Depression is often linked to anxiety as this is where it mostly likely starts. It is important to share with family and friends that you are close to and know who care about you, and/or any of the many mental health services that provide assistance in Australia.
We are incredibly fortunate that we are only a phone call away from being able to talk to someone, when we are not feeling like we can cope with whatever is happening in our lives. It is vitally important to realise that support is available; charities and community organisation such as SANE Australia, Lifeline , Black Dog, Kids Helpline & Men’s Helpline, have trained staff to listen and direct you to the next best step to take.
Having worked as a volunteer for Caring and Lifeline many years ago, I know firsthand, the amazing service these organisations provide. There has been a greater awareness increasing over the last decade around mental health and how many people in our community are affected on some level either short term or long term, due to a family trauma, personal loss, injury and financial hardship.
It is not simply a chemical imbalance; there are always several contributing factors.
Some statistics from Mental Health Australia predict that by 2020, mental health will be one of the more serious health problems, with around 1 million Australian adults living with depression each year. This is an average of 1 in 5 people experiencing depression in their lives.
Depression affects an individual both physically and mentally and can also have a bounce on affect on the people around the person suffering. It is ok to feel sad, experience a low mood from time to time, but when this extends to weeks, months and years and there’s no apparent reason for it, then it really needs to be address by a professional.
So if you are suffering from any of these symptoms then consider seeking help (taken from the SANE website)
- feeling extremely sad or tearful
- feeling emotionally flat or numb
- disturbances to normal sleep patterns
- loss of interest and motivation
- feeling worthless or guilty
- loss of pleasure in activities
- anxiety
- changes in appetite or weight
- loss of sexual interest
- physical aches and pains
- impaired thinking or concentration
The most current research done in 2018 by Dr Justin Feinstein Ph. D, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Principal Investigator at The Laureate Institute for Brain Research, reported that there was significant reduction with symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, muscle tension and pain, with increases in sense of happiness, relaxation and serenity.
Floating has a positive effect on well being
Individuals felt refreshed after their 1-hour float with more energy, and overall this had a positive effect on their general well being.
For a more in depth read please click this link.
Floatation Therapy provides the space to experience a sense of peace and calm, as the density of epsom salts in one of our dream pods (as opposed to your bath at home) relaxes the muscles in the ‘body temperature’ water.
The peace and calm, where nothing or no one is placing any demands on you, is inevitable. (As long as you turn off any of your devices – which we highly recommend.)
As you are in a private room with the lights are dimmed or off, the music is calming or if you choose to, there is silence, you can take time out and just be.
Currently, when society is busy being busy, sometimes one is just coping with day-to-day life. Stopping for 60-90 minutes while floating, is like hitting a reset button.
Every part of your being benefits, even the parts you are not aware of. When the brain is devoid of external stimuli, one increases their own self-awareness while drifting in and out of sleep. This is different to being asleep in bed, because the brain doesn’t have to be aware of gravity or find a comfortable position and there is nothing to disturb you.
Researchers have said that 1 hour of floating is like 4 hours sleep. This has not been proven, but the quality of rest and the benefits the body feels are certainly gaining attention.
The World Health Organisations are wanting to try options other than medication for those suffering from depression, stress, PTSD and burn-out at work, as it is affecting all aspects of society.
Floating is showing to have significant benefits and is easier than meditation, and something almost everyone can do.
Written by Dr Mychelle Whitewood (TCM)