What Is Depression?
Depression is a neurological disorder, representing a significant mental health condition that extends beyond transient feelings of being “down” or “blue.”
For over 20 million individuals in the United States grappling with depression, these emotions endure, significantly impacting their daily lives.
Before we dive into the title of this blog post, let’s talk what causes depression:
Depression can stem from various factors, encompassing:
- genetic
- environmental
- psychological
- biochemical elements
Individuals face an elevated risk of depression if there is a family history of the condition, they have encountered trauma, undergone significant life changes, or experienced heightened stress.
There’s plenty of signs and symptoms but some of the most common include:
- Continued feelings of sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, and emptiness
- Fatigue, and lack of energy
- Insomnia or other sleep issues
Antidepressants
When discussing antidepressants, people typically refer to prescription medications utilized for treating depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. These medications function by enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
What we don’t often hear about is how powerful a role Exercise, Nutrition, and Sleep can play in enhancing the activity of these same neurotransmitters in treating more mild forms of depression. Apart from clinical interventions, individuals coping with depression, can focus on adopting healthy lifestyle habits like the following, to improve their well-being:
- 5k-10k steps a day
- 7–9 hours of sleep
- Lift weights 2-3x a week
- Eat a nutrient dense diet with an emphasis on Protein and water.
- Self Guided Meditation
To be clear, even just adding one of these habits above into one’s life for 90 days can potentially have a strong positive impact on ones mood & mental wellbeing. I don’t want anyone reading this to feel like they should have to add all these in RIGHT NOW, but instead to focus on which one would be easiest to manage in their present life.
Leverage exercise, nutrition, and sleep to a manageable extent for a brighter and more joyful life. However, it’s crucial to recognize that for many individuals, these lifestyle changes may not be sufficient. It is important not to overlook clinical solutions recommended by your healthcare provider.
Depression is a serious matter. Consult with a professional to determine the best course of action for your well-being. If you require immediate assistance, please call the number below ❤️
1–800–662-HELP (4357)