Category Archives: Mental Health

Adaptogens and Their Role in Optimizing Wellbeing

May 21, 2019

In the Eastern world, adaptogens have been used for centuries to treat an array of conditions ranging from the common cold to muscle soreness in fatigued soldiers. As the West continues to discover and adopt traditional practices in search of alternative medicinal compounds, the popularity and use of adaptogens have seen a marked increase in recent years. Derived from unique plants and herbs, these compounds offer widespread support in regulating hormonal systems; they help bring the imbalanced, stressed body back to equilibrium by allowing it to better adapt to biological and psychological stressors.

Throughout history, adaptogenic herbs have been used for their proven neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, anti-depressive, anxiolytic and CNS stimulating properties as well as their ability to adapt functions to an individual body’s specific needs. Their primary function is stress management through adrenal gland support, which helps manage hormonal responses to stress – the source of many chronic health conditions. However, each adaptogen carries additional therapeutic advantages, such as dopamine and serotonin-boosting properties, which contribute to beneficial effects on overall wellbeing.

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Mental Health Awareness Month: Risk and Protective Factors for Mental Health

May 20, 2019

Millions of Americans currently live with a mental illness, and it is estimated that 1 in 5 people will be affected by one in their lifetime. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, during which the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health America and many other organizations aim to raise awareness of, and aid people with mental illness. By fighting stigma, educating the public, and advocating for policies, these associations work to inspire millions of people worldwide and support those in need.    

A host of factors are involved in the development of mental health disorders, ranging from environmental and biophysical to those of a more psychological nature, such as traumatic life experiences. However, certain risk and protective factors have been identified to help prevent and treat at-risk individuals. Mental health issues stem from more than one risk factor, and often one protective factor is not enough to stop the development of disorders. However, many individuals do not develop mental illnesses even under the stress of multiple risk factors – resiliency is a key determinant in mental health conditions. It is important to remember that all individuals experience negative emotions such as pain, stress, and anger in different ways and that there is no single cause of mental illness.   Continue reading →

Weighted Blankets for Insomnia and Anxiety

May 2, 2019

In an era of continuous over-stimulation and high stress, a good night’s sleep is becoming increasingly hard to come by. More and more individuals are developing sleep apnea, chronic insomnia, and other sleep disorders, creating a “sleep market” — worth $28.6 billion in 2017 — focused on curing sleepless Americans. Over-the-counter and non-prescription drugs are on the rise, while sedatives such as Ambien and Lunesta remain as the most commonly prescribed drugs for insomnia.

As the side effects of sleep medications can be debilitating, insomniacs are increasingly turning to more natural solutions. A new, drug-free approach to targeting insomnia and other anxiety-related sleep disorders has been growing in popularity over the past two years.  Weighted blankets, or gravity blankets, are being marketed as the latest solution for insomnia, nighttime anxiety, and stress. Filled with plastic beads or pellets, these blankets tend to range in weight from 3 to 20 pounds and are meant to mimic a comforting hug, lulling users to sleep naturally.

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