By Jenny Kemper, Director, Kemper Cognitive Wellness
October 10th is World Mental Health Day. This day is set apart to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world. Depression and anxiety have reached pandemic proportions over the last 18 months. The statistics are staggering: depression symptoms in adults is up 300% during the COVID-19 pandemic, prescription anti-depressant use is up 20% in 2020, and perhaps most disturbing, is a nearly 50% increase in anti-depressant use among children and young adults. (source)
In our society, the standard course of treatment is medication and counseling. Lifestyle interventions that may support healing are often given little credence: cutting back on caffeine, avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs, eating right and exercising, stress management techniques, and adequate restorative sleep. These and other natural interventions are often overlooked in our overrun healthcare system.
Kemper Cognitive Wellness typically looks to lifestyle optimizations first and offers holistic, drug-free options to manage or reduce the symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.
CBD oil is a naturally occurring compound known as a cannabinoid. Found in hemp plants, CBD is often associated with marijuana, and is available without the psychoactive THC component. CBD oil has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression (source), relieve pain (source), alleviate cancer-related symptoms (source), improve quality of life and sleep in people with Parkinson’s disease (source), and decrease inflammation and prevent neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s (source). Early anecdotal evidence also indicates CBD may reduce sundowning symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia (source).
Kemper Cognitive Wellness stocks high-quality professional-grade products from Clean Remedies, including CBD gummies and CBD tinctures up to 3600 mg (60mL) – with broad- and full-spectrum options ranging from $36 to $195. Purchase in office or online.
Brain Brightening is an innovative solution to concerns of attention and focus, anxiety, panic attacks, low mood, and mild depression. Administered in our offices, this non-invasive, low-energy neuro stimulation therapy stimulates the brain and soothes the nervous system. Initial research indicates that targeting alpha brain waves using this technology could be effective in improving symptoms of depression (source).
“The Brain Brightening sessions literally made me more mindful… they allowed me to self-regulate. I have more control over my mind to influence my own situation. There is much less suffering. Now when I feel the anxiety rising from my chest and throat I can pause it and my brain has the option to push it back down into my body where I can sit with it and process it.” -Shayne, 36 years
A two-part protocol, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is used to shift the brain into an enhanced state of neuroplasticity; and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is used to entrain the brain to a calmer state and soothe the nervous system. Brain Brightening trains a neuron’s activity in a desired direction and modulates basic motor and sensory processes, along with higher cognitive processes like memory, perception and decision-making, over time.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might benefit from Brain Brightening:
· persistent anxiousness, panic, or worry
· brain fog or difficulty concentrating
· a tendency for catastrophic thinking
· lower energy, especially if accompanied by appetite changes
· persistent, negative thinking
· restlessness or increased muscle tension
· increased irritability
Participants also receive targeted dietary, exercise, vitamin and supplement recommendations to further augment the effects of the program. Some individuals may value cortisol and micronutrient testing to identify additional opportunities for enhancement. Call for more information and pricing (216/337-1400).
