Got the Blues… It Could Be Depression

Are you feeling down and depressed? Feeling sad and blue? Perhaps you're feeling anxious or irritable. Maybe this is a common occurrence for you. Or maybe you've recently been caught up in the whirlwind of the holiday season (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) and now you're experiencing the "post-holiday blues".
After all the jubilation and celebration that the holidays bring, many of us feel a kind
of "let down" afterwards. In addition, oftentimes many of us experience a sort of "is
that all there is" type of a feeling about our lives in general. Also, many folks are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as "winter depression".
This occurs during the winter months when there is not as much sunlight present. Although not as common as in the northern states, it can strike people here in
Arizona - especially those that are sensitive to weather.

So, what can you do to help yourself feel better?

There are several things that can help ease depression:

• Increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids by eating at least two servings
  per week of cold-water fish, such as salmon, trout, albacore tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines. If you prefer, take a daily fish oil capsule. In addition, ground flaxseeds, walnuts, and oils such as flax and evening primrose oil all contain Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Increase your intake of Vitamin B foods or take a Vitamin B-complex supplement. Foods high in Vitamin B include potatoes, bananas, lentils, liver, turkey, tuna, and nutritional yeast (Brewer's yeast).
• Move! Exercise is a great way to fight depression. It not only releases
  "feel good" endorphins, but also enhances self-esteem. In addition to aerobic exercise (brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, etc.) and strength
  training, yoga, tai chi, qigong, and meditation have a calming effect with
  increased positive brain-wave activity.
• Try supplements such as:
• Saint John's Wort - Used for centuries to treat mental and nervous disorders.
• Ginkgo - Improves overall brain health by increasing circulation and oxygen to
  the brain.
• SAMe - Present in every cell, SAMe is a naturally occurring compound that has
  a positive effect on depression, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and liver disorders.
  

NOTE: If you are currently taking antidepressants, check with your doctor before
taking Saint John's Wort, Ginkgo, or SAMe.

Knowledge for a healthy life

 

 

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