In the last few years, I have seen more and more patients with depression. It affects young and old and it's twice as common in women as in men. However, I have the feeling that many men are ashamed to ask for help or do not acknowledge that they suffer from depression.
What is depression?
Depression is a whole - body illness. And it also affects your moods, thoughts and behaviour. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you react to and think about the people and things around you. Symptoms can last for weeks, months or years. Other common symptoms are:
Chronic fatigue
Sleep disturbance (not enough or too much)
Changes in appetite
Headaches
Back pains
Digestive disorders
Quickness to anger
Loss of interest
Feeling of worthlessness and inadequacy
A lot of people think that they can (sleep off) depression- nothing can be further from the truth.
The causes of depression are not fully understood, but they are probably many and varied.
Depression might be triggered by:
Stress
Traumatic life event
Chemical imbalance in the brain
Thyroid disorders
Nutritional deficiencies
Poor diet
Food allergies
Hypoglycaemia
Food greatly influences brain behaviour. Poor diet, especially the one with the junk food, it's a common cause of depression.
Correct levels of serotonin and dopamine is essential for us to feel happy and content. That is why eating carbohydrates and high protein foods have a calming effect on your brain.
Next time I will talk about food and nutrients, which are helping with depression.
Meantime remember that talking about your feelings and asking for help is the first step of getting better.
Comments