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Thursday, November 23, 2006
The Best Types of Treatment for Anxiety Attacks
The Best Types of Treatment for Anxiety Attacks
The Best Types of Treatment for Anxiety Attacks by Bette Daoust
When considering anxiety attack treatment there are certain steps you should take. With the help of a medical professional you should first identify the symptoms and then establish a plan of attack. An anxiety attack can only be properly diagnosed by a medical professional and they can prescribe a practical method of anxiety attack treatment. Attacking the symptoms of anxiety attacks is taking on only half the problems and there is no miracle cure.
Associated medical conditions will be ruled out by your doctor first. A lot of the symptoms of an anxiety attack can be brought on by medications or disease so in order to eliminate any possible other issues these need to be determined and dealt with first. Panic and anxiety attacks may in fact be cured by a change in medication or a diagnosis of another disorder. Before visiting your doctor you should document your symptoms so you can discuss them accurately.
Anxiety attacks or an anxiety attack disorder can be caused by a variety of conditions. Low blood sugar levels, certain heart conditions, excessive intake of caffeine, drug use, tumors or an overactive thyroid gland are some, but not all of the possible conditions. The root of your problems can be one of these conditions which lead to anxiety attacks. An anxiety attack treatment plan may be effective if it primarily deals with these conditions.
Lifestyle is Key
Examine your lifestyle is also important. You should consult a professional if your find that your ability to live a normal life is interrupted by your anxiety levels. When determining if you are a candidate for a mental health professional that are some signs or red flags you should consider. These include feeling unable to work, feeling unable to keep your normal behavior patterns or appearance or hygiene patterns, cutting off social connections and trouble sleeping, eating or bathing. These ideologies can be causes by other possibilities but anxiety is a possibility you should consider.
For many people stress and anxiety are parts of normal life. However, the difference between an anxiety attack sufferer and a person who copes properly is how an individual handles stress. If you are the former you should see out anxiety attack treatment. To handle the daily grind and make more out of situations to overcome stress and anxiety a mental health professional can equip you and help you get back to basic, healthy living.
So, are depression therapy retreats worth the use? Aje sheds light on this question via this article and believes one will do well to see his response.
In this day and age when several people are in need of some form of depression treatment help, it is no wonder that holistic depression therapy is becoming more popular by the day. Read on as Aje sheds light on the related subject via this informative article.
People might be curious to know exactly what is clinical depression? Moreover, they may want to know how it differs from the other types of depression. Well, via this article Aje shares his insights on researching on the subject.
How does VNS for depression actually work and what in God’s name is it? These are two good questions (amongst others) that Aje answers adequately addresses via this article. Read on as he does just that.
Aje writes in this post to make sure you are 100% sure of your choice of the types of depression medicine or treatment that you would want to implement BEFORE using it. Read on to see why he says why.
In aiming to know what treatment is available for manic depression, it is safe to say one has to know what manic depression is, how it affects one and tips for help to start with. Read on as Aje informs his readers of all of these via this article.
In this day and age when a good 25-30% of the population is under some kind of treatment for depression, trying to figure out EXACTLY what is the most effective treatment for depression could be a huge task! Read on as Aje aims to help in this regard via this article.
To find what the best effective treatment for depression and anxiety may be, from the points addressed in the related post, it's safe to say most of the battle may very well lie in our thinking habits.
In order to assess anxiety depression and anorexia symptoms and a possible link if applicable, read as Aje defines each and goes over the relationship between both components and possible methods of overcoming both encumbrances.
Aje uses this article to show that if one is experiencing the early symptoms of major depression or its latter stages of manifestation, suffice it to say that one should have minimal fear, help and solutions are out there that do work. One perhaps only needs to be shown how. Read on to see how and why.
In reading this article, one will find that Aje talks very poorly of prescription treatments for depression with anxiety. There are some good reasons for this and one will discover them as one surfs through this site.
At times it may be hard to distinguish if one is just sad or blue, or if one is suffering from a medical condition. It's at times like this that one needs to know what the real signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression are in order to decipher what the scenario is. Read on as Aje offers tips in this regard.
When one considers that at times it's hard to decipher if someone is sad or suffering from a case of both a depression anxiety disorder and symptoms, one might need assistance to distinguish which is which. Through this article, Aje aims to do just that.
Considering how grave an illness depression is, recognizing both the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety and depression as a step for depression treatment may perhaps be the first move to make. Read as Aje explains why.
Attempting to know the very symptoms of severe anxiety and depression, in its early stages is perhaps one of the more crucial steps in treating both mental disorders. Read as Aje explains why.
One of the most common misconceptions about childhood depression is: “what do children have to be depressed about?". Perhaps this reveals a few misunderstandings about symptoms of depression in children and what they are. Read as Aje enlightens his viewers more on this sensitive subject.
Characterized by an immense feeling of sadness, mood-swings, low-self esteem etc, knowing how to help someone with depression is indeed a task that cannot be undertaken lightly, nonetheless, here are some tips in this article that very well could come in handy.
In regards to constructing a routine on self help for anxiety and depression, an effective therapy needs to incorporate everything that works in lifting depression. Read on as Aje informs his readers on helpful tips to do just that.
Aje addresses in detail information culled from our postpartum depression research and its components which include: postpartum depression symptom, conquering postpartum depression, signs of postpartum depression, causes of postpartum depression and postpartum depression and child development.
Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Website today for more on Healthy Living Tips and information on treatment for depression
Cure Your Depression With This Revealing Exercise by Sylvia Dickens
This one cure for depression sounds too simple for some, yet extremely difficult for others to understand and implement. At the start, the cure might see minimal results for those with more severe cases of this devastating and life-robbing illness. Regardless, all people suffering from depression can benefit.
We already know that depression is based on a chemical imbalance within the brain that affects how the depressed person thinks and can react to various stimuli. It involves the electrical impulses in the brain. In people with depression, some areas are less active while others are over active. Getting these to properly aligned often requires medications and for some sufferers, it’s for a lifetime.
For the rest of us who have suffered various degrees of depression, there is a simple solution. It can represent a lifetime cure or a temporary remedy that provides respite so the depression can be treated in other ways.
The cure that saved me was to change how I thought and felt about myself. While depressed, a condition that lasted about 20 years, I constantly felt ineffective and unworthy. The self-talk was powerfully destructive to my ego.
Thoughts revolved around a life filled with perceived failure, loneliness and self-dislike. I didn’t think much of myself and believed that, overall, I was not a very good person and I didn’t deserve anything better. Back then, my self-esteem was non-existent.
A change in focus and attitude quickly turned that around. I owe it to a great therapist who knew how to form rare powerful statements that sent the point home.
Like any good therapist, he made me do all the talking. He made me answer my own questions, too. And when I was struggling to find those answers, he would make one brief statement and everything would fall right into place.
That’s how it was the day I felt even more worthless than normal and believed I wasn’t good for much of anything, especially since I only had one good friend. I’ll remember forever the words that impacted the rest of my life.
After three years of treatment, he told me that I didn’t like myself much and that I relied far too heavily on others for my own happiness. Having never had many friends, I told him this was the problem, but he quickly assured me that having just one good friend is often more than many people enjoy. Suddenly, I felt fortunate rather than lacking. And over the next while, my life began to make a drastic about face.
As he suggested, I involved myself in a pastime that I had always enjoyed – writing. Since I also enjoyed archaeology and mythology, finding two night courses that united them with writing proved to be the starting point in my recovery.
The books I read in these two subjects were absorbing. Almost immediately I felt my depression lift a little. When my lessons were returned with high marks, it lifted even farther. Was it possible for such a simple solution to cure the lengthy depression that had hung over me since I was a teenager? It seemed so.
Those first two courses were just the beginning. I wanted to learn more. I wanted to exercise my innate writing skills. With every exercise, my self-esteem improved. Five years later, my depression had almost vanished. I felt proud of myself for my unexpected accomplishments. No longer was I worthless. Now I could use my abilities to teach others as well as for my own enjoyment.
If you hear those self-defeating comments coming from deep inside your brain, switch your thinking to what you know you can do well. Focus on those abilities and exercise them. For me, I was able to make incredible progress by taking night courses and eventually, a three year journalism program. For you, it might be to volunteer in an organization that interests you. This might be seniors issues, children’s programs, archaeology, local history or any number of subjects.
It might be difficult at first getting into a public setting, especially if you have become housebound because of your condition. I know what that's like. If this is the case, work from home. You can take correspondence courses in almost any subject these days. There are tasks you can do from home that benefit local organizations. I created an oil painting as my very first life-changing exercise.
Investigate what level you’re at and what you’ll feel comfortable with at the start, but with the intention to get out and get involved. The key is to do something you will truly enjoy and that uses your current abilities. Think back to your childhood, if necessary, and revisit the activities that you enjoyed. How can they be implemented today for your betterment?
As a child, I loved pretending to be a teacher. I now use my writing skills to teach others on a variety of subjects.
There’s a lot to be said for the old expression, “do what you do best”. When you fill your thoughts with only the things you can do best, those negative ideas will soon dissipate and with continued effort your life will improve immensely. Your self-esteem will be replenished; your depression will be banished. A life filled with accomplishments and confidence leaves no room for depression.
Sylvia Dickens is an award-winning journalist who has struggled and overcome , depression, panic and anxiety. Formerly with the Canadian Mental Health Association, she's written, "A Guide to Teenage Depression & Suicide" and offers several books to cure panic quickly and without medication, along with other popular topics. You can learn more at http://www.book-titles.ca. Her travel magazine offers family vacation getaway ideas for fun and relaxation.
So, are depression therapy retreats worth the use? Aje sheds light on this question via this article and believes one will do well to see his response.
In this day and age when several people are in need of some form of depression treatment help, it is no wonder that holistic depression therapy is becoming more popular by the day. Read on as Aje sheds light on the related subject via this informative article.
People might be curious to know exactly what is clinical depression? Moreover, they may want to know how it differs from the other types of depression. Well, via this article Aje shares his insights on researching on the subject.
How does VNS for depression actually work and what in God’s name is it? These are two good questions (amongst others) that Aje answers adequately addresses via this article. Read on as he does just that.
Aje writes in this post to make sure you are 100% sure of your choice of the types of depression medicine or treatment that you would want to implement BEFORE using it. Read on to see why he says why.
In aiming to know what treatment is available for manic depression, it is safe to say one has to know what manic depression is, how it affects one and tips for help to start with. Read on as Aje informs his readers of all of these via this article.
In this day and age when a good 25-30% of the population is under some kind of treatment for depression, trying to figure out EXACTLY what is the most effective treatment for depression could be a huge task! Read on as Aje aims to help in this regard via this article.
To find what the best effective treatment for depression and anxiety may be, from the points addressed in the related post, it's safe to say most of the battle may very well lie in our thinking habits.
In order to assess anxiety depression and anorexia symptoms and a possible link if applicable, read as Aje defines each and goes over the relationship between both components and possible methods of overcoming both encumbrances.
Aje uses this article to show that if one is experiencing the early symptoms of major depression or its latter stages of manifestation, suffice it to say that one should have minimal fear, help and solutions are out there that do work. One perhaps only needs to be shown how. Read on to see how and why.
In reading this article, one will find that Aje talks very poorly of prescription treatments for depression with anxiety. There are some good reasons for this and one will discover them as one surfs through this site.
At times it may be hard to distinguish if one is just sad or blue, or if one is suffering from a medical condition. It's at times like this that one needs to know what the real signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression are in order to decipher what the scenario is. Read on as Aje offers tips in this regard.
When one considers that at times it's hard to decipher if someone is sad or suffering from a case of both a depression anxiety disorder and symptoms, one might need assistance to distinguish which is which. Through this article, Aje aims to do just that.
Considering how grave an illness depression is, recognizing both the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety and depression as a step for depression treatment may perhaps be the first move to make. Read as Aje explains why.
Attempting to know the very symptoms of severe anxiety and depression, in its early stages is perhaps one of the more crucial steps in treating both mental disorders. Read as Aje explains why.
One of the most common misconceptions about childhood depression is: “what do children have to be depressed about?". Perhaps this reveals a few misunderstandings about symptoms of depression in children and what they are. Read as Aje enlightens his viewers more on this sensitive subject.
Characterized by an immense feeling of sadness, mood-swings, low-self esteem etc, knowing how to help someone with depression is indeed a task that cannot be undertaken lightly, nonetheless, here are some tips in this article that very well could come in handy.
In regards to constructing a routine on self help for anxiety and depression, an effective therapy needs to incorporate everything that works in lifting depression. Read on as Aje informs his readers on helpful tips to do just that.
Aje addresses in detail information culled from our postpartum depression research and its components which include: postpartum depression symptom, conquering postpartum depression, signs of postpartum depression, causes of postpartum depression and postpartum depression and child development.
Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Website today for more on Healthy Living Tips and information on treatment for depression
Depression can affect anyone, women, children, men you name it. Unfortunatley, a woman is more than twice as likely to suffer from depression than a man. For the percentages of women to men who are depressed, the statistics would say that 24% of all women experience depression, while only fifteen percent of all men are affected by depression. Depression tends to also be more severe with women with one out of four women will be clinically depressed. In this case, you might need to pursue professional treatment or medications.
Depression, or a depressed mood, may in everyday English refer to a state of melancholia, unhappiness or sadness, or to a relatively minor downturn in mood that may last only a few hours or days. This is quite distinct from the medical diagnosis of clinical depression. However, if depressed mood lasts at least two weeks, and is accompanied by other symptoms that interfere with daily living, it may be seen as a symptom of clinical depression, dysthymia or some other diagnosable mental illness, or alternatively as sub-syndromal depression.
In the field of psychiatry, the word depression can also have this meaning of low mood but more specifically refers to a mental illness when it has reached a severity and duration to warrant a diagnosis, whether there is an obvious situational cause or not; see Clinical depression. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) states that a depressed mood is often reported as being: "... depressed, sad, hopeless, discouraged, or 'down in the dumps'." In a clinical setting, a depressed mood can be something a patient reports (a symptom), or something a clinician observes (a sign), or both.
A depressed mood is generally situational and reactive, and associated with grief, loss, or a major social transition. A change of residence, marriage, divorce, the break-up of a significant relationship, graduation, or job loss are all examples of instances that might trigger a depressed mood.
Women can get depressed about far more than men can. Even a wrong glance from someone they were hoping to be romantic with can cause wild mood swings. Between the two hormonal states, a woman will be affected by depression numerous times. Usually, a woman will be affected by depression during the beginning of the menstruation cycle or period.
Many women will suffer from depression because of other triggers. A pregnancy or miscarriage can cause depression in women as well as postpartum. Trauma like the loss of a child or a lover will also cause women to hide from those who love and need them.
Depression affects everyone slightly differently. To address the issue rather than doing nothing about it, try talking with a good friend or family member. Therapy isn't the only solution, many Americans take medicines as well. If your mother or sister or loved one has been hit with a dramatic change in life or have been through some type of trauma, you may want to spend more time with them and let them know just how much you really care. With any luck, they won't need professional services and the depression will only be a mild one.
So, are depression therapy retreats worth the use? Aje sheds light on this question via this article and believes one will do well to see his response.
In this day and age when several people are in need of some form of depression treatment help, it is no wonder that holistic depression therapy is becoming more popular by the day. Read on as Aje sheds light on the related subject via this informative article.
People might be curious to know exactly what is clinical depression? Moreover, they may want to know how it differs from the other types of depression. Well, via this article Aje shares his insights on researching on the subject.
How does VNS for depression actually work and what in God’s name is it? These are two good questions (amongst others) that Aje answers adequately addresses via this article. Read on as he does just that.
Aje writes in this post to make sure you are 100% sure of your choice of the types of depression medicine or treatment that you would want to implement BEFORE using it. Read on to see why he says why.
In aiming to know what treatment is available for manic depression, it is safe to say one has to know what manic depression is, how it affects one and tips for help to start with. Read on as Aje informs his readers of all of these via this article.
In this day and age when a good 25-30% of the population is under some kind of treatment for depression, trying to figure out EXACTLY what is the most effective treatment for depression could be a huge task! Read on as Aje aims to help in this regard via this article.
To find what the best effective treatment for depression and anxiety may be, from the points addressed in the related post, it's safe to say most of the battle may very well lie in our thinking habits.
In order to assess anxiety depression and anorexia symptoms and a possible link if applicable, read as Aje defines each and goes over the relationship between both components and possible methods of overcoming both encumbrances.
Aje uses this article to show that if one is experiencing the early symptoms of major depression or its latter stages of manifestation, suffice it to say that one should have minimal fear, help and solutions are out there that do work. One perhaps only needs to be shown how. Read on to see how and why.
In reading this article, one will find that Aje talks very poorly of prescription treatments for depression with anxiety. There are some good reasons for this and one will discover them as one surfs through this site.
At times it may be hard to distinguish if one is just sad or blue, or if one is suffering from a medical condition. It's at times like this that one needs to know what the real signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression are in order to decipher what the scenario is. Read on as Aje offers tips in this regard.
When one considers that at times it's hard to decipher if someone is sad or suffering from a case of both a depression anxiety disorder and symptoms, one might need assistance to distinguish which is which. Through this article, Aje aims to do just that.
Considering how grave an illness depression is, recognizing both the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety and depression as a step for depression treatment may perhaps be the first move to make. Read as Aje explains why.
Attempting to know the very symptoms of severe anxiety and depression, in its early stages is perhaps one of the more crucial steps in treating both mental disorders. Read as Aje explains why.
One of the most common misconceptions about childhood depression is: “what do children have to be depressed about?". Perhaps this reveals a few misunderstandings about symptoms of depression in children and what they are. Read as Aje enlightens his viewers more on this sensitive subject.
Characterized by an immense feeling of sadness, mood-swings, low-self esteem etc, knowing how to help someone with depression is indeed a task that cannot be undertaken lightly, nonetheless, here are some tips in this article that very well could come in handy.
In regards to constructing a routine on self help for anxiety and depression, an effective therapy needs to incorporate everything that works in lifting depression. Read on as Aje informs his readers on helpful tips to do just that.
Aje addresses in detail information culled from our postpartum depression research and its components which include: postpartum depression symptom, conquering postpartum depression, signs of postpartum depression, causes of postpartum depression and postpartum depression and child development.
Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Website today for more on Healthy Living Tips and information on treatment for depression
How To Recognize The Signs of Depression! by Mark Gardner
Depression is not only painful for the individual affected; it can also bring much pain to the individual’s family. This is because the individual will normally shut himself off from any kind of communication with others, preferring to leave himself/herself isolated. This will leave family and friends bewildered by the individuals actions and leave them wondering what they can do.
Fortunately, there are some signs that an individual is struggling with depression that you can look out for. These warning signs can help you identify if a friend or loved one may have a problem and if you suspect there may be a problem, you can get them some help early on.
Some of these depression symptoms will be quite clear and others will be harder to spot. Some people who have depression will act as extroverts and freely mix with people making it hard to spot a problem with them. They’re outgoing around people, but inside they feel disinterested in life. However, everybody who is suffering with depression will display various signs of depression; it’s just about knowing what to look out for.
Depressed people who try to hide their depression by smiling and acting happy can be hard to spot. But it is possible to look behind their phony smiles. Normally when a person smiles, their smiles will reach their eyes too; you know they are happy! However, when a person’s smile isn’t genuine, the smile won’t reach their eyes. You know they aren’t happy or really enjoying themselves. This can be a sign of depression, if you notice the person is acting this way regularly.
Some other warning signs you should watch out for will include a person who feels worthless, not being able to concentrate, regularly taking about death, not able to hold a job down. You shouldn’t have too much difficulty recognizing if an individual is suffering from depression after chatting with them for a little while.
Depression can be a serious illness that as led to death on too many occasions. If your concerned about a friend or a loved one. Spend some time with them and talk to them about how they feel. Taking the time to listen too them and helping them could save so much potential heartache.
Mark Gardner is a popular webmaster and publisher of facingdepression.com To learn if you may be suffering with depression, take our Self Depression Test today!
So, are depression therapy retreats worth the use? Aje sheds light on this question via this article and believes one will do well to see his response.
In this day and age when several people are in need of some form of depression treatment help, it is no wonder that holistic depression therapy is becoming more popular by the day. Read on as Aje sheds light on the related subject via this informative article.
People might be curious to know exactly what is clinical depression? Moreover, they may want to know how it differs from the other types of depression. Well, via this article Aje shares his insights on researching on the subject.
How does VNS for depression actually work and what in God’s name is it? These are two good questions (amongst others) that Aje answers adequately addresses via this article. Read on as he does just that.
Aje writes in this post to make sure you are 100% sure of your choice of the types of depression medicine or treatment that you would want to implement BEFORE using it. Read on to see why he says why.
In aiming to know what treatment is available for manic depression, it is safe to say one has to know what manic depression is, how it affects one and tips for help to start with. Read on as Aje informs his readers of all of these via this article.
In this day and age when a good 25-30% of the population is under some kind of treatment for depression, trying to figure out EXACTLY what is the most effective treatment for depression could be a huge task! Read on as Aje aims to help in this regard via this article.
To find what the best effective treatment for depression and anxiety may be, from the points addressed in the related post, it's safe to say most of the battle may very well lie in our thinking habits.
In order to assess anxiety depression and anorexia symptoms and a possible link if applicable, read as Aje defines each and goes over the relationship between both components and possible methods of overcoming both encumbrances.
Aje uses this article to show that if one is experiencing the early symptoms of major depression or its latter stages of manifestation, suffice it to say that one should have minimal fear, help and solutions are out there that do work. One perhaps only needs to be shown how. Read on to see how and why.
In reading this article, one will find that Aje talks very poorly of prescription treatments for depression with anxiety. There are some good reasons for this and one will discover them as one surfs through this site.
At times it may be hard to distinguish if one is just sad or blue, or if one is suffering from a medical condition. It's at times like this that one needs to know what the real signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression are in order to decipher what the scenario is. Read on as Aje offers tips in this regard.
When one considers that at times it's hard to decipher if someone is sad or suffering from a case of both a depression anxiety disorder and symptoms, one might need assistance to distinguish which is which. Through this article, Aje aims to do just that.
Considering how grave an illness depression is, recognizing both the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety and depression as a step for depression treatment may perhaps be the first move to make. Read as Aje explains why.
Attempting to know the very symptoms of severe anxiety and depression, in its early stages is perhaps one of the more crucial steps in treating both mental disorders. Read as Aje explains why.
One of the most common misconceptions about childhood depression is: “what do children have to be depressed about?". Perhaps this reveals a few misunderstandings about symptoms of depression in children and what they are. Read as Aje enlightens his viewers more on this sensitive subject.
Characterized by an immense feeling of sadness, mood-swings, low-self esteem etc, knowing how to help someone with depression is indeed a task that cannot be undertaken lightly, nonetheless, here are some tips in this article that very well could come in handy.
In regards to constructing a routine on self help for anxiety and depression, an effective therapy needs to incorporate everything that works in lifting depression. Read on as Aje informs his readers on helpful tips to do just that.
Aje addresses in detail information culled from our postpartum depression research and its components which include: postpartum depression symptom, conquering postpartum depression, signs of postpartum depression, causes of postpartum depression and postpartum depression and child development.
Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Website today for more on Healthy Living Tips and information on treatment for depression
For some people, the phrase healthful diet is enough to send their mood tumbling. "Guess I'll have to give up everything I enjoy, like chocolate and hamburgers and french fries," sighed one patient. "That's enough to make me even more depressed!" But healthful need not be equated with unappetizing or boring. Different, perhaps, and for some people a change to a more healthful diet requires big adjustments -- in the foods they buy, where they eat out, and how they prepare their choices. The rewards, however, are many, including improved mood, more energy, enhanced immune system, better concentration, and invigorated sex drive, to name but a few.
I've found that laying down a few basic but critical guidelines for a healthful diet, and then tweaking them for individual patients, works much better than expecting people to follow a complicated program that involves counting grams of carbohydrates or protein, weighing foods, referring to charts, or combining certain items in complicated ratios. That being said, here are my lists of "Positive Foods" and "Foods to Avoid."
Positive Foods
•Sweets. In moderation, natural sugars such as rice syrup, date sugar, pure Vermont syrup, unsulfured blackstrap molasses, and unfiltered honey are all acceptable. An herbal sweetener -- that has nearly no calories -- is stevia, which can be found in health food stores and increasingly in mainstream grocery stores.
•Fats. Some fats are healthy and instrumental in maintaining mental health, especially omega-3 fatty acids. When you choose oil for cooking, your best choice is probably cold-pressed olive oil. Butter and other saturated fats (like coconut oil, but not margarine that contains transfatty acids) may be used in moderate amounts. I suggest you avoid fried foods (especially deep-fried).
•Whole fruits and vegetables. Whenever possible, choose fresh, organic fruits and vegetables and eat at least five to seven servings daily. To derive the most benefit from these rich sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and carbohydrates, eat them in as pure a state as possible, preferably raw or lightly steamed. (Sorry, deep-fried potatoes and onion rings don't count as servings of whole vegetables.) Fruit and vegetable juices are good as well, and if you have a juicer, please learn how to make your own fresh juices, remembering to drink the pulp as well!
•Whole grains and cereals. Whole grains and cereals (organic if possible) are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates. These foods include whole grains, brown rice, and unprocessed cereals. Complex carbohydrates break down gradually and provide a more steady supply of glucose -- brain fuel -- thus helping maintain an even or calmer mood. Simple carbohydrates, however, such as those found in sugary foods or those made with white flour, metabolize rapidly, contributing to and causing mood swings and energy highs and lows. Also, be aware that some grains and even other whole-food starches may be problematic for some people.
•Beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Choose organic foods in this important category as well. Foods in this group are excellent sources of protein, especially for people who want to reduce or eliminate animal protein. Beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds are also high in fiber and many nutrients. Also in this category are tofu and other forms of fermented soybeans (miso, tempeh) and flaxseed.
•Eggs and dairy. Eggs and dairy foods -- milk, cheese, butter, cream, and yogurt -- are good sources of protein, calcium, and other important nutrients. They are also rich sources of saturated fat, which may be fine for many people. The major concern I have about eggs and dairy relates to whether hormones were used in raising the animals; whether or not they were given foods containing pesticides, antibiotics, toxic minerals, or other chemicals; and whether the animals were confined to inhumane cages. Soft-boiled eggs are best because heat is applied without exposure to oxygen, thus reducing free radical damage. I recommend organic eggs and dairy products and prefer nonhomogenized milk. Although pasteurization of milk products is the norm today in order to eliminate harmful bacteria, certified raw milk is preferred in areas where it is available, provided the cows are clean and hygienic principles are used in caring for them. If you are lactose-intolerant because of a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, or you choose not to consume dairy items, nondairy foods may be used. These include products made from soy, rice, or nuts, such as soy milk, rice milk, and almond milk; cheese made from these "milks"; and nondairy desserts. These "dairy" foods are also good sources of protein.
•Organic meats and poultry. Despite a push for people to eat more fish, meat and poultry continue to be major sources of animal protein for many people. For patients who eat meat, I recommend organically raised products, which are virtually free of hormones, pesticides, antibiotics, and other unnatural additives, all of which can have a detrimental effect on mood and general health. Such meat and poultry choices are slowly becoming more accessible and typically are available in natural and whole-food stores. Meats and poultry are sources of methionine, which is critical for methylation; this amino acid is difficult to get from plant-based sources.
•Fish and shellfish. Fish and shellfish can be excellent sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, if you make judicious choices. I'm calling for "judicious choices" because of the persistent and very real problem of mercury, pesticides, PCBs, and other contamination of the fish supply. Fish that I tend to recommend that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, but relatively low in mercury, are wild Alaskan salmon and sardines. I am wary about farm-raised fish because some studies indicate that they are high in PCBs and other contaminants. The smaller the fish (say, sardines), the less likely they are to accumulate mercury. But if you eat fish fairly frequently, I recommend that you have your blood mercury levels checked, because there is no way to guarantee the fish you eat regularly is not contaminated. Everyone whom I have checked for mercury who eats sushi more than once a week is quite high in it. Swordfish, king mackerel, shark, and most tuna tend to be quite high in mercury.
I would like you to consider two factors when choosing foods from this list. One, do you have any reactions to these foods that may be contributing to or causing your depression? Two, do you have any specific food preferences based on religious, ethical, and/or moral beliefs? If you are a vegetarian, for example, you will not select meat, poultry, or fish, so you will need to choose other protein-rich foods such as soy products, legumes, beans, seeds, and, depending on the type of vegetarian diet you follow, eggs and/or dairy.
Foods to Avoid
Most of the foods included in this list should come as no surprise to you. In most cases, foods on the "Avoid" list have been highly refined and processed. Fortunately, for every food you should avoid, there is a healthy alternative on the "Positive Foods" list. You may find that the "Avoid" list reads like your current grocery list; or you may discover that only one or two categories apply to you. Next time you're in the grocery store, here are the items you want to skip:
•Sugar. Avoid all foods that contain added sugar, such as soda, candy, cakes, ketchup, some breakfast cereals, and so on. Become a label reader. If sugar (or one of its companions, such as corn syrup) is one of the first few ingredients, put the item back on the shelf! Sugar can give you a burst of energy, but in the long run it can leave you depressed and tired.
•White-flour products. Just say no to white bread, white pasta, and other products that use white flour, including many crackers, rolls and bagels, refrigerator biscuits, pizza dough, and baked goods. Also avoid white rice. These overly processed food products have been stripped of their nutritional value, and then they are "enriched" with some nutrients, along with synthetic additives.
•Alcohol. This includes beer, wine, and liquor. People often forget that alcohol is a depressant, even though it provides an initial kick. Drinking alcohol can also disturb your sleep, which is a problem with many people who are depressed.
•Caffeine. Avoid coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate. (Okay, you can have a limited amount of organic dark chocolate on occasion.) If you must have coffee, choose an organic coffee, since most coffees are high in pesticides. Decaffeinated coffee is fine for most people, provided that it is organic and does not use toxic chemicals in processing.
•Hydrogenated fats. Hydrogenated fats are oils to which hydrogen atoms have been added in the factory in order to harden them and improve shelf life. These hydrogenated oils or fats contain high concentrations of trans-fatty acids, which have recently been clearly shown to disrupt fatty acid metabolism in the body and cause serious disease. Hydrogenated fats are found primarily in margarines, snack foods (potato chips, corn chips), crackers and cookies, baked products, and fast foods. When you read ingredient labels, look for the words hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, margarine, or shortening, which indicate the presence of trans-fatty acids, or look at the nutritional panel for the percentage of trans-fat in the product. Beginning January 2006, food manufacturers were required to list trans-fat content on labels.
•Chemical food additives. To avoid artificial preservatives, flavorings, colors, and sweeteners, you need to read labels. Not all labels list all the chemicals in the food item, but the general rule is: If the product has been processed, it probably contains chemicals. For example, artificial preservatives such as BHA, BHT, nitrites, monosodium glutamate, and nitrates are often seen in cereals, breads, frozen dinners, boxed meals, and crackers. All foods containing artificial colors (such as red dye 40) or artificial flavorings should be avoided. Artificial additives can cause various adverse reactions, including mood swings, depression, fatigue, headache, rash, aggression, irritability, and attention difficulties, among others. I believe all artificial sweeteners, including saccharine, aspartame, and sucralose, should be avoided. In particular, avoid diet sodas containing aspartame.
•Fluoride. Do not drink fluoridated water or tap water (unless filtered) or use fluoridated toothpaste. Despite the popularity of fluoride dental treatments for both adults and children, I strongly recommend you not get them. Also, avoid fluoridated vitamins for children. There are a number of excellent books and websites that clearly document the lack of efficacy and dangers of fluoride ingestion and fluoride use. If you live in an area where the tap water is fluoridated and you want to drink the tap water but not the fluoride, you need to use a water filter with a reverse osmosis component; carbon filters will not remove fluoride.
•Chloride. Do not drink chlorinated water (unless the chlorine has been filtered out), as chlorine is toxic. A simple carbon filter will remove chlorine from tap water.
From the book WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT DEPRESSION: The Breakthrough Integrative Approach for Effective Treatment by Michael B. Schachter, MD, with Deborah Mitchell. (Published by Warner Wellness; November 2006;$14.99US/$18.99CAN; 0-446-69494-0) Copyright (c) 2006 by Michael B. Schachter, MD, and Lynn Sonberg. Reprinted by permission of Warner Books, Inc, New York, NY. All rights reserved.
Michael B. Schachter, MD, is a magna cum laude graduate of Columbia College, and received his medical degree from Columbia's Physicians & Surgeons in 1965. He is board certified in psychiatry and has achieved advanced proficiency in chelation therapy from the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM). Dr. Schachter has been involved with alternative and complementary medicine since 1974. He is a recognized leader in orthomolecular psychiatry, nutritional medicine, chelation therapy for cardiovascular disease, and alternative cancer therapies. Coauthor of Food, Mind and Mood (1989, 1987) and author of The Natural Way to a Healthy Prostate (Keats, 1995), Dr. Schachter was a major contributor to Alternative Medicine's Definitive Guide to Cancer (Future Medicine, 1997). He was president of the American College for Advancement in Medicine from 1989-91 and is the past president of the Foundation for the Advancement of Innovative Medicine (FAIM). A frequent lecturer to both professionals and the public, Dr. Schachter is often a guest on radio and television, speaking about health and related topics.
For more information, please visit www.schachtercenter.com/depression_book.htm
Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Website today for more on Healthy Living Tips and information on Depression Treatment
