better, concentrate and learn more effectively, think clearly, recall/remember more information, and react less to stress.  Massage can help us keep it together, deal with stress, and enjoy life more

Stephani Hargreaves, Licensed massage therapist

[Photo: consolemonster.com]

#1 Factor Affecting Student Academics: Stress

Stress is just a word, right? Power through it and you'll be fine? Yeahhh... Just like not getting enough sleep doesn't take it's due. Managing stress and its soul sapping cousins, depression and anxiety, can kill hopes of completing that homework assignment, getting a passing grade on that paper, graduating and getting ahead.

It's often more about just managing time. It's about apathy, hopelessness, despair, or stressed to the point of distraction. Before you get THERE, come HERE. Because we DO help. A lot of people, in fact. Through assessment, evaluation, relaxing massage, counseling about coping or relationships or medication for serious depression, sleeping or anxiety problems, there is help. WE are here to help. We want you to get through, pass your class and ultimately give you the fairest, fighting chance of being successful. If your life lenses are seeing things through a glass darkly, please come and see us. First visit is always free.

[Photo: mccscp.com]

A Quick Look at Substance Abuse

We have probably all heard the term substance abuse but what does it actually mean?  A simple definition is a pattern of misuse of legal and/or illegal drugs that causes negative consequences in the life of the user.  This can be in areas such as interpersonal relationships, work or school performance or legal problems.  There usually is a pattern of having to use larger amounts of the drug to become intoxicated due to increasing tolerance.

There are a number of symptoms that can be indicative of substance abuse. One example would be alterations in social activities, such as abandoning hobbies or sports. Changes in personality such as new aggression, secrecy and depression can be symptoms. Sudden or sharp declines in grades or work quality may be a sign of substance abuse. There can also be telltale signs such as drug paraphernalia. The appearance of a new group of friends, coupled with some of these other signs, can also be an indicator.

The causes for substance abuse can be diverse, ranging from social to biological. Some of the common causes include a strained home life, job and school stress, low self-esteem, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. There is also research to show that substance abuse may have a biological/hereditary component as well.  Simply put, people use drugs to manipulate their moods.  For instance, to feel more relaxed, or by numbing themselves and avoiding feelings, memories or thoughts that are unpleasant and painful.  If you are concerned about your use, for any reason, then come to SLCC Health and Wellness to talk about it with one of our counselors.

[Photo: samingersoll.com]