Healing a nervous system is not easy. How do you heal something that you are continually using? It's not like a broken arm that you can put in a cast and not use for six weeks. Many times people are afraid to reach out for help out of fear of what others may say. There is often a stigma associated with having a disorder like anxiety or depression. Some one stuggling with anxiety may avoid telling anyone for fear that other people may think they are just faking it or trying to get attention. It can be awkward or difficult to explain how you are feeling to others, especially co-workers or a boss. If you have the flu or most any other kind of illness it is obvious that you are ill, but with an anxiety disorder or depression, how do you ask for time off from work when you look just fine? How do you explain to family members that you are not feeling well and need to take some time to get well?
From my experience any healing of the body is best done holistically which means healing yourself physically,, emotionally and spiritually. To have a good balance in your mental as well as your physical health, all three aspects need to be considered. It is like a three legged stool, you need all three legs to be stong and in good working order.
First, you need to work on the physical aspect of healing the nervous system with proper nutrition, supplements, and exercise. A good diet is very important! Stay off foods that are stimulating, like sugars, coffee , soda pop, etc. Eat a wholesome diet of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods and artificial sweeteners. Taking vitamin supplements can help as well. Exercises like walking can help a lot and in some studies has been shown to help as much as taking an anitdepressant! Getting out in the sunshine is also important, since a vitamin D deficiency can cause symptoms of anxiety and depression. There are many herbs and supplements that are known for healing the nervous system. Herbs like Vervain, Valerian, St. John's wart, and Holy Basil, have been show to offer significant help to people suffering with anxiety and depression.
Second, avoid mental stress! Your nervous system needs to rest!. You need to do everything you can to keep from causing more damage. A healthy diet is important, but also avoid negative thinking and other negative and irritating influences. Resting the nervous system as much as possible is very important, but often the most difficult thing to do. It is important to avoid things that are upsetting and irritating. There are mental habits that you need to work on, like paying attention to your thoughts, and trying to think positively. The way you think often becomes a habit. It is as if your brain has a default setting that you may not even be aware of. Try to teach your brain to default to positive and happy thoughts. Start becoming very aware of what you think about most of the time. We often don't realize the toll that everyday events and thoughts can have on our nervous systems. Some things to avoid are:
Surround yourself as much as possible with calm and pleasant things. Some options that can help soothe and heal a nervous system include:
Third, work on your relationship with God. Connect with your source.
From my experience any healing of the body is best done holistically which means healing yourself physically,, emotionally and spiritually. To have a good balance in your mental as well as your physical health, all three aspects need to be considered. It is like a three legged stool, you need all three legs to be stong and in good working order.
First, you need to work on the physical aspect of healing the nervous system with proper nutrition, supplements, and exercise. A good diet is very important! Stay off foods that are stimulating, like sugars, coffee , soda pop, etc. Eat a wholesome diet of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods and artificial sweeteners. Taking vitamin supplements can help as well. Exercises like walking can help a lot and in some studies has been shown to help as much as taking an anitdepressant! Getting out in the sunshine is also important, since a vitamin D deficiency can cause symptoms of anxiety and depression. There are many herbs and supplements that are known for healing the nervous system. Herbs like Vervain, Valerian, St. John's wart, and Holy Basil, have been show to offer significant help to people suffering with anxiety and depression.
Second, avoid mental stress! Your nervous system needs to rest!. You need to do everything you can to keep from causing more damage. A healthy diet is important, but also avoid negative thinking and other negative and irritating influences. Resting the nervous system as much as possible is very important, but often the most difficult thing to do. It is important to avoid things that are upsetting and irritating. There are mental habits that you need to work on, like paying attention to your thoughts, and trying to think positively. The way you think often becomes a habit. It is as if your brain has a default setting that you may not even be aware of. Try to teach your brain to default to positive and happy thoughts. Start becoming very aware of what you think about most of the time. We often don't realize the toll that everyday events and thoughts can have on our nervous systems. Some things to avoid are:
- Watching the news
- Intense shows or movies
- Irritating People
- Stressful conversations and situations.
- Excessive worrying and negative thoughts (easier said than done)
- Loud and busy places. (unless it is something you enjoy)
Surround yourself as much as possible with calm and pleasant things. Some options that can help soothe and heal a nervous system include:
- Hot baths
- Positive affirmations
- Pleasant conversations
- Uplifting books and movies
- Massages
- Soft and uplifting music
- Getting lots of rest
- Fill you own cup by doing things for yourself, that you enjoy!
Third, work on your relationship with God. Connect with your source.
- Pray
- Meditate
- Read inspirational books
- Take a walk in the woods
- Go to Church ( if it doesn't stress you out)
- Listen to inspirational music.
- Reach out to someone else in need.
Try to find things in your life that are fun and bring you joy, and focus on the positive things in your life! Start finding time for your self and things that matter to you. If you can't find anything that matters to you or interests you, try doing something that you used to enjoy. Chances are if you make the effort to push past the depression and fear you will find strength and joy that you didn't know was still there.
If you say you can or you can't you are right either way. ---- Henry Ford