Health benefits of hugs – and why they feel so good physically and emotionally

[ Photo by Freepik.com] Here are 5 powerful reasons to give someone a squeeze today Hugging is very comforting. In addition, there is no substitution for that warm feeling of holding someone in your arms (or being held). The coronavirus pandemic evidenced it well when hugs were probably at the top of the list of things you missed the most. The isolation and lack of human connection made quarantining very difficult. We hug when we’re excited, happy, sad, or seeking comfort. Hugging makes us feel good. And it turns out that it makes us healthier too. There’s strong evidence that giving your loved ones an affectionate squeeze can actually be good for your health. So check out 5 health benefits of hugs! Hugs boost your immune system Hugs can make you feel good – and stronger too. Hugging can boost levels of natural killer cells, lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, and other immune-boosting cells. Touching and hugging can also affect our body’s immune response through hormone regulation, includi

Am I depressed? Depression signs to watch for

depression, mental health, women's health, wellness
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Being unhappy isn’t the same as being depressed. Find out how to spot depression symptoms and what to do


Feeling sad, lonely, or depressed sometimes it’s a normal reaction to life’s struggles. After all, sometimes things just get too complicated, don’t they? However, these feelings can become overwhelming, leading to physical symptoms and even keeping you from leading to normal life. This is a huge red flag. It is important to note that being unhappy isn’t the same as being depressed. Although we often say the term depression loosely to express how we feel after a bad week, or when we “got the blues”, depressive disorder is much more complicated. Recognizing the depression symptoms is critical, so you can get the proper help. Find out how to spot depression symptoms and what to do.


Appetite and weight changes

Eating too much or too little can? It can also be a sign of depression. This experience may be different for each person: some people turn to food for comfort, while others lose their appetite and eat less due to low mood. These variations in food consumption can lead to weight gain or loss.


Fatigue

Depression often comes with a lack of energy and an overwhelming feeling of fatigue, one of its most debilitating symptoms. Research conducted by the University Health Network (Canada) indicates that over 90% of individuals with depression experience fatigue.


Loss of concentration

Depressed people often have difficulty staying focused and paying attention, trail off during conversations, or lose their train of thought. This contributes to the feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness. A 2014 study by the Freie Universität Berlin (Germany) showed that these difficulties with concentration and focus exacerbate the social impact of depression by hampering social interactions.


Lost of interest

Disinterest in activities that a person used to appreciate is one of the first noticeable signs of depression. That's because depression can take the pleasure or enjoyment out of things. The National Institute of Mental Health lists the “loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities” as one of the most significant symptoms of depression.


Mood swings

One minute you're feeling sad. The next you have an outburst of anger. And then you just start crying uncontrollably. Mood swings are not unusual in depression. Being angry or irritable is also very common when you are depressed. No external factors are needed to trigger these changes, but your emotions are up and down at a moment's notice. 


Physical pains and health disorders

Despite being a mental illness, depression can also lead to physical symptoms. In addition to weight changes and fatigue, other physical symptoms include backache, chronic pain conditions, digestive problems, and headache. A study conducted by the Ludwig Maximilian University (Germany) indicated that individuals with major depression are more likely to experience arthritis, autoimmune conditions, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. A 2015 study by the San Martino Hospital Department of Neurology (Italy) correlated people who are depressed with decreased pain tolerance. Another study by the University of Oxford (UK) showed that pain has a more significant impact on people who are depressed.


Sleep problems

It is a vicious circle: a lack of sleep can contribute to depression, and depression can make it more difficult to sleep. They can also make each other worse. A study conducted by the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (Oman) observed that chronic sleep deprivation could lead to depression. Also, the lack of quality, restful sleep can cause anxiety, which may be due to neurochemical changes in the brain.


Getting help

The good news is that, despite affecting thousands of people worldwide, depression has several treatments available: from lifestyle changes to medications. Regardless of the treatment you choose, professional help is the first step to getting back on your feet. If you have experienced some of the symptoms mentioned above for more than two weeks, you might be suffering from depression disorder. Recognizing that you’re depressed is essential to getting the right help. So the best thing to do is seek professional counseling to achieve the appropriate diagnosis and, thus, get the necessary help. Other sources of help for people with mental health conditions and mood disorders include the ADAA’s website and Mental Health America’s list of support groups.

by Bianca Neri
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