Depression

What Is It?

• Emotional or mental stress, as well physical problems can induce depression
• Major depression, chronic depression or bipolar depression

What Are The Symptoms?

• Sadness, insomnia, crying, lethargy, irritable, guilt, worthlessness, alienation, eating disturbances, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too long, weight loss or gain, thoughts of suicide, feeling or resentment or anger, overeating or binge eating, guilt, self criticism, hopelessness, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation
• Can lower the immune system making the body more prone to illness

Information

• Food and mood are connected- the brain’s neurotransmitters controlled by what you eat also control behavior
• Depression- can be inherited, often begins after a devastating or catastrophic event
• Encourage to eat 3 healthy meals and snacks per day (6 total), eat high fiber and drink plenty of caffeine free low calorie beverages
• Causes- family history, personal history, chronic medical condition, recent personal loss, depressive personality, drugs and alcohol, winter weathe

What Can I Do?

• See your Health Care Provider
• See a Registered Dietitian for guidance
• Make time for vacations
• Spend time outside
• Talk to a Therapist online
•  Talk to a Registered Pharmacist online