An antidote to depression
Researchers (American Medical Association) estimate that one in six Americans take antidepressants, of whom more than a quarter are long-term users. Antidepressants are the most prescribed medication in the USA.
Anxiety in certain circumstances is a natural and rational response to an appropriate set of circumstances. Suppose your child is late coming home from school. It is sensible to be anxious – to prepare your course of action if they do not appear after a reasonable time.
Sadness is the natural response to the loss of a loved one; disappointment is the natural response to the failure to achieve a desired outcome.
There can be any number of valid reasons for not doing something you usually enjoy doing and for feeling irritable, restless, or tired.
Everyone sometimes experiences these feelings, just as they enjoy periods of pleasure or satisfaction. These ‘ups and downs’ are perfectly normal. It is only ‘unhealthy’ if they last for more than two weeks or interfere with your day-to-day life, and you should consider talking to your doctor. There is a difference between ‘feeling depressed’ and ‘being depressed.’ Your doctor will recognize the difference and can work with you to develop an appropriate course of action. If you feel depressed, find some negative ion atoms (NIA) to breathe.
Where will you find negative ion atoms?
Well, you can go out and buy an ionizer. Still, ionizers generate little ionized air, use electricity, occupy space, and can produce harmful gases such as ozone, which can irritate the lungs.
Far better to spend more time outdoors. No, going shopping is not the answer. Busy streets and crowded shopping malls have deficient NIA levels.
High on NIA
You can find higher levels of negative ion atoms: –
- Anywhere in the fresh air and sunlight
- A waterfall, a creek, or riverbank
- A forested area
- A beach
- Anywhere that has clean flowing water
Anywhere in fresh air just after it has rained.
It was in 1952 that Gene Kelly sang and danced his way into history with his magical dance at the start of the film (Singing in the Rain). The song dates to 1938, but scientists have only recently discovered the truth. Can singing in the rain really help you to feel happier?
How? The first and most straightforward way is that rain cleans the air of the minute particulates we routinely draw into our lungs when breathing. The rain also damps down airborne pollutants, irritants, or allergens like hayseed.
The second way rain or other wet environments (such as in dense forests or near a waterfall) improve air quality is by increasing the proportion of negative ion atoms (NIA) in the local atmosphere. Negative ion atoms occur naturally in nature. These electrically charged atoms exist or created –
- In sunlight (UV)
- As a by-product of natural plant growth
- When water collides with itself, e.g., rainfall, breaking waves, waterfalls.
- Electrical discharges in the air, e.g., lightning, electric sparks
Air containing a high proportion of NIA is described as ‘ionized’ and believed to influence the production of serotonin, which plays a critical role in mood stabilization – your feelings of well-being and happiness, your feelings of depression and anxiety. Serotonin also plays a part in sleep control – sleeplessness itself can be a cause of depression.
The sources of ionized air have been with us for millions of years. During the last one hundred and fifty years, it seems clear that there has been a reduction in the proportion of NIA in the atmosphere, primarily due to industrial/agricultural air pollution. The human body is adapted to and depends on the correct proportion of NIA in the atmosphere. A low level of NIA influences how efficiently our brains and bodies work – in particular, our ability to balance feelings of well-being on the one hand with feelings of anxiety and depression on the other.
Your doctor may prescribe medication. If you buy without a prescription or do not have insurance coverage, you may have to pay between $ 260 and $620 (30 brand-name capsules). Even with ACA-compliant plans, you have your deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance to consider. Try the NIA remedy. It could be fun AND save you money.
You do not have to sing and dance, but they are both forms of exercise that will help to dispel depression, especially in the rain.
