Your Gut and Your Mental Health

As more and more people are stricken with the debilitating symptoms of anxiety or depression or both, it is of great value to know WHY.  If you don't know what the problem is, you can't fix it.

There are great strides being made in the field of mental health research.  It has been discovered that good mental health is dependent on good gut health.   


If you would like to read more on this subject click HERE

There is related research to be found HERE


For a video to share for mental health awareness, check THIS out.

For a poem to be used for mental health awareness click HERE

To read about how to improve the health of your gut, see this ARTICLE

Lymphatic System Detox

The lymphatic is a very important network in the body that is an integral part of the body's amazingly designed detoxification conglomerate.


WAYS TO STIMULATE THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

 

Rebounding is an ideal way to stimulate the lymphatic system.  Rebounding also has many other benefits.


Video on the benefits of rebounding.




Rebounders for purchase

Swem Canada Inc. on Facebook

How to Understand AND be a Friend to Someone who has Chronic Lyme Disease

1.  Be flexible with plans and schedules.  The Lyme patient so badly wants to live a normal life that he may (will hopefully) still make plans for visits and outings.  However, the Lyme patient never knows whether it is going to be a good day or bad day symptom-wise.  They may have had a bad night with little to no sleep leaving them in much worse shape than a healthy person who is short on sleep.  The person may need to cancel/rebook with you.  This person will feel bad and may be fearful of losing your friendship if they have to cancel at the last minute, especially if they have to do this several times.  It doesn't mean they don't like you or respect your time.  They are ill and not in control of what is going on inside their body.

2.  If you are able to, offer your help.  A Lyme patient may be very restricted in the things they are able to do.  These kinds of offers may provide your friend with much relief and encouragement:

a) Offer to run errands.  Try not to just say, "Call me if you need something."  The unwell person often feels timid and embarrassed to ask for help and doesn't want to be a bother or a burden.  When you have time, or are going out anyways, call the person and say, "I'm going to the store, is there anything you need?"  Or, "I'm free this afternoon, do you need a ride to an appointment today, or do you need me to take you anywhere?"

b) Is there anything you need help with?  Washing dishes, cooking, cutting grass, cleaning, laundry...?

c) Offer to bring a meal (check for dietary restrictions).


3. If your friend is at a party, they may be very quiet, using all of the energy that they've got to cope with the noise and stimulation.  That can be a big effort for someone whose nervous system is greatly affected.  They are not trying to be antisocial and are probably very aware of how unengaged they are with the party, feeling self-conscious, possibly regretting having come because of the strain that it is, but trying to put on a brave face, pretending that they are normal, and trying to enjoy themselves.

4.  Call them just to say Hi, or send a text message and let them know that you're thinking of them. 

5.  Send a card or a letter via snail mail.  Send a note of encouragement.  Even a simple one -liner, "Thinking of you.",  "Love you"  "Praying for you." , Hoping you're having a good day.", is enough if you can't manage to come up with any more than that. You could also write a sentence about something that you appreciate/admire about them, reminding them that although their life is not 'normal', and they often feel useless,  that they have value. This mail WILL be an encouragement for the person who is suffering, who often feels alone, discouraged and isolated.  Your note will be read more than once. Your card will likely be put somewhere that it can be seen repeatedly and  will be cherished by the receiver.

6.  Send the person flowers or, pick some from your garden....this will brighten a person's day.  It tells them they are not forgotten and it brings a change of scenery -brightening their abode in which they spend copious amounts of time.  Although they are very thankful for a home and refuge, the monotony of being in the same environment day in and day out can bring down a person's mood and does not provide the emotional and cognitive stimulation that a change of scenery provides.

7.  Ask if you can pay them a visit and be flexible to the choice of activity.  Some Lyme patients have very limited energy/stamina and may only be able to handle watching a movie with you, or chatting over a cup of tea.  Don't expect a lot and go with the flow.  Be prepared to help out a little so that your friend doesn't over-extend themselves in trying to be a good host to you.  You can offer to bring a snack to make it easier on your host.  If you choose to do this, ask your friend if they have any dietary restrictions, they likely do and feel like a heel having to tell you about it.  Your asking makes it a lot easier on them.  Do not wear any scented body products or clothes that smell of laundry detergent or fabric softeners.  These chemicals
are an assault on your friend's already burdened immune system and may cause some very unpleasant
symptoms for them.

8. Keep in mind that your friend is very aware of how 'high-maintenance' their life appears to others, they are self-conscious about it and would change it in a heart beat if they could.

9.  If your friend forgets things you've told them, it is not because they weren't paying attention to you or don't care about what you have to say.  Their memory may be much impaired, something that they have little to no control over.  Or,  when you told them your troubles/story/anecdote/ they may have been so distracted by the discomfort in their body that they did not retain the information that you told them.

10. If your friend has trouble expressing themselves, struggles to find words or just sounds right out of it,
they are experiencing cognitive issues, some of which are referred to as 'brain fog'.   Try to be patient. There is interference in the brain that isn't overcome just by 'trying harder'.

11.  If your friend says one day that they can't do something but today they are doing that very thing, it is not because they were lying to you the day before, it is because they are having a better day today.  Do not judge them.  They don't understand the up and down nature of the disease any more than you do.

12.  Your friend most likely has very costly medical protocols to follow.  You can alleviate stress for them by organizing a fundraiser for them.  This is a great way to help and show that their well-being matters to you. This could even mean the difference between no treatment and treatment!  VERY encouraging!

13. Educate yourself on the condition.  This will help you to understand your friend better and it will help reduce tension/conflict and misunderstandings in your relationship.  It is another way to show that you care.

14.  Show you care by raising awareness of the disease.

YOUR FRIENDSHIP CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE.

THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING AND BEING A QUALITY FRIEND.

Depression: From hopelessness to hopefulness

There has been a lot of media attention focused on the topic of Depression in recent days in Canada. Many proactive individuals shared pieces of their personal experiences with the condition, including the challenges they faced in getting help and finding a solution.

Some very important points were not acknowledged, or at least not emphasized, which I will list below.
Firstly, the experience of depression is not exactly the same for everyone, especially because there are differing causes and varying degrees of depression.

Possible Causes:

(One or more of the following may exist concurrently.)
Thyroid imbalance (Check out The Thyroid Solution)
Progesterone and/or Testosterone deficiency
Trauma
Abuse
Neurotransmitter imbalance
Nutritional deficiency (ie: mineral or amino acid deficiency)
Heavy Metal Toxicity (ie: Mercury, Lead, Aluminum, Arsenic, etc.
Chronic Viral or Bacterial Infections

Remedies:

Counseling
Bio-identical Hormone supplementation
Nutritional Support (vitamins, minerals, amino acids)
Medicinal Herbs
Detox (The liver needs to be functioning optimally for hormone levels to be balanced and heavy metals need to be eliminated as much as possible from the body.)

Antidepressants are not the answer for every individual suffering from depression ESPECIALLY if the cause is toxicity. There ARE natural alternatives. Sometimes antidepressants intensify symptoms of depression and anxiety AND may cause suicidal thoughts/actions. If you decide to try an antidepressant, be sure to detox  during, and after treatment as most medications negatively impact the liver. Also, make sure you tell your Dr. and a trusted friend or family member immediately if your symptoms get worse or if you notice suicidal tendencies. If your Dr. is not available, go to the hospital. You CAN get better. It may take some time and may feel like you’re body surfing in a severe thunderstorm so do your best to stay connected with people who you can depend on to encourage you and support you in the process.

Talk about your experiences and journal them as well. The sun WILL shine again.

If you have anything to add, please leave a comment. If you’d like to share your journey with mental illness for the benefit of others, please leave a comment. THANK YOU!