By Dr. Sukie Nau, DPT/Owner, NAU Physical Therapy & Wellness
With recent heightened focus on mental health, people of all walks of life, including celebrities and sports stars, are talking about it more openly, harnessing attention, information, and better understanding for this common disorder.
Physical therapists are trained to know their patients and break them out of their psychological identity regarding work or sports. For example, if someone can’t do what they love because they’re in pain, or if they’re coming off opioids, they may be feeling depressed.
Depression is caused by emotional blockages that aren’t identified. When those blockages are removed, it opens the floodgates for the body to heal on its own, and every aspect of life – physical, emotional, and mental – can get better as a result.
But our body can heal itself from emotional, physical, or mental blockages. We can harness our own abilities to control depression.
Our bodies naturally produce endorphins, or feel-good hormones, in response to stress or danger. These interact with the receptors in our brain to reduce our perception of pain and create a general feeling of well-being.
Exercising increases our endorphins. That’s why the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as “euphoric.”
Our brain also releases the hormones dopamine and oxytocin to help us naturally feel good and happy.
A physical therapist can help you remove any such blockages by teaching you methods to use your body, movement, and breathing to strengthen all your connections.
To help move yourself past depression, breathe. Start with deep, diaphragmatic (or belly) breathing to set the foundation. It helps calm your body down.
Focus on the air going in and out. Take yourself out of your head.
In no time, you’ll be able to tune into innate wisdom. Tune into your breathing and observe your thoughts.
You’ll get a better sense of what’s going on in your life, and that will bring peace.
Your physical therapist can help you open your energy channels to help you become in tune with your mind and spirit. (Yoga means union of mind, body, and spirit.)
Above all, have faith that your body can heal itself. Always tune into yourself. Check your internal barometer.
For more information, or to schedule a free consultation, call our office today.