Live Well Be Well with Sarah Ann Macklin | Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition Depression, Anxiety and Fascia: What One Self‑Myofascial Release Session Changed | Jason Van Blerk | Be Well Moments
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Nov 17, 2025 
Jason Van Blerk, a fascia and movement educator, dives into the intriguing connections between fascia tension and mental health. He shares findings from a study revealing that people with depression may have stiffer fascia, and one session of self-myofascial release can enhance mood. Jason explains how restricted bodies can drive stress and offers strategies to address the body's tension, emotions, and thoughts in unison. He even walks listeners through a simple shoulder rotation exercise to alleviate tension, highlighting practical self-care techniques.
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Fascia Stiffness Linked To Depression
- A randomized controlled trial found people with depression had stiffer, less elastic fascia in the neck and upper back.
- One session of self-myofascial release reduced negative memory bias and improved mood in that trial.
Body Tension Drives Mental Stress
- Jason Van Blerk argues that physical restriction drives stress and anxiety by threatening breathing and movement.
- He claims reducing bodily tension calms the body and then the brain, easing thoughts and mood.
Somatic Work Reconnected The Host
- Sarah Ann Macklin shares that somatic work, not talk therapy, reconnected her to her body and emotions.
- She says movement helped when she felt most disconnected and improved her self-experience.
