Mental health. Depression 2

Hello steemians, as promised, we'll continue our health series on Depression. We'll start with the Types of Depression. 

[source](https://www.ted.com/topics/mental+health)</centre>

According to the Mental Health Foundation, they include:

1. Bi-polar disorder

 The mood swings in bi-polar disorder can be extreme - from highs, where the individual feels extremely elated and indestructible, to lows, where they may experience complete despair, lethargy and suicidal feelings. Sometimes people have very severe symptoms where they cannot make sense of their world and do things that seem odd or illogical.  

2. Post-natal depression

 Many new mothers experience what are sometimes called 'baby blues' a few days after the birth. These feelings of anxiety and lack of confidence are very distressing but in most cases last only a couple of weeks. Post-natal depression is more intense and lasts longer. It can leave new mothers feeling completely overwhelmed, inadequate and unable to cope. They may have problems sleeping, panic attacks or an intense fear of dying. They may also experience negative feelings towards their child. It affects one in ten mothers and usually begins two to three weeks after the birth. 

3. Mild depression

 Depression is described as mild when it has a limited negative effect on your daily life. For example, you may have difficulty concentrating at work or motivating yourself to do the things you normally enjoy. 

4. Major depression

 Major depression interferes with an individual’s daily life - with eating, sleeping and other everyday activities. Some people may experience only one episode but it is more common to experience several episodes in a lifetime. It can lead to hospital admission, if the person is so unwell they are at risk of harm to themselves. 

5. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

 SAD is associated with the start of winter and can last until spring when longer days bring more daylight. When it is mild, it is sometimes called ‘winter blues’. SAD can make the sufferer feel anxious, stressed and depressed. It may interfere with their moods and with their sleeping and eating patterns. 

Treatment of depression

 Treatment consists of Medications or therapy 

Medications such as Anti depressant pills prescribed by a Doctor in confirmed cases of Depression are administered to patients. Therapies on the other hand include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy:
A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviours and emotional responses associated with psychological distress.
Behaviour therapy:
A therapy focused on modifying harmful behaviours associated with psychological distress.
Psychotherapy:
Treatment of mental or behavioural disorders through talk therapy, also called  Counselling.

Counselling gives people the chance to talk through everyday issues that may be causing depression and to develop strategies for resolving them. 

How do we maintain good health and thereby avoid depression/foods to eat that prevent depression

1.  Milk: It’s a good source of vitamin D. If you have very low levels of this nutrient in your body, that can sometimes cause depression.

 2. Turkey: Turkey has a high protein content that supplies the body with  tryptophan which according to researchers play a key role in preventing depression. 

3. Brazil nuts:  This snack is rich in selenium, which helps protect your body from tiny, damaging particles called free radicals.  

4. Carrots: They are full of beta-carotene which lowers the level of depression

5. Leafy green vegies: They are high in folate, which the brain cells need to work well and which may help protect against depression. 

In consuming these foods, two major foods to avoid are Junk foods and Alcohol, proven to trigger depression. 

Alcohol:  

It might seem like just the thing to take the edge off your worries or make you feel more social. But most of the time, it’s best if you drink wine, beer, and mixed drinks only in moderation. You might feel better in the moment, but heavy drinking can make depression symptoms worse over time, because alcohol makes your brain less active. It also can make antidepressant medications less effective. 

Junk foods:

 It may be fast and filling, but these processed foods can be bad news for your mood. Scientists have studied how diets high in sugar, simple carbohydrates, and fatty foods affect how you feel. Many found some link between these unhealthy eats and depression. Your best bet: a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. 

Thanks for reading. Stay healthy, keep steeming