Eighty percent of Individuals suffering from substance abuse also have a secondary diagnosis of depression and anxiety disorder. Individuals describe themselves as “feeling numb”. Natural forms of stimulation are “boring” against the vivid experience of the drug. As tolerance develops, it takes more and more of the drug to have the same initial intense “feeling.” Exercise increases the release of dopamine and endorphins produced by the body, and can have the same effect of a drug, producing a “natural high.” Many treatment centres now include exercise as an integral part of their programs.
Community News
Exercise & Our Brain
We are programmed to be movers. Our physical movements can directly influence our ability to learn, think, and remember. Our physical movements call upon some of the same neurons used for reading, writing and math. The relationship between food, physical activity, and learning is hardwired into the brain’s circuitry. The full impact of our lack of movement is just becoming known. We may have literally programmed movement out of our lives with today’s technology-driven society. The sedentary character of our lives is a disruption of our nature, and one of the biggest threats to our continued survival.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
If you have any questions, regarding substance use, or mental health support, please contact us at [email protected]
Combating Symptoms of Stress
Stress can bring on fatigue, mood changes, insomnia, low immune function, sugar cravings, weight gain and more. The symptoms can develop when your brain and adrenal gland respond by regulating some of our stress hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenalin, and cortisol. A dysregulation (over or under secretion) can cause further problems in the thyroid gland, poor gut health, chronic fatigue, depression/anxiety, addictive behaviours, and more. Blood work and hormone tests, available through a doctor, is a good place to start in stress management but also practicing good self-care with yoga, meditation and exercise are also very effective.
Pay it Forward
Your help is vital to saving lives. Be a hero today. Donations of money or time can make a big difference to a small local charity like SRWC Wellness Centre. For over 25 years, SRWC has helped people from all walk of life find their personal recovery path. SRWC supports recovery and harm reduction for substance abuse, addictions, and other mental health issues. You can donate over the phone by calling SRWC at 204-956-6650 ext. 101, by Visa, or mail a check or a money order to: St. Raphael Wellness Centre Inc. 2nd floor, 225 Vaughan Street Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1T7. Donations can also be completed online.
Little BALLERS
Early Childhood Development Program. Young children are energetic, curious, imaginative, and capable. Little BALLERS is a place where kids thrive!! Their program is strategically designed to be developmentally appropriate and to highlight the way young children think and learn. Basketball hoops and basketballs are age and size appropriate, so each child feels comfortable and gets the most out of each activity. Session formats and high teacher-to-student ratios provide consistency and individualized attention. Little BALLERS sessions feature early learning basics such as counting, colours, matching, oral comprehension, and imaginative play in a pressure-free, fun environment. The result is increased confidence and an introduction to the foundations of physical literacy.
Practicing Self-care
Practicing self-care is a simple way to support positive mental health. Bradley University explains, there is a direct connection between physical and emotional health, it should come as no surprise that many everyday self-care activities support both.
Sleep
A lack of sleep has been associated with memory impairment, irritability, mood swings, and an increased risk for developing anxiety or depression. That’s why it is so important to develop a nightly routine that helps encourage falling and staying asleep. Avoid technology and bright lights for an hour or so before you head to bed. Turn the thermostat in your bedroom down several degrees. It sends a signal to the body that it’s time to slow down.
Stress Reduction
Establishing a daily stress relief practice is a great way to feel better both physically and emotionally. Mindful meditation, which has been shown to reduce stress and relieve anxiety, has become a prevalent choice. There is also evidence that it can help moderate depressive symptoms and the effects of ADHD.
Time management is another part of stress relief. Think about it for a minute: If you are constantly running from one thing to the next, do you really have time to care for yourself?
Learn how to tactfully say no to requests on your time that will cause undue stress. You might be surprised at how empowering it can be.
Proper Nutrition
Food is the best way to get your nutrients, making eating a balanced diet is one of the most important self-care practices you can adopt.
Natural Remedies and Supplements
Many people turn to natural remedies to alleviate stress and anxiety, both crucial to maintaining mental health. For example, CBD is widely used to boost moods, melatonin encourages better sleep, and turmeric reduces inflammation. Remember that despite being natural, many of these products are also quite powerful. Be sure to talk with your health care provider about any possible interactions if you currently take medications.
Self-care is a critical component of maintaining mental health. By incorporating activities such as taking a supplement, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep, you can help reduce the effects of stress on the body. These strategies can also help boost mental health by mitigating symptoms such as anxiety and depression for many people.
Barb’s Story
Twelve years ago, when I walked into MDAM I was looking for a reason not to end my life. A volunteer found a quiet space for us to talk, he let me talk, cry, say all the fears, past traumas all the things that I had been terrified to say out loud. He didn’t judge me or try to fix me, he just let me talk until I got it all out. Then he gave me a list of meetings they had going on and told me I was welcome to attend whenever I was ready or drop in just to talk one-on-one with someone. No pressure, no false promises, just a place to go. I started going to groups, made some friends, eventually started to volunteer. MDAM saved my life and changed my life.
Volunteer Opportunities
This edition Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® edition is sponsored in support of The Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba.
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in volunteering with MDAM? Volunteers are integral to the creation and ongoing maintenance of MDAM’s programming. MDAM offers several opportunities for anyone interested in providing support and education directly to our clients. How to apply? Please send an email with the title, your resume and region at [email protected]. Please note a criminal record check, vulnerable sector check and child abuse registry check will be required.
Get Relief From Your Allergies
Spring is finally here, and that means seasonal allergies will be on the rise. Seasonal allergies develop when the immune system overreacts to something in the environment, like mold spores or pollen. For people struggling with seasonal allergies, this is a difficult time of the year. Luckily, in the past few years, pharmacists have been granted the ability to prescribe a number of over-the-counter and prescription products to minimize the severity of your symptoms. Talk to a pharmacist today to learn about non-drug, and prescription products to help combat your seasonal allergies. Spring is meant to be enjoyed, so don’t let allergies bring you down.
Dentures and Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a condition that involves the salivary glands not producing enough saliva to adequately keep the mouth moistened. This lack of saliva can alter the fit and comfort of dentures, since saliva helps dentures retain their suction and stay in place and also has a lubricating effect that keeps dentures from rubbing on the gums and creating sores. Those who take certain medications, are older, use tobacco and alcohol, or snore while they sleep, are more susceptible to dry mouth. If you’re experiencing dry mouth symptoms as a denture-wearer, contact your denturist to discuss your options.
