How therapy blankets can help with depression

When is it just a low mood and when is it depression?

Every person goes through phases in life where problems accumulate, blows of fate shake up the usual life, and one just wants to hide away in despair. When this low mood lasts longer and is characterized by other features such as lack of drive, negative thoughts, and sleep disturbances, depression cannot be ruled out. Often there is no longer a decisive event for the persistent low mood, yet those affected find it difficult to free themselves from the gray bubble. 

How important outside help is: environment and medical treatments

Depression is a term we quickly use in everyday life without being aware of how many people are actually affected by this illness. Often those affected are not taken seriously and the topic is tabooed by assuming that a night out or a shopping trip can dissolve the current phase into thin air. The environment should handle such behavioral changes gently and offer the affected person support and help. People suffering from depression do not have to accept the burden of suffering, because there are now numerous psychotherapeutic as well as medicinal treatments. 

How the healing process at home can be supported with weighted blankets

People with depression often also suffer from other illnesses such as anxiety or perceptual disorders, which can worsen symptoms like insomnia. Especially the lack of drive causes one to move less - the brain is hardly supplied with blood and the hormone serotonin is released in reduced amounts. Serotonin, which is converted into melatonin in darkness, normally makes us tired and helps us sleep through the night. Those affected can break this vicious circle by using a therapy blanket at night. The weighted blanket improves sensory integration by grounding the body through pressure and making it perceptible. A therapy blanket can also help with anxiety disorders, as the weight conveys a feeling similar to a hug and provides security. Sleep can be specifically improved with the weighted blanket, allowing new energy and confidence to be gained for the coming day. In addition to professional treatment, the therapy blanket can accompany and support people with depression in their healing process. 

Information about support services, e.g. in your area, can be found here.