Let’s talk about Depression

World health Day is celebrated on April 7^th every year to mark the anniversary of the founding of The World Health Organisation (WHO). The theme of World Health Day 2017 is depression – so what better opportunity to focus on a health issue that concerns 120 million people worldwide, yet no one seems to want to talk about?

What is depression?

Depression is a whole-body condition that affects people of all ages and walks of life. It affects our nervous system, moods, thoughts and behavior. It has a direct effect on the way we eat and sleep, the way we feel about ourselves and the way we interact with the people around us – sometimes with devastating consequences. Understanding what depression is can help prevent and treat this common condition, while reducing the associated stigma.

How do you know you’re depressed?

Being depressed usually makes us want to withdraw and hide away from society. We lose interest in ordinary pleasures and activities. Other symptoms of depression include chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, irritability, low productivity and feelings of low self-esteem. Depression may be triggered by stress or a traumatic life event, but can also be the result of chemical imbalances in the brain, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies and poor diet.

Proper diet can help

Most of us easily understand the connection between nutritional deficiencies and physical illness, yet few are aware of the connection between nutrition and depression – it’s typically thought of as strictly biochemical-based or emotionally-rooted. But nutrition plays a key role in the onset as well as severity and duration of depression and the medical establishment is finally acknowledging that food and mood are connected.

Multiple Medications

There is still a strong trend among psychiatrists to treat depression with different types of drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Side effects are common in all these medications and for many people, these effects are serious enough to make them stop taking the medication.

A more natural way

Is depression an issue for you? Antidepressants don’t cure depression and don’t provide a long-term answer – taking a closer look at your diet and lifestyle does and Foodwise can help you take control of your health and well-being. We have all the nutritional information and dietary advice to help address depression by correcting underlying nutritional imbalances. Get started now at: https://www.foodwise.life/program/energy-mood