Symptoms of Depression: Diet to manage Depression

Depression
Depression is typified by feelings of gloom, low-self esteem, despondency and hopelessness. The condition may range from transitory low-mood to life-threatening, severe clinical depression.
Causes of Depression

• Research says, depression is the result of habitual feelings of pessimism and hopelessness.  
• Also, when there is an imbalance in the monoamine neurotransmitters, such as, adrenaline, noradrenaline and serotonin, depression sets in. 
• Chronic drug use is another important cause 
• Nutrient deficiency, neglected, tends to cause depression 
• Excessive alcohol consumption 
• Intake of caffeine and nicotine in large quantities 
• Hypoglycemia also results in depression 
• Hypothyroidism is a significant medical cause

 Clinical Depression

 The designation of clinical depression depends up on:

• Increased appetite along with weight gain; or decreased appetite accompanied by weight loss. 
• Insomnia (sleeplessness) or hypersomnia (excessive sleep). 
• Inactivity or hyperactivity 
• Fatigue and prostration
• Loss of interest 
• Feelings of unimportance of one-self, self criticism and inappropriate guilt. 
• Can not think properly, poor concentration
• Persistent thoughts of suicide

Symptoms of Clinical Depression

 The symptoms and manifestations stated above typify depression. The occurrence of 5 of these 8 manifestations indicates clinical depression. A person having 4 of these manifestations is probably depressed. Furthermore, the symptoms ought to be present for at least one month.

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

 Emotional and psychological features of depression include: complete loss of interest, remorse and shame, out-of-place guilt and diminished concentration.

Physical Symptoms of Depression

 Altered appetite, disturbed sleep and constant fatigue and weariness are the physical symptoms of depression.

Depression Treatment

Treatment for depression requires a multi-disciplinary approach. The treatment plan becomes more effective if the expertise of a physician, counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, nutritionist and lifestyle expert are integrated.

 Treatment for Depression through Diet and Foods

•  An insufficiency of a vital nutrient tends to trigger depression, more so, if left untreated. A deficiency of vitamin B complex, in particular is associated with feelings of anxiety and depression. Make sure, you incorporate the following foods in your daily diet. They supply liberal amounts of vitamin B; wheat germ, soy, cashews, oatmeal, walnuts, almonds, prunes, beans, eggs, cheese, and fish.
• Ensure that you never suffer from hypoglycemia or low levels of serum glucose. The brain needs a steady supply of sugar in order to function properly; hence, a decrease in the sugar level causes anxiety, weariness, irritability and gloominess to set in. Make sure you eat a snack every 3 hours.
• Eliminate caffeine, nicotine and alcohol from your diet.

 The above mentioned ‘mood foods’ help uplift a depressed and melancholic mood, and suffuse feelings of well being. Alongside, incorporate Yoga, aromatherapy, meditation, or any stress busting technique in to your routine. They instill feelings of contentment and cheerfulness, banish unproductive thoughts and encourage general health and wellness.