Hi guys, was sent this by a one of our valued followers, really great read and great advice :-) Thanks Danny, stay positive :-) Exercise increases the levels of serotonin in your system. I know this better than most unfortunately Exercise, sleep, being around people you enjoy and doing things you enjoy all increase serotonin levels which assist with positive symptoms such as: - creating the feeling of happiness, - allowing us to feel in control - allowing us to think more clearly and - giving us a sense of fulfilment This is because serotonin is one of the chemicals that is required to maintain the chemical balance in our brain. From Wiki: Serotonin /ˌsɛrəˈtoʊnɨn/ or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter. Biochemically derived from tryptophan, serotonin is primarily found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, platelets, and in the central nervous system (CNS) of animals, including humans. It is popularly thought to be a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness.[6] In addition to this, serotonin is the chemical that allows “communication” to occur between the nerve endings in our brain which in turn promotes clear thinking. However, increased serotonin levels is only part of what assists in this balance. The rest of it is up to us A lack of serotonin causes a chemical imbalance in the brain which is a key contributor to depression and anxiety. Most medication for depression and anxiety simply restores the levels of serotonin and therefore the chemical balance in the brain until the body (if it is able to do so) starts to create enough serotonin for itself to remain stable. Hence why exercise, sleep and being around people who you enjoy and doing things you enjoy are as much a part of the recovery process as the medication itself. Some people don’t recover completely and rely on the added serotonin via medication. It also explains why the recovery process is so drawn out. Hopefully my own recovery will be no more than 12 months, however the maintained effort to remain stable is required for life. The reduction of serotonin can be caused by stress, a lack of exercise, sleep and general happiness. The effect that these issues have on the serotonin levels in our body is proven to be hereditary. I didn’t know until I was diagnosed that many of the members within my own family also suffer from depression. Had I known this, and had we discussed the fact and been open about depression and mental illness, I might have been able to deal with it much sooner and with a result of much less severity. Hence why I am so open about talking about it with my friends and family now. The more people that know this and understand it, the more we can tackle mental illness as a society
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 09:08:20 +0000
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