It is estimated that over 16 million adults in the United States suffer from at least one major depressive episode each year. If you are in this group, you may have tried different treatments to help relieve your depression symptoms. The two most common treatments for depression are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and prescription anti-depressants.

But new research is suggesting that Botox may also be an effective treatment for depression.

What is Botox?

Botox is a substance used in cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is derived from a substance called botulinum toxin A that temporarily paralyzes muscles.

You may be wondering how this substance, used to help people look younger, helps with depression. The idea of using Botox to treat depression came in 2006 after a small trial with 10 participants suffering from depression. All were given a Botox injection in what’s called the “glabellar frown lines”. Those are the creases in between your eyes that develop from scowling or squinting.

Just two shorts months after the injection, 9 out of the 10 participants no longer had symptoms of depression. Though the 10^th participant did still have some symptoms, they reported their mood had improved.

Over the course of the next decade, more studies would mimic this first one, each obtaining similar results. Depressed participants saw a marked improvement in symptoms and overall mood in as little as 6 weeks. This is congruent with antidepressants, which also typically take up to 6 weeks to begin working.

How Does it Work Exactly?

You may be thinking that appearing younger, or at least, having a couple of frown lines disappear, is what caused numerous study participants over the years to find their mood significantly improved after Botox injections. But subsequent studies disproved this particular theory.

The best explanation for why Botox helps treat depression is that it interrupts the “facial feedback” mechanism. Our facial expressions, that is whether we scowl, frown or smile, send feedback to our brain. It’s like a feedback loop. When we frown, we feel bad, and when we feel bad, we frown. By decreasing your facial muscle’s ability to frown, researchers believe this may be why people’s mood improves.

For those interested in trying Botox for depression, it’s best to look for a doctor who specializes in giving these injections. You can speak with your primary doctor for a referral. Also, as the FDA has not approved Botox to treat depression, your insurance most likely won’t cover it.

SOURCES:

• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-fallible-mind/201501/how-facial-botox-changes-your-brain-literally
• https://www.healthline.com/health/botox-for-depression

Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP)? If so, you’re not alone. It is estimated that roughly 15 to 20 percent of the population is highly sensitive. In fact, scientists now believe there is a gene behind this trait.

But what does it mean to be highly sensitive? The HSP is generally defined as someone with “acute physical, mental, and emotional responses to external (social, environmental) or internal (intra-personal) stimuli.”

The bad news is, being highly sensitive can make many “normal” life situations feel awkward and downright uncomfortable. But fear not, there are some benefits to being highly sensitive, and I’ll share those a little later in this post.

Signs You May Be a Highly Sensitive Person

If you are curious whether you may be part of the population that is highly sensitive, here are 10 signs to look for:

1. You are quick to feel negative emotions such as sadness and anxiety.
2. You may feel physical symptoms in relation to these emotions, such as headaches and muscle tension.
3. You become overwhelmed with physical stimuli such as sound, light and smells.
4. You have never felt comfortable around crowds. The energy of the crowd easily overwhelms you.
5. You become very emotional over the injustices of the world. (you cry or become angry at the thought of children or animals being harmed, as an example)
6. You often worry what others think of you.
7. You take things personally.
8. You have a hard time letting things go and receiving critical feedback.
9. You avoid most social situations and prefer to stay home alone.
10. You startle easily to loud noises.

Benefits of Being a Highly Sensitive Person

As I mentioned earlier, while being a HSP can cause you to feel awkward or overwhelmed at times, there are some definite perks to being highly sensitive. For starters, you are someone who can enjoy subtle sensory detail that a majority of the population misses. You get pleasure from noticing the end of day light play. You’ll notice subtle shades of color and texture and feel immense pleasure at the complexities of Indian cuisine.

You’re also someone others like being around because you are aware of others’ feelings, needs and emotions. Because of this natural empathy, HSPs make great teachers, managers and leaders.

HSPs are also incredibly creative. Many artists, musicians and famous actors are highly sensitive people who have gifted the world with their talent and insight into what it means to be human.

As you can see, if you can manage the negative aspects of being a highly sensitive person, you can reap some pretty great rewards.

If you or someone you love suspects they are a HSP and would like to explore treatment options to manage those negative aspects, please get in touch with me. I’d love to discuss how I may be able to help.