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If you or somebody you know is currently suffering from depression, you should have already heard about weighted blankets. Yorkville Blankets have become the most in-demand weighted blanket to be affordable and able to be used year-round to help alleviate some of the symptoms of depression and the negative impact it can have on your life overall.
How Weighted Blankets Can Help Cope with Depression
First, depression is not “being sad”. As depression is becoming more understood and accepted within society, the understanding of why people have depression is becoming more advanced. In most cases, depression is chemical. An individual suffering from depression will likely see decreased serotonin and melatonin production. The use of deep pressure therapy can be beneficial as it spurs the body’s production of serotonin which, in turn, increases the amount of melatonin present in the brain for sleeping hours. The use of a weighted blanket can provide two-fold benefits. Using it as a form of deep pressure therapy at various times throughout the day can assist with serotonin production, but using it while falling asleep can assist the body in transitioning into comfortable and calm rest and encourage the brain’s use of melatonin. Weighted blankets come in both lap form (for day-time use) and full-body blanket form (for nighttime use), giving an adult the option to use whichever form is appropriate for his or her needs.
About Depression
Depression is a term referred to by many as a way to describe the negative feelings one might be experiencing. It is often described as feeling down, sad, hopeless, unable to move, and a disinterest in people and activities that were once enjoyable. While these symptoms are a good general description of depression, it is important to note that depressive symptoms and a diagnosis of depression are two very different things. Many individuals will experience an episode of depression or significant depressive symptoms at some time in their lives. This in no way indicates a more deeply rooted problem; it may simply be the natural reaction to external stimuli. Feeling sad, hopeless, or disinterested after the death of a close loved one is not unnatural, nor does it always affect a person’s ability to function in life.
The best way to determine if symptoms are associated with a more deeply rooted issue or are, perhaps, indicative of a mood disorder, is to look at the impact and the severity of symptoms. If an individual is suffering from symptoms that have carried on for an extended period of time and have difficulty functioning at home, at work, at school, and/or in relationships, then something more clinical in nature may be present.
Depressive symptoms such as disinterest or feeling unable to move can lead to decreased ability to sleep restfully. When a lack of sleep is present, it creates something even more problematic. A lack of sleep exacerbates any other existing symptoms creating a downward spiral. So how can this spiral be stopped before it begins? Lack of movement during the day decreases the amount of serotonin produced; this serotonin deficit in turn creates a melatonin deficit. Melatonin is a chemical present in the brain to assist the body with falling and staying asleep. It exists based on the presence of serotonin, so it is directly affected by any decrease in serotonin that exists.
Where to Buy Weighted Blankets for Depression
The most important things you should look for when looking for a weighted blanket for depression are:
- Quality/Durability – Finding a weighted blanket that will last.
- Breathability - In order for the weighted blanket to be effective in helping you relax and sleep with depression you need to be able to use it year-round. Most weighted blankets are made from heavy mink-y materials. Although soft, it will get very hot. The more breathable the blanket is the more you will be able to use it during hot summer months or in warmer climates. Yorkville Blankets are 100% cotton and were designed to be used all year. You can always add more blankets but if the blanket is too hot and you find yourself kicking it off it will be difficult to use.
- Your preference – If you are going to be using the weighted blanket every day, it is important that YOU LIKE IT.
Yorkville Blankets are the most commonly recommended blanket for children and adults suffering from depression. You can find them currently on sale at yorkvilleblankets.com/shop-weighted-blankets. If you have any questions or are having trouble affording a weighted blanket please do not hesitate to reach out to use, we would love to help.
