I have a theory that sensory overload can temporarily relieve depression and anxiety...

[Locut0s]

I don't think this is new news or anything but it's occurred to me over the past few months that sensory overload of one form or another, and perhaps sensory deprivation, can relieve depression and anxiety for short periods. One thing I often do is go for hot baths when anxious or depressed. But they have to be extra extra hot and I hold my breath underwater till exhausted. After coming out I'm tired, overheated, etc and cool off by a fan. I find this helps relieve my depression and anxiety for short periods, an hour or so at a time. I also remember being depressed on a road trip during which my father was driving. I would stick my head out the window going down the highway and let the cold air rush by my head till I was numb and my ears ringing. Again when I pulled my head back in the car I was overwhelmed but I felt better for a short period. I'm not positive but I'm wondering if this effect is due to the sensory overload in these situations. The rushing air, the cold wind, the hot water, the exhaustion, seems to temporarily reset something in my head. Perhaps this is similar to how ECT therapy works?

On a side note it's amazing how exhausting depression an anxiety is. This summer when I was happy I was walking 15 to 20 km a day. Now I find it difficult to walk around the block.