Christmas and the end of the year are synonymous with celebration in the company of family and friends; of parties, hugs and good times in a group.
However, this year, due to pandemic and health protocols aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19, the collective celebrations that many are used to should be avoided.
Faced with the situation, emotions such as sadness, longing and melancholy may appear, which according to Dr. Paulo castro, a specialist in wellness medicine at Vitality Clinic, can be overcome naturally.
Social distancing can also trigger manifestations such as anxiety and depression, which require special attention according to Dr. Castro.
How to determine them
According to the specialist in wellness medicine, anxiety can be identified with difficulty sleeping; Permanent worry that causes anxiety, bodily discomfort due to accelerated heart and respiratory rates, muscle tension, stomach upset, among other symptoms.
“Anxiety can be mild or moderate, like temporary restlessness or nervousness, or it can be experienced as constant fear, terror or panic. In general, feeling feelings of tension or stress for a long time is a form of expression of anxiety, ”explained Dr. Castro.
Regarding depression, the expert explained that it is associated with an emotion of permanent sadness that can be accompanied by feelings of anger, frustration or helplessness.
“Although it is normal to experience this at times in life, if this discomfort lasts more than two weeks, it is possible that we are talking about a mood disorder. It is also possible that, by experiencing long periods of anxiety, it leads a person to suffer from chronic depression ”, explains the specialist in wellness medicine.
Some of the symptoms of depression are: difficulty falling asleep, sudden changes in appetite, permanent lack of energy or fatigue, loss of interest in hobbies you once loved, and difficulty concentrating.
To overcome them
Depression and anxiety are two conditions that are prevalent in today’s society, so someone suffering from either of these disorders should not be ashamed and should seek help in another way.
The doctor. Castro provided a series of recommendations to address it:
- Identify if this is a problem that is out of control: All people tend to have difficult emotional times and the ability to overcome is what makes the difference. If the anxiety continues or you think you are depressed, you probably need professional help to resolve the problem.
- Apply physical activity routines and maintain good habits: A good diet, exercise and adequate rest contribute to well-being, through the production of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, which are responsible for maintaining good health. people’s morals.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs: The use of drugs and alcohol tends to generate dependency circles that end up aggravating the problem to attack.
- Practice meditation: Emotions develop in the brain and practicing activities such as meditation helps to better understand mental images that cause suffering.
- Assess heredity and hormonal imbalances: Depression and anxiety can sometimes be caused by hereditary genetic factors, as well as hormonal imbalances. You can study family history and look for patterns of behavior to make sure they are physiological in origin.
“If you are a close relative of someone who might be suffering from depression or anxiety, you can also help by being alert or aware of abnormal behavior in your loved one and recommending a visit to a specialist in this field,” concluded Dr. Castro.
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Journalist graduated in media production from the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica. Business professor trained at the National Institute of Learning.
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