Depression as a Symptom – What Your Depression Is Trying to Reveal to You

Depression itself is a disorder with its own set of symptoms, but depression can also be a symptom in and of itself. There are various health and lifestyle issues of which depression is an indication or “side effect.” Here are some suggestions and ideas as to what your depression may be telling you.

Cancerous Tumors

A recent study using laboratory rats indicated that tumors can have psychological effects as well as physiological ones – and that’s not just depression over the knowledge or diagnosis of the cancerous tumor. According to the study, the tumor itself may generate chemicals that induce depression. These chemicals then make their way to the brain where they affect those areas responsible for emotions.

Also, tumors may inhibit the production of corticosterone, which is a stress hormone that decreases the effects of other depression-causing substances.

This study indicates that cancerous tumors can physically trigger depression; thus, depression may be a symptom of the presence of cancer.

Thyroid Problems

Hypothyroidism, or an under-active thyroid, may cause depression, sources say. Depression and hypothyroidism also share a number of symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Weakness
• Menstrual irregularities

Depression is included in the list of symptoms for hypothyroidism. If the main thing you seem to be struggling with is depression, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants and not consider your thyroid. If depression is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you may want to talk to your doctor about having your thyroid function tested.

• Dry, flaky skin
• Hoarseness and/or difficulty speaking
• Discomfort on swallowing (the thyroid is located on the front of the throat)
• Thinning hair
• Inability to tolerate cold, or feeling cold all the time
• Joint pain

Stress

Too much stress may lead to depression, sources warn. And because “stress” is such a generalized term, and seems to be common to everyone, many people who feel depressed may not think to look to their lifestyle as the possible culprit. In other words, stress has become the new norm.

Some signs that your depression may be due to stress include:

• Nightmares and/or sleep disturbances
• Inability to sleep
• Irritability
• Isolation and withdrawal
• A sense of regret or guilt
• Feeling overwhelmed

Pregnancy

Even before you know you’re pregnant, depression can present itself as the hormonal changes begin to take place in your body. Depression may not be the first sign, but it could be one of the early signs that you are pregnant. This is especially important to note for women who may seek treatment for depression without considering the possibility of pregnancy; antidepressants have been implicated in birth defects and other problems in pregnancy.

If there’s any possibility that you may be pregnant, make sure you tell your doctor when you go in for treatment or help with your depression.

Depression Explained

Do you know someone who has depression? Have you or someone in your family been diagnosed with depression? Even if we are dealing with depression in ourselves or our families, we may not know what it really is. Is it just feeling sad all the time? Why can’t people just snap out of it?

Depression is said to be the most widespread mental disorder. It affects women far more than men and is particularly prevalent in teens.

What Causes Depression?

There are various opinions on what causes depression, and even the role of brain chemicals is debated. Generally, though, depression can be separated into two categories: circumstantial and clinical.

Circumstantial depression refers to feelings surrounding an event, such as a death in the family or having to sell one’s house and move. The circumstances that can cause depression are extremely numerous, from kids having trouble with friends at school to the elderly in a nursing home. Circumstantial depression is also highly individualized.

Clinical depression defies circumstances and the depressed person may feel more depressed because he or she can’t find a reason for such dreadful feelings. Clinical depression may baffle those around the patient, too, because they can’t understand how a person could be depressed when his or her life seems to be going fine. This lack of understanding may make the patient’s depression worse.

Treatment approaches differ according to the type of depression the patient is experiencing as well as the individual’s personality and lifestyle.

Myths

There are a lot of myths surrounding depression that, when explained, help people better understand the illness. For example:

• Isn’t depression just self-pity? – Depressed people may seem to be “wallowing” in their sadness, but it’s not willful self-pity. It’s a true medical illness, sources point out, that should be treated as such.
• Medication for depression is overkill, and just treats the symptoms – For those on the outside, so to speak, medication can seem like putting a Band-Aid on a massive wound. But often, medication is what the patient needs to feel good enough to seek help for the underlying problem.
• Depression is not a “real” illness

Actually, it is; brain imaging studies have revealed how the actual chemical imbalances occur in the brain of a depressed person. It is considered physiological, even if the cause is circumstantial – the chemical imbalance may still be present regardless of the depression’s origin.

Other Factors

Depression can be affected not only by circumstances; genetics, personality, psychology, and biology may also play a role. Women are far more likely to be diagnosed with depression, indicating possible hormonal factors. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to succeed in suicide as a result of depression than women, although more women than men attempt suicide, sources report.

Top Depression-Fighting Foods

Did you know that what you eat may have an effect on your mood? Some medical professionals and natural health experts point to the role of nutrients in fighting depression. According to multiple sources, certain foods contain these vital, depression-fighting nutrients. Here are some of the top depression-fighting foods.

Turkey

Have you seen L-tryptophan and L-tyrosine supplements in health food stores? Some people supplement with these two amino acids because they are said to boost mood. Your body needs these substances to make important brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine.

Rather than supplements, which may or may not be absorbed well in your body, experts suggest foods high in these amino acids as a better source. Turkey is one of those foods – it contains L-tryptophan. Other foods with these amino acids include:

• Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
• Chicken
• Fish
• Beans
• Avocados

Lean Beef

If you can find lean, grass-fed beef, it may be better and more nutritious than corn-fed, factory-raised beef. Why beef for depression? Beef contains B6 and B12, which are extremely important for regulating mood. Other sources of B6 include:

• Eggs
• Tuna
• Bananas
• Prunes
• Garbanzo beans

Salmon

Have you heard about the benefits of “good fats” in treating and managing depression? There’s a good reason for that – essential fatty acids, the good fats, may play a significant role in regulating mood. Salmon is high in these important fats. It’s also a good source of B12, another mood-booster.

Clams

These little bivalves contain that wonderful B12, too. Other foods with this brain-boosting vitamin include:

• Oysters
• Crab
• Cow’s milk
• Chicken

Oysters and crab also contain an important depression-fighting nutrient: zinc.

Beans

You may have heard about how important folate, or folic acid, is for pregnant women and their unborn babies. It may be important for depressed people, too – folate may have a profound effect on important neurotransmitters. Specific beans that have the most folate include:

• Lentils
• Pinto beans
• Garbanzos
• Black beans

Another note on beans, black beans in particular – they tend to be high in magnesium, an important depression-fighting nutrient. Other foods high in magnesium include:

• Oat bran
• Artichokes
• Halibut
• Almonds
• Spinach

Greens

Also rich in folate, dark leafy greens and other vegetables contain iron and calcium as well. Greens include:

• Asparagus
• Collard greens
• Turnip greens
• Spinach

Yogurt

This yummy milk product contains zinc, which is required by the brain to produce anti-anxiety compounds. Other foods with zinc include:

• Turkey (once again!)
• Barley
• Lentils
• Pumpkin seeds

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts are rich in healthy fats and vitamin E. According to various sources, the best nuts for combating depression include:

• Walnuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds (these little seeds contain a lot of depression-fighting nutrients!)
• Filberts (Hazelnuts)
• Tomatoes

In addition to vitamin C, which is necessary to process B12 and iron, tomatoes provide antioxidants and vitamin E. Tomato sauce and fresh tomatoes both provide beneficial nutrients for depression.

Whole Grains

Depression can induce carb cravings, which in the modern world means cravings for sugary snacks. But your body is probably trying to tell you something – healthy carbs are said to be a key factor in fighting depression. So give your body what it’s asking for, but in a healthy form. Examples of healthy carbs include:

• Brown rice
• Whole wheat
• Millet
• Quinoa

As you look at this list, you might be getting some ideas for meals, combinations, and a shopping list. Think of combining these ingredients to make casseroles, soups, salads, and other tasty dishes.

Alternative Treatments for Depression – What You Should Know

  For some, seeking alternative treatments for their depression is an attempt to avoid drugs, or it may be part of the person’s preference for natural treatments in general. But just because a treatment is natural does not mean it’s the best choice for you, or that it is automatically safe. Here are some of the more popular alternative treatments for depression and what you should know about them.  

St. John’s Wort

  Have you heard of this herb? It’s commonly sold in capsules or tinctures, and is touted as a treatment for mild or moderate depression. Strengths: St. John’s Wort is prescribed in Europe, where studies have shown the herb to be effective even for major depression. Many other, smaller studies have continued to show St. John’s Wort as an effective treatment for depression. Concerns: People with depression may not know if their condition is mild, moderate, or severe. They may underestimate the severity of their depression and take St. John’s Wort when they may need something stronger. Also, the results of larger, placebo-controlled studies conflict with the smaller studies, indicating there may not be much of an effect from St. John’s Wort, particularly regarding major depression.  

SAM-e

  This is an abbreviated form of a much longer word, S-adenosylmethionine. SAM-e occurs naturally in the body, but a synthetic form can be purchased as a supplement.

Strengths: This is considered a promising supplement by various sectors in the medical community. It is involved in the function of several neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

Concerns: SAM-e is extremely expensive. Also, it can have side effects if people take it in conjunction with another antidepressant – too much serotonin could result. Some sources claim it may cause nausea and constipation. You can’t get SAM-e from food sources.  

Omega-3s

 These increasingly popular fatty acids are implicated in the alleviation of depression symptoms. Foods like caviar, salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseeds all have these healthy fats.

Strengths: Omega-3s can be found in both food sources and supplement form. They are involved in nearly all body processes; some experts say they are involved in every cell of the body. Both manic and clinical depression may be helped by these important fats.

Concerns: There really are no major concerns associated with the consumption of Omega-3s as an alternative treatment for depression, unless depressed individuals take Omega-3 supplements instead of medications they need, or quit medications cold turkey and start with Omega-3s.

As you look into alternative treatments for your depression or that of a loved one, make sure you do your research. Even if an alternative therapy is safe and effective, it may not be enough as a sole treatment. It’s important to work with your health care provider to make sure the depression is treated effectively.

How to Eat to Stop Emotional Overeating

When you think of stopping emotional overeating, does it seem like an impossible goal? You’re not alone – many people who suffer from this problem feel imprisoned and helpless. It can seem like you are unable to break free from the overwhelming emotions and habits. But there’s good news – it’s a treatable problem. Being honest with yourself is an important first step. Emotional overeaters tend to judge themselves pretty harshly, but don’t – you’re not an isolated case or some kind of freak.

It’s a sign of strength to seek help!

It means you’ve identified the problem. If you’re struggling with this problem, there are some things you can do to get things under control while you’re seeking professional help. Here are some tips.

Your Grocery List

When an emotional moment hits and you head for the refrigerator or pantry, what kind of foods do you usually go for? Often, emotional overeaters head for high-calorie comfort foods like ice cream, chips, or candy bars. But you can’t eat those things if they are not in your house! Here are some examples of foods to put on your grocery list in place of the ones you may be tempted to buy. (Another tip – buy only the foods on your list. Compulsive buying of food is tempting.)

• Brown rice (instead of white rice)
• Millet (instead of or in addition to rice)
• Fresh fruits and vegetables (rather than canned)
• Low-fat, low-calorie yogurt (rather than ice cream)
• Popcorn kernels for air popping (rather than chips and fatty snacks)
• Lean protein like fish, turkey, and chicken (instead of deli meats and processed meats like hotdogs and bologna)
• Natural, healthy cooking oils like olive and safflower oil (instead of shortening, lard, or unhealthy oils)

Don’t Crash Diet It’s good to be proactive in solving problems, and emotional eating is no exception. If you try to crash diet, you may find yourself eating more after the crash diet is over. So, rather than stopping eating everything you love, try some of these tips.

• Allow yourself to have a dish of frozen yogurt each week as a treat. This approach tends to be easier than just cutting out all frozen treats. You could use this approach with other “naughty” foods, too – it may be easier to resist if you know you are going to have that food on Saturday (or whatever day of the week you choose to have a small treat).
• Boost your nutrition with a good quality vitamin and mineral supplement.
• Increase your consumption of nutrient-dense foods.

Eat Regular Meals Experts recommend regular mealtimes as a way to combat emotional overeating. If it’s not “time” for food, then you may be better able to hold off on eating until it is time. Also, eating regular meals helps you to be deliberate about your intake of nutritious foods. And finally, having regular meal times tends to make for a more relaxed eating experience, which is the direct opposite of anxiety-driven overeating.

Lifestyle Choices: Learn to Overcome Emotional Overeating

Overcoming emotional overeating can seem overwhelming, and setbacks can be expected. But the good news is, there are lifestyle choices that you can make to help overcome this problem. The keyword is choice – you can choose to follow a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes it helps to break things down into small, specific steps you can take (just trying to lead a “healthier lifestyle” is a bit vague!). Here are some of these specifics. And remember, setbacks and relapses are not unusual.

Don’t beat yourself up; just start fresh tomorrow.

Exercise

Experts are in general agreement that regular exercise three to five days a week is most beneficial. This exercise should consist of at least 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (such as vigorous walking, jogging, biking, etc.) followed by some light toning or weight training. Committing to this regimen full-force is not necessarily the best way to go; if you can only exercise once or twice a week, that’s still better than nothing and will hopefully pave the way for more in the future. Exercise is said to relieve emotional overeating in several ways. For one, exercise produces endorphins which are the body’s natural “feel good” hormones. For another, exercise prevents boredom and mindless eating, which is what you might be doing if you weren’t exercising! And finally, exercise will likely boost your self-image, helping to break the cycle of low self-esteem and poor self-image that “feeds” emotional overeating disorder.

Nature

Never underestimate the healing power of nature! For those with emotional overeating disorder, choosing to spend more time out in nature can be particularly beneficial. After all, in the natural realm there are no media messages to mess with your self-image, and being in nature connects you to your origins and the origins of food. Some experts theorize that detachment from food and its natural source plays a role in emotional overeating disorder.

Getting involved in nature and exploring and appreciating it can go a long way toward reconnecting with our biologically normal view of food. Maybe you can kill two birds with one stone and do your regular exercise outdoors!