Dr Ashika Pillay’s Post

Can Blood Tests Predict Future Risks of Stress, Anxiety, or Depression? In recent years, the quest to understand and manage mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression has gained significant momentum. With these disorders affecting millions worldwide, researchers are continuously seeking innovative ways to predict and prevent them. One emerging area of interest is the potential of blood tests to forecast future ... [...] #BloodTests #stress Read more... https://lnkd.in/d7iBQgxC

Probably you've already heard about the ketogenic diet and how it is increasingly being recognized in research for its potential to help with mental health problems. If you want to understand why, read our latest blog. https://lnkd.in/eduUyURz

✨ Psilocybin & Mental Health: New Horizons in Healing ✨ Recent research is shedding light on the profound potential of psilocybin in treating mental health conditions, offering hope for more sustainable, long-term healing. A recent study highlights that psilocybin-assisted therapy may provide longer-lasting relief from depression than traditional SSRI treatments【https://lnkd.in/e9HMKk2C. Psilocybin, the active compound in "magic mushrooms" or truffles, is known not only for its transformative mental health benefits but also for its safety and non-addictive properties. Unlike many medications, psilocybin works at the core of our emotional experiences, promoting a deeper connection with our inner selves and fostering emotional resilience and acceptance. ✨ A Transformative Experience, Grounded in Ancient Traditions ✨ Historically used in spiritual rituals for centuries, psilocybin continues to open the doors of self-awareness, creativity, and self-healing. Today, psilocybin truffles are legally recognized as safe to consume in certain countries and are even food safety certified in the EU—highlighting their long-standing role in human culture and wellness. Healing through psilocybin doesn't just involve "getting rid" of symptoms. It’s about feeling your emotions deeply, embracing discomfort, and integrating the insights you receive into your daily life. Traditional psychiatric interventions often numb emotions; psilocybin, by contrast, guides us through them, allowing for more profound self-exploration and transformation. ✨🌱 🔬 Quantitative Studies & Data-Backed Results 🔬 Studies are showing remarkable numbers: 70-80% reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms in some clinical trial participants. Lasting relief after a single session, with effects lasting 6 months or more. Promising outcomes for treating conditions like PTSD, addiction, and end-of-life anxiety. For those interested in the holistic and conscious approach to psilocybin, integration and preparation are key. Preparing your body and mind with meditation, intention-setting, and journaling can make the psilocybin experience deeply meaningful and easier to integrate into your life. You can learn more about these practices and the role they play in your journey towards well-being in our Integration Guide. Ready to explore this path? Visit PsychedelicInsights.com to book a free talk to discuss our experiences with guided, private, and legal psilocybin truffles and discover how healing and and spiritual and person growth works. Let’s journey together towards emotional wellness and self-awareness. 💫 #Psilocybin #MentalHealth #HealingJourney #Psychedelics #EmotionalWellness #ConsciousLiving #PsychedelicResearch #Mindfulness #Wellbeing #SelfImprovement

Can Depression Make You Sick? Understanding the impact below 👇 The answer is YES! Depression can cause a range of physical symptoms that may interfere with daily life and overall health. Depression can influence how the body functions, impacting everything from digestion to the immune system. Here are some key areas where depression can make you feel physically unwell: - Chronic fatigue and low energy - Feeling of being 'unwell' - Headaches and Muscle aches - Digestive issues - Weekend Immune system - More likely to develop chronic issues such as heart disease and diabetes But Why? Understanding why depression can make you sick involves looking at how the body responds to stress and mental health conditions. Depression can trigger: - hormone imbalances - inflammation - reduced pain tolerance - and more Learn more about what physical symptoms can be an indicator of depression, how to manage the physical symptoms of depression, and how IntegroRecovery can help - read our latest blog now: https://lnkd.in/gKbfbbJp

🧠How closely is mental well-being linked to iron levels? Recent research highlights the profound impact of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) on mental health – such as increased risks for anxiety, depression, and other disorders. Studies underscore iron's role in brain function, affecting mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Iron supplementation has shown promise in reducing psychiatric risks and improving symptoms for those with anemia. Given the critical importance of monitoring iron levels and symptoms during treatment, adopting a nuanced approach to managing iron deficiency is essential for improving one’s care and overall well-being 🙌 #MentalHealth #IronDeficiency #Anemia #HolisticHealth

Can Gut Health cause Depression? The connection between gut health and mental well-being has gained significant attention in recent years, especially concerning its role in mood disorders like depression and anxiety. The gut-brain axis, a bi-directional communication network between the gut and brain, is increasingly recognised as a key player in mental health. We explore how a balancing your gut microbiome supports your mental health and how imbalances may contribute to depressive symptoms. We’ll also discuss dietary and therapeutic strategies to improve gut health as a natural approach to alleviating depression. https://lnkd.in/gx5TQAH5

Will Depression Go Away? 🤔 If you’re experiencing depression, you’ve likely asked yourself this, maybe more than once. While depression may not always disappear on its own, effective treatments and coping strategies can significantly reduce symptoms. Depression, or major depressive disorder, is more than feeling sad or having a bad day. It’s a medical condition that affects your mood, energy, and ability to function. Some forms of depression, like mild or situational depression, may improve with time or changes in circumstances. For instance, stress from a temporary situation might lessen, allowing mood to improve naturally. However, moderate to severe depression often requires professional treatment to manage symptoms effectively. Without help, severe depression can linger or worsen, affecting physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life. This latest blog post will explore how depression works, what recovery can look like, and the best options for treatment for you. Click below to read more! https://lnkd.in/ePHfHcVu

Having COVID-19 May Increase Your Risk of Depression A COVID-19 infection can bring on depression or anxiety months after physical symptoms go away It can take weeks, months or even longer to physically recover from COVID-19. But if you still feel “not right” after the coughing, fever, congestion and other symptoms have gone away, there could be reason for it. The virus may have affected your mental health. “We know that viral infections like the flu can lead to post-viral depression,” says psychiatrist Jack Owens, MD. “It makes sense — and ongoing research is showing — that some people develop depression, anxiety or other mental health issues after they’ve had COVID-19.” What exactly is the connection? Dr. Owens shares what we know. Can COVID-19 cause depression? In short, yes, COVID-19 can cause depression. A study found that people with no prior history of a mental health disorder were up to 8% more likely to develop depression, anxiety or other mental health symptoms within two weeks to three months after a COVID-19 infection. The risk was twice as high in those who already had a mental health disorder. Other research indicates that many people experience mental health issues six months after being ill: About 90% of people (9 in 10) who were hospitalized with COVID-19 About 25% (1 in 4) in nonhospitalized adults The risk of depression remains high for up to a year after a COVID-19 illness, regardless of your past mental health history. “Even people who feel fine physically may find themselves struggling to sleep, concentrate or enjoy life the way they used to before they got COVID-19,” notes Dr. Owens. 5 ways COVID-19 causes depression We know that stress and isolation during the pandemic negatively impacted mental health. But researchers are now examining the connection between COVID-19 and depression, beyond the effects of the pandemic. Dr. Owens shares five factors that may be at play, as well as steps to take if you develop post-viral depression. 1. Inflammation Inflammation may cause changes in your brain that trigger depression or anxiety. Here’s how. COVID-19 causes your immune system to flood your body with chemicals called cytokines. A “cytokine storm” can cause inflammation throughout your body, including your brain. Studies suggest that people with high levels of cytokines are more likely to have a severe case of COVID-19, as well as develop a mental health disorder. 2. Damage to brain cells ***Click on the banner image below to access and finish reading this piece. Posted by Larry Cole Executive Director - Covid Impact 360

New research shows that walking 5,000+ steps daily can reduce depression symptoms, with 7,000 steps offering even more benefits. Dr. Richard A. Bermudes, Chief Medical Officer of BrainsWay, shares: "Every 1,000 additional steps lowers depression risk by 9%." For those struggling, start with small steps: “Increase by 100 steps daily, and take walking breaks to clear your mind.” Small steps lead to big changes in mental health. Let’s move for a better mind! 💪 https://lnkd.in/eGexZSzm #MentalHealth #WalkingForWellness #DepressionPrevention #DeepTMS

Neurofeedback: A Cutting-Edge Treatment for Anxiety and Depression For anyone struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges, I wanted to share an innovative treatment approach called neurofeedback that is gaining traction. I recently wrote an article exploring how neurofeedback works as a non-invasive therapy to effectively treat these chronic conditions. It involves measuring brain activity and providing real-time feedback to help individuals learn to control and improve their brain patterns. What makes neurofeedback so promising is that it can be used not only for managing ongoing conditions, but also for acute episodes like panic attacks or severe depressive episodes. Imagine having a tool you can use at home to help regain control during those difficult moments. The article dives into the benefits of neurofeedback, including it being a safe, effective option that is convenient to do at home. It also covers some important considerations to discuss with your healthcare provider. I'm really excited about neurofeedback as a drug-free, innovative solution for taking control of your mental health. Let me know if you'd like to read the full article! You can check it out here: https://lnkd.in/dDSKBgic I'm curious to hear if any of you have experiences with neurofeedback? I'd love to continue the conversation in the comments.