DR. SOUPY'S SWELL SUGGESTIONS

Dr. Glenn Soppe, MD

Hopefully it is a time of fun beach outings for all of you Fall, sunny days, duckdiving shredders, barneys, goobers, groms, and moms! But, I’m going to take a serious moment to throw out an important topic during this unusual year.

DEPRESSION is real and it is happening to a lot of people right now -- from teenagers to parents & grandparents. COVID19 is tough on our mental health. Here are a few quick thoughts to help take care of each other right now.

Now more than ever, you might be the one who really saves someone in need. Please keep an eye out for friends and family; check in on each other regularly. If they seem like they are in a real funk, maybe help get them to a Doctor. To check for depression, notice if they are not so stoked to do that usually fun walk, yoga, ride, or surf session.

Other signs of depression are:

-acting withdrawn

-they are constantly tired

-more frequently having a grumpy mood

-no longer caring about school or work or acting more reckless

-unusually anxious

-not returning texts

-commenting on hopelessness, or feeling worthless

Everyone has a bad day here and there, but if you or someone you know is having ongoing "bad days," then there could be an underlying serious medical problem -- Depression. Surely if someone is experiencing sadness, hopelessness, or any thoughts of suicide, that is an urgent crisis for getting to a phone hotline, their family Doctor, or even the emergency room if necessary.

Depression phone Hotline- 800-662-4357 or 800-662-HELP

Or Text Hotline- 741741 (anxiety & depression help)

Depression can be helped with counseling, an exercise prescription, acupuncture, better nutrition, TMS & sometimes medication. Knowing the signs and exercising intervention can save a life!!!

Here are a few ways to prevent yourself from getting to depressed during Coronavirus- Get good sleep, exercise daily, eat nutritious food, avoid alcohol, balance screen time, meditate, do your hobbies, listen to music, & spread positive thoughts & vibes whenever and wherever you can. Also it is really important to stay in touch with family & friends Face to Face; like FaceTime, ZOOM, or even a plain Phone Call rather than just text and social media.

Didn’t want my second swell suggestion to be a downer but this will be the most important Dr. Soupy suggestion ever. Thanks for reading!

Stay on it and keep going to the Beach!

-Doctor Soppe