As young adults, we have a lot on our plates, whether our baby boomers want to admit that or not. Were stressed, were hard workers, we think too much, we are opinionated, sensitive, ambitious, emotional and the monsters in our head go wild. I'm going to suggest a way to cope with everyday anxiety and stress, and it works like magic.
An ample amount of people I know suffer from anxiety and/or depression. We all get sad sometimes, but some feel this emotion more heavily than average. It captivates them, it sends them to a world of darkness, where they can't seem to get out. It paralyzes them, it drowns them. Their minds wrap around a whirlpool of grey matter, where they're convinced that life isn't what they imagined and want out. They keep their anxieties to themselves, and it comes back to haunt them later. Suicide rates amongst college students and young professionals is through the roof. Its an epidemic; its unacceptable. Its a disease. I can't allow this to keep happening, and although I am just one person, I know I can make a difference. I can't tolerate more young people taking their own lives, I can't watch good friends suffer from torturous anxiety, and do nothing about it.
Something needs to change. We have 2 major forms of treatment; medication and therapy. Most of the time, people with clinically diagnosed depression and anxiety gear towards medication. Here are a few side effects of a common anti-depressant -- nausea, increased appetite, sexual side effects, drowsiness, insomnia, and not to mention the insane and intense withdrawal symptoms. We become addicted to these drugs. These drugs become our safe haven, our dependent. Therapy is often avoided, because typically, people don't want to talk about their problems to a stranger. Sometimes, people don't even know WHY they are depressed or anxious, so what is there to say to a therapist? Although medication and therapy are still beneficial, there must be a different way. There must be a way where people don't have to be dependent on a drug full of side effects, or spending money to have a conversation with somebody.
I'll keep my focus on young adults and college students. We typically have a high stress life -- we go to school, take difficult courses, are pressured to pass exams, go to work, maintain a social life, and plan our futures, in this most critical time. Some of us can handle the work load, some of us can't. This should not be confused with weakness. Those who are more prone to anxiety and depression are NOT weak. They are strong minded, and emotionally intelligent. They are very aware of their surroundings, more than others, and their sensitivity is such a blessing. The difference between a weak minded and strong minded individual is how they handle this anxiety and depression. When you're depressed, do you do yoga? Do you read a book and cope? Do you lock yourself in your room and strangle yourself in your own thoughts? How do you deal with it? That is what determines your strength.
I'm writing specifically to suggest a different means of coping; a new treatment. Some of us may know about this treatment. Its called a MASSAGE. Massage people! Yes. Before you go complaining about the costs and affordability, bare with me. Massage in combination with light exercise and yoga works wonders on our mental well being. Yes, your significant other will massage you, if you're loved. But how good is he? How long is he willing to sit there and workout his arms for? A professional went to school to learn how to make your body feel good. Massage manipulates your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments ranging from various pressures -- light to deep. There are so many types of massage to choose from, your boyfriend (or girlfriend) probably does one.
Massage is proven to help with anxiety, depression, indigestion, migraines, headaches, insomnia, myofascial face syndrome, soft tissue strains, temporomandibular join pain and sports related injuries. Beyond that, massage makes you feel cared for, connected and comforted. I could write endless pages on the benefits of massage, but I'll keep my story short and to the point -- its the best thing I've ever invested in in my 21 years of life. I pay 60 dollars a month for 1 massage per month. That's 720 dollars a year. That's 1% of my salary. I think that's worth it. The average person pays 14 dollars a month for anti-depressants or anti-anxieties. Then there is those therapist bills, bringing you about the same a year you'd be paying for a massage once a month. I exercise often, so massage helps rejuvenate my joints and muscles, while benefiting my mental health. The massage therapist massages your head as well, so that's perfect for migraine sufferers. Massage alleviates muscle soreness and improves blood flow. It reduces pain, helps your sleep, wards off common colds, makes you more alert, eases cancer treatment, alleviates depression, reduces stress, and makes your soul feel DAMN GOOD. What's not to like? We as human beings need to learn to take care of our bodies. To be able to get away from life for 1 hour and close your eyes while somebody talks to you, and massages you is AMAZING. And if you find the right massage therapist, they enjoy talking to you as well. Its an overall beautiful, peaceful experience, well worth the dollars spent. Anyone can afford a massage, as long as you prioritize your life.
Massage gives us a brain balance, and a form of spiritual healing. It mechanically deforms tissue which created a reduced inflammation and increases the biogenesis of mitochondria. It also speeds up tissue repair after an injury.
Some say, "its all in your head". Why, yes, it is. Chemically. During and after a massage, you release all your "feel good" hormones.
-Serotonin - a neurotransmitter that regulates mood amongst other things.
-Dopamine - the reward hormone and the same you release after sex, wine or heroin (hmm...)
-Oxytocin - The love hormone -- we all love this one
Massage also gets rid of the bad hormones, even if temporarily.
-Cortisol - the stress hormone that actually kills natural killer cells, our first line of defense against illness
Epinephrine - our fight or flight (anxiety) hormone
Massage isn't just a way to relax; it isn't a "service". Its something I believe to be an ancient yet revolutionary medicine.
One day, massage will be covered by insurance as an effective medical treatment. For now, we wait.
