How to stop stress and depression from causing cancer

Can Depression and Stress Cause Cancer?

   Stress and mood impact us in many, pervasive ways.
   Mentally and socially; they can radically curb our ability to enjoy life experiences and participate in fulfilling relationships.
   Physiologically; anxiety and depression can also wreak havoc on our brain tissue, inflammatory mechanisms, immune functions, and musculoskeletal systems. 

   In terms of your health, some amount of stress is normal - or even beneficial. On the other hand, if it is impacting your sympathetic nervous system – increase in heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure, digestive issues, nausea, etc. then we know we’re causing some trouble. 
   Blue moments are also just part of life, but if someone is at a level of anhedonia - where they have lost the ability to have pleasure and with no apparent on-going cause or have actual physical symptoms such as: substantial weight or appetite changes, insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue or significant drop in energy; then we’re getting into a zone of physical consequence.
    Negative stress, due to the impact on immunity and inflammation can become a cause of cancer and other disease. I know – not helpful, only making you more stressed.
    Additionally, when chronically present, a National Cancer Institute study found that cancer rates among those that were depressed was 88% higher. This was even after accounting for age, sex, smoking, and other habits. ENOUGH STRESS - What can we do.

ACTION STEPS:
1. Realize stress and mood aren’t just about a common, difficult state of mind. We have to improve them or there are direct, physical consequences.
2. There are many controllable, beneficial physical steps to take. Exercise, chiropractic, and a diet high in beneficial fats and lower in grains and sugars all positively impact brain function, help neurogenesis (growth of new, important brain tissue), are proven to improve mood, and mitigate the damaging effects of stress.
3. Prayer has been found through research and Saturday or Sunday morning evidence to have a marked impact on stress and depression.
4. If you need help, don’t be afraid to get help. Really, everyone could use some professional support – life is tough, but with the right guidance you can manage it!