Persistent or severe depression indicates clinical depression, also known as major depression. Symptoms include ongoing feelings of sadness or hopelessness, sleep disorders, a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, fatigue, difficulty in concentrating and significant weight loss or weight gain. Extreme cases may include suicidal thoughts or behavior. Psychological counseling and antidepressant medication help relieve symptoms and address problems. A nutritious diet and regular exercise play roles in coping with and improving your condition during treatment.
Professional Help
Therapy allows people to discuss their problems with a licensed mental therapist to learn about the causes of their depression and better understand it. They learn to replace their negative thoughts and behaviors with positive thinking and healthy actions to combat depressive feelings. Doctors prescribe medications based on a patient's condition and needs. People may try different medications to find the one that works for them. Medications help raise neurotransmitters -- or brain chemicals -- such as serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine to improve moods.
Dietary Link
A link may exist between diet and depression, the Mayo Clinic says. Researchers found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish may protect people against depression, according to a study in the November 2009 issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry. After analyzing the diets of 3,486 people in their middle-age and their assessment reports, the researchers found people on the healthy diet had significantly lower risks of depression than people on a diet high in processed foods. The results indicate that either an unhealthy diet may contribute to depression, or people prone to depression may eat more processed foods, the researchers concluded.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiencies in certain substances have been associated with depression. A lack of omega-3 fatty acids may cause depressive symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sources of omega-3s include such cold-water fish as tuna, salmon, sardines, herring, halibut and mackerel. Deficiencies in folic acid linked to depression can be replenished with green vegetables, fruit and liver. A lack of selenium may result in depression, Middle Tennessee State University says. Brazil nuts, walnuts, whole grain cereals, tuna and swordfish contain selenium.
Mental Improvement
Protein foods help boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, according to Middle Tennessee State University. The proteins in meat, poultry, fish and dairy foods release the amino acid tyrosine into the bloodstream. Tyrosine elevates the production of the brain chemicals to improve mental alertness.
Relaxation
Carbohydrate foods provide calming effects. Carbohydrate-rich foods include bread, cereal, pasta, potatoes, rice and corn. Carbohydrates improve levels of tryptophan, an amino acid, in the brain. Tryptophan converts into serotonin, which provides contentment. Carbohydrates may offer relief from stress or tension with its relaxation abilities. The type of food you need may depend on your feelings. Protein foods help energize you; carbohydrates provide relaxation. The foods may help prevent the onset of depression, but a doctor can provide the best dietary and medical advice for people with clinical depression.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Depression (Major Depression) -- What Does the Term "Clinical Depression" Mean?
- Mayo Clinic: Depression (Major Depression) -- Treatments and Drugs
- Mayo Clinic: Are Depression and Diet Related? Can a Junk Food Diet Increase Your Risk of Depression?
- BJ Psych: Dietary Pattern and Depressive Symptoms in Middle Age
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Middle Tennessee State University: Food, Mood and Neurotransmitters
