What we eat is important for every aspect of our health, but it is especially important for our mental health. When someone is dealing with depression, it is not uncommon to see a change in their appetite.
Depression can cause us to eat more frequently and unhealthily, and can also lead to a loss of appetite, skipping meals, and a sweet tooth.

According to Lang, et al., an unhealthy western dietary pattern was associated with an increased prevalence of depression (2015). Additionally, an increased risk of depression has been shown to be associated with the consumption of unhealthy foods, such as refined food, fried food, a high fat intake, etc. On the other end of this, a diet consisting of a high intake of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, antioxidants, and a low intake of animal foods is associated with a decreased risk of depression (Tello, M., 2020).
Keeping this in mind, it’s helpful to find strategies that can help avoid food traps, such as:

• Tune in to your hunger

When you are feeling hungry, pause and ask yourself if you are really hungry or if feeling something else. Instead of food, you may be craving a heart-to-heart with a close friend.

• Find ways to boost your energy

Find activities that boost your energy, such as going for a walk, listening to music, or playing with your pet.

• Soothe your senses

Finding other ways to comfort yourself, such as drinking tea or touching a soft blanket can help us avoid eating to comfort ourselves.

Overall, our diet plays an important role in how we feel. While there are many factors at play when dealing with depression, eating foods such as fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains can put you at a lower risk of developing depressive symptoms. When it comes to what we eat, quality matters over quantity. By better understanding the role our diet plays in our mood, we’re able to make better choices.

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References:
Lang, U., et al.(2015). Nutritional Aspects of Depression. Cell Physiol Biochem; 37:1029-1043. doi:
10.1159/000430229

Martin, L. (2011). Depression Food Traps: Eating too Much, Eating too Little, and Unhealthy Choices.
WebMD. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from
https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/depression-food-traps

Tello, M. (2020). Diet and depression. Harvard Health. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/diet-and-depression-2018022213309

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress; it alerts us to dangers and reminds us to stay attentive. However, anxiety that differs from normal feelings of nervousness can affect our job performance, schoolwork and personal relationships. According to the Barlow, D. H. (2002), anxiety is an uncontrollable, unpleasant
and persistent state of negative affect characterized by apprehensive anticipation of unpredictable and unavoidable future danger. This negative affect is often accompanied with symptoms of tension.

How does anxiety affect our bodies?

Anxiety can manifest in our body in a number of ways. According to Patriquin and Mathew (2017) symptoms of anxiety include the following:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling restless
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Being easily fatigued
• Excessive worry

How to cope with anxiety?

The next time you are feeling anxious, try of these self-management strategies found to promote personal recovery and symptoms reduction (Villagi, et. al, 2015).

• Surrounding yourself with people who make you feel better.

Being around positive people can mitigate the effects of stress and help alleviate anxiety.

• Taking stock of your progress

Coping with anxiety is not easy, and it is important to recognize what helps you cope to create new habits and create a routine.

• Prioritize sleep

Sleep deprivation can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, it is important to have a regular sleeping schedule.

• Stay physically active

Regular exercise can improve our mood and help us stay healthy.

• Relaxation techniques

Techniques such as meditation and yoga can help with stress reduction, which can help reduce
anxiety.

Anxiety can often feel like a roadblock that prevents us from leading normal lives. By understanding our symptoms and finding coping strategies to use when feeling overwhelmed, we can manage our anxiety and reduce our stress.






References:
Barlow, D. H. (2002). Anxiety and its disorders: The nature and treatment of anxiety and panic (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
Patriquin MA, Mathew SJ. (2017). The Neurobiological Mechanisms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Chronic Stress. Chronic Stress. doi:10.1177/2470547017703993
Villaggi B, Provencher H, Coulombe S, et al. (2015). Self-Management Strategies in Recovery From Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Global Qualitative Nursing

​Sometimes you feel sad, lonely, and don't want to do anything and if it occurs long enough a thought might occur to you - what's wrong with me? Am I depressed? And if so, what does this mean? Am I mentally ill? Will I be depressed forever? These are common questions but here are somethings to consider. How long have I felt this way? Depression can be situational and therefore very temporary. Things like the death of someone close to you or the break up with "the one" can lead to a natural sadness whose symptoms can mirror what doctors and counselors call Major Depressive Disorder. Many symptoms like lack of appetite, increase in appetite, sleeping more or less, and not enjoying the things that you normally would can all occur, but if they are situational  they normally resolve within two weeks. Then there are those depressive symptoms that are of greater concern - suicidal thoughts or plans, self-harm, a depressed mood nearly every day, feeling hopeless or worthless, daily fatigue with no explanation, or the inability to think clearly or concentrate - to name a few. An additional concern is if you have a family history of major depression or bi-polar disorder and have had no triggering event to explain these feelings of sadness.  If this is the case your first stop should be to your personal physician to be evaluated and referred, as appropriate, to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. If you have suicidal thoughts and a plan your nearest emergency room or calling 911 may be appropriate. If your symptoms appear more temporary here are some suggestions to get you back to normal:

​     1.)  Eat well! You are what you eat so if you eat bad you will feel bad. Limiting sugar in particular can be very helpful as your mood tends to go the way of your blood sugar which is greatly affected by all the sugars and fast digesting carbohydrates in our diets. 
​     2.)  Exercise! Three 30 minute, make you sweat, exercise sessions a week appear to have the same affect as a low dosage anti-depression medication.  Even better if done outside where you can enjoy nature and the sun, where your body can produce more vitamin D, a key vitamin for mood and health. 
​     3.) Watch and correct your thoughts. Depressive thoughts lead to depressive mood. General negativity, negative self-talk, hopeless or helpless thoughts, and black or white thinking can add to one's depressive mood and can become cyclical in nature and destructive. Concentrate on the positives in your life and consider writing them down in a journal on a regular basis (shoot for at least 5 a day and they do not have to be big things.  Something as simple as having great weather could be a positive for your list.)
​     4.)  Spend time with loved ones doing things you enjoy! And laugh while you do as laughing and smiling release positive hormones which tend to improve mood. Sometimes it is appropriate to fake it until you make it!
​     5.)  Take yoga! Learning relaxation techniques can help clarify thinking and concentration, increase feelings of peacefulness, and increase joy.  Yoga has also been shown to lower blood pressure, leading to decreased cortisol (the stress hormone) production.

​And most importantly PERSIST! Life and situations can change at the snap of a finger and what looks negative today can turn out to be a lifesaver tomorrow.