Year: 2020

Can prolonged social isolation and loneliness increase blood pressure and the production of stress hormones? 

A headline like “Public Health Crisis of Social Isolation and Loneliness” would likely have you thinking that this is an article about the global coronavirus pandemic. Actually, that is not entirely true. Americans, as well as others around the world, were already in the midst of a social isolation and loneliness crisis, well before anyone had ever heard of COVID-19.

That said, COVID has certainly made it worse. 

Barbra Streisand won an Academy Award in 1964 for her very first movie, Funny Girl, and even if for some reason you have never watched it, odds are that you are familiar with the song “People”, which was introduced in the film. It seems there may have been something prophetic in those lyrics because we are becoming increasingly aware that people do need people.  

There will undoubtedly be a wave of studies done in an attempt to document the toll taken by the year (or years) of COVID. In just the first month, there was a preliminary survey that found that people were already feeling a 20 to 30 percent increase in loneliness and that their emotional distress levels had tripled. Considering the pre-existing levels, no one doubts that future studies will not find that reversing anytime soon.

Humans are social beings, and our increase in distress levels due to being forced to remain socially distanced is quite normal. Just like we are programmed to find food when we are hungry and water when thirsty, we have a biological need for proximity to others, particularly those with whom we feel safe. Lacking that physical connection can increase levels of stress hormones, raise blood pressure, and initiate inflammatory responses throughout the body. 

Even though these are normal physiological responses, just like the “flight or fight” response, they were meant to be temporary. Health professionals are concerned about the consequences of experiencing them on a long-term basis. 

How To Deal With Loneliness During Covid-19

How do I Cope with Social Isolation and Loneliness during the pandemic?

There is a certain amount of irony in the notion that we have been forced to sacrifice most of what makes life worth living. This is in order to up our chances at being able to keep on living (refers to work, etc). To their credit, many people have made tremendous efforts at staying busy and staying in touch. An incredible amount of bread has been baked and puzzles put together. Millions of people who had previously never heard of Zoom have spent hours and hours video connecting with family and friends. 

Unfortunately, there has also been an increase in far less healthy behavior, including overeating, substance abuse and domestic violence. It has been reported that just before social distancing went into effect, there were more than two million guns purchased in the U.S., which immediately increased concerns about potential suicides.  

Allowing isolation to feel like the new normal is not a good thing. Even though Zoom falls far short of being able to connect in person, efforts to at least talk with others do make a difference. This is especially true when we are struggling with feelings of loneliness. 

Most healthcare professionals are available virtually, if not currently staffing their offices. Whether you are having issues with a broken bone or a lot of feelings that you just don’t know what to do with, there is help available. Asking for it may well be your best coping mechanism for what are truly extraordinarily difficult times. 

The Southern California Center for Anti-Aging focuses on the practice of advanced, preventive and regenerative medicine. We strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition, along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can help with creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life. To learn more about our holistic approach or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation. Still need further assistance on how to deal with loneliness especially during Covid-19? Click here to use our convenient online form and book a session with us today.

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• Anxiety & Panic Disorders
• Depression & Irritability

What are some things that can be done to help ease the effects of depression? 

Based on separate polling done in March by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Census Bureau, somewhere between a third and half of the American people are showing indications of clinical anxiety or depression. It was in March that the coronavirus responsible for the global pandemic was finally being taken seriously in most parts of the U.S., so, perhaps, this should not be surprising.  

It would seem safe to assume that most mental health professionals would agree that such a frightening and disruptive situation would likely result in feelings of anxiety and depression for many. This is no doubt especially true for those who do not have the financial means to feel secure that they can simply “ride it out”. For anyone forced to choose between staying safely home or having to go out to work in order to feed their family, the stress has to be considerable. 

But depression didn’t start with this once-in-a-lifetime pandemic: it is a major concern, worldwide. In January of 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that more than 264 million people are affected by it. For those already dealing with depression, what is going on in the world is likely to only be making things more difficult. Staying on medication and keeping medical and therapy appointments, even if by Zoom, are more important than ever.

To be diagnosed as depression, symptoms must be more than mood fluctuations or emotional reactions to what is going on around someone. Symptoms of depression are persistent and can span a wide variety of feelings and behaviors, ranging from changes in sleep and eating habits to thoughts of suicide. But, even if what you are feeling is related to the current situation, it is certainly uncomfortable and not something to ignore.

Changes That Can Help Relieve Symptoms of Depression

COPING WITH DEPRESSION IN LOS ANGELES, CA

Fortunately, there are lifestyle changes that you can make to help reduce the symptoms you may be feeling, whether from diagnosed depression or symptoms of depression related to a temporary situation. Some of those proven to be helpful include:

• Exercise
• Adequate sleep, 7 to 8 hours each night
• Reduce carbs and sugar in diet, add omega 3 fatty acids
• Reduce or eliminate tobacco, alcohol and recreational drugs
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Other relaxation techniques like a hot bath, massage, tai chi

While the current health crisis, not to mention the seemingly unending state of conflict the world seems to be in, are likely to be affecting us all, it is a particularly difficult time for those already struggling with depression. There has probably never been a more important time to stay in touch with your healthcare adviser. 

Hopelessness, anxiety, and isolation are not a good combination. Left untreated, depression can be a life-threatening condition. More than three quarters of a million people commit suicide every year, and depression is a major contributor in the decision to end one’s life.  Please take symptoms of depression in yourself and those around you seriously. 

The Southern California Center for Anti-Aging focuses on the practice of advanced, preventive and regenerative medicine. We strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition, along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can help with creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life. To learn more about our holistic approach or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by using our convenient online form below.

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Are there ways of dealing with feelings of anxiety without going on medication? 
Anxiety is one of those terms that we all use but perhaps understand less than we know. We pepper our general conversation with expressions like “my anxiety level was off the charts” and talk about how things like flying, starting a new job or going on a first date make us anxious to the point of almost being physically sick. 
Are those types of feelings indicative of having an actual anxiety disorder? Maybe. But probably not.
The feelings that we associate with anxiety, like a sense of uneasiness or nervousness, an increased heart rate, sweating and heightened awareness or vigilance are all perfectly normal. When we are feeling stressed about what is happening around us or fearful of what may happen in the future, anxiety is a natural response. It’s all part of the adrenalin rush that comes from our “fight-or-flight’ response that gets triggered when the body senses a threat. 
This internal warning system that generates these feelings of anxiety has served us well in our evolution to becoming the current dominant species on the planet. Throughout our history, serious threats were abundant. Today, however, the situations we face rarely require either fight or flight, but our reaction to conflict can still generate the same internal, chemical reactions. This can lead to excessive stress, as well as anxiety that is inappropriate or out of proportion to the situation.   

Anxiety Disorder

The difference between normal feelings of anxiety and being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder is seen in level and duration and the effect it has on the individual’s ability to carry out their normal daily activities. For someone with an anxiety disorder, the feelings and symptoms don’t go away. Instead, they typically increase and become worse. Eventually, they can take a heavy toll on daily functioning and interfere with relationships, personal and professional. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 out of every 13 people struggles with anxiety, making it the most common type of mental disorder, worldwide. In the U.S., anxiety disorders affect 40 million people per year. 
Some of the most common variations of anxiety disorders include:

• generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• panic disorder (panic attacks)
• social anxiety disorder
• separation anxiety disorder
• phobia related to a specific situation or object
• agoraphobia
• selective mutism

Treatment for Anxiety Disorders

Ongoing anxiety can have a significant impact on the quality of life. Traditional treatment methods include psychotherapy and medications. Other options that may help in reducing levels of anxiety include nutritional programs, supplements, hormonal balancing and lifestyle changes. 
Most people are aware that meditating and simply taking time out to relax and practice breathing exercises can do a lot with calming the mind and reducing stress. Improving overall physical health can also be beneficial in regulating anxiety levels. Some of the most common good practices include:

• Eating healthier foods
• Getting regular exercise
• Avoiding alcohol, smoking and eliminating or, at least, reducing caffeine
• Making sure to get a good night’s sleep on a regular basis

Supplements are a little trickier, so it is always a good idea to consult with your healthcare professional to determine which would be best for you to try. Some of the supplements believed to help relieve anxiety include vitamins B5 and C, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids and herbs, such as valerian root, licorice root and passionflower. 

The Southern California Center for Anti-Aging focuses on the practice of advanced, preventive and regenerative medicine. We strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition, along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can help with creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life. To learn more about our holistic approach or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form.