With the onset of cold weather, we often note in ourselves apathy and decreased activity. This condition, called in ancient times by the classics of literature “autumn blues”, has a completely scientific explanation and modern methods of correction. But there is another mental disorder – panic attacks, the frequency of which has increased many times this fall. Many consider them to be a side effect of the pandemic in both physiological and psychological terms. Is it true, what is the reason for such mental problems and how to fix the situation?
Let’s make a reservation right away that in the fall we are not covered with depression, but seasonal depression of mood. Depression is a disease. With her, you do not want anything, there is no desire to act, you want to close and not see anyone. Depression is a rather serious condition, at the manifestation of the slightest signs of which it is imperative to go to the doctor so that the case does not end in suicide. When a person says, “Oh, I’m depressed today, let’s go to a restaurant,” it’s just a bad mood. If there is a desire to seize depression, drink depression, smoke depression – this is not it. Indeed, with this disease, people completely lack the desire to socialize.
Okay, let’s call this state of the literary phrase “autumn blues.” But the essence of the question is the same: what is the reason for this seasonal depression of mood?
The explanation here is the simplest – shortened daylight hours, cloudiness and lack of sunlight. After all, it is thanks to him that vitamin D is produced in our body, which, in simple terms, is responsible for our good mood and socialization. Therefore, the inhabitants of St. Petersburg melancholy covers more Muscovites. And in Krasnodar they suffer from it even less often. By the way, obesity in general and winter weight gain in particular is associated with a deficiency of this vitamin.
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How Does It Affect Fat Metabolism?
Lack of vitamin D leads to a slowdown in metabolism. You don’t seem to be changing your diet, but at the same time you gain weight and increase in volume. This is because with a decrease in metabolism, the body is content with fewer calories. And the unspent ones are sent to the fat depots. In addition, vitamin D also affects the brain, improving the perception of information. That is why in the summer we strive for knowledge, and in the winter we are lazy and dumb.
And the panic attacks, which are so much talked about, are they also associated with vitamin D? Or, as many now argue, are these the consequences of the coronavirus?
Let’s first briefly describe the symptoms of a panic attack. Unlike the seasonal blues, when we don’t want anything, we are sad, yawn and are lazy, a panic attack does not affect the general mood in any way. We remain active, we want everything, we strive everywhere. But at some point, an unmotivated fear appears: now something will happen, the heart will stop, something bad will happen to loved ones, the work will not work, the meeting will fail, etc. After some time, this panic passes, and then it covers again.
That Is, This Condition Has Been Known For A Long Time? But Why, Then, Is The Number Of People With Panic Attacks Increasing Right Now? And Is This Related To COVID19?
We’ve known influenza for 100 years, but no one ever noticed that after it comes a panic attack. And COVID19 is still a type of flu. The reason for the more frequent attacks of anxiety is, no matter how trite it sounds, the lack of positive emotions, social activity and oxygen. In other words, to feel confident, we must breathe deeply, communicate with people not through the screens of gadgets, but live and receive less bad news. Now everything is happening exactly the opposite. Even such a seemingly convenient and pleasant thing as grocery delivery pours water on the mill of panic attacks. Man is by nature a breadwinner. He must find food and choose it on his own. A trip to the store can be compared to the ancient hunting and gathering: pack up, leave the house, drive to the supermarket, walk between the counters, figure out what you need, take what you need and bring it to your “cave”. Only then will the brain feel comfortable. And now this natural process for many is accompanied by the fear of infection.
In other words, the fear of death from relatives, which is unnatural. Add to this the hypoxia from wearing masks. And the lack of normal social communication in offices, guests, etc. Plus the negativity and horror whipped up by the media. Here is the reason for so much panic in society. In addition, we are also reaping the fruits of the spring quarantine, in which all of the above reasons have also accumulated, and now they have intensified. In other words, the fear of death from relatives, which is unnatural. Add to this the hypoxia from wearing masks. And the lack of normal social communication in offices, guests, etc. Plus the negativity and horror whipped up by the media. Here is the reason for so much panic in society. In addition, we are also reaping the fruits of the spring quarantine, in which all of the above reasons have also accumulated, and now they have intensified. In other words, the fear of death from relatives, which is unnatural. Add to this the hypoxia from wearing masks. And the lack of normal social communication in offices, guests, etc. Plus the negativity and horror whipped up by the media. Here is the reason for so much panic in society. In addition, we are also reaping the fruits of the spring quarantine, in which all of the above reasons have also accumulated, and now they have intensified.
In other words, the cause of seasonal blues and weight gain is vitamin D deficiency, and panic attacks are caused by a lack of oxygen, socialization, habitual activity and positive information. But if we are not able to change the situation in society, then maybe there are ways to compensate for these conditions with the help of drugs or dietary supplements?
With the seasonal blues, everything is clear and logical. Taking vitamin D will help to stop it. And not in support, but in significant doses. I sometimes prescribe 6,000 units a day if everything is critical. The usual dose is 2000-4000 units. Of course, only a doctor can calculate the amount of this substance you need. And better – D-doctor, who was trained at the world’s only endocrinology department with a course of holistic medicine at the Peoples’ Friendship University, where they teach to understand vitamin D. Due to the fact that this base has already been 10 years old, specialists trained there have been practicing in many Russian and foreign cities. So, even if you do not live in Moscow, you can now find a D-doctor in your region. Via the Internet or the website of our clinic.
And What Drugs Will Help With Panic Attacks?
I am a staunch opponent of antidepressants, which are often prescribed for these conditions. Panic attack is oxygen deficiency, brain hypoxia. And antidepressants additionally slow down the metabolism in it. That is, they exacerbate the situation. I recommend that you definitely introduce Omega-3 acids into your diet. These are amazing substances that work both as a building material and as hormones at the same time. The nervous system is more than 90% adipose tissue. But not the kind that is deposited on our belly and thighs – this is “bad”, according to the brain, fat. For the normal construction and functioning of the nervous tissue, it is precisely the polyunsaturated fatty Omega-3 acids that are needed. In addition, these substances are a constituent of the membranes of all cells. And if there are not enough of them, oxygen exchange is disrupted. Hypoxia sets in – the root cause of a panic attack. First of all, this applies to erythrocytes – red blood cells responsible for the transfer of the O2 that we need so much. If he cannot enter them, then all tissues and organs suffer from this.
How?
Both of these substances are involved in the production of hormones on which our good mood, the balance of the nervous system, sexual activity and much more depend. Including fat metabolism, which vitamin D with Omega-3 acids debug, preventing lipid deposition. In addition, due to the normalization of oxygen metabolism, microcirculation in problem areas improves and the utilization of fat accumulated there begins. But a lot of the weight loss process depends on when you take Omega-3 acids. If half an hour before meals, you will lose weight, as they reduce appetite and, by stimulating metabolism, prevent excess fat from food from being deposited into problem areas. If weight loss is not an issue for you, take Omega-3 with meals and eat as much as you want. And if your task, on the contrary, is to get better, take this supplement after meals,
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