Depression looks like what?
The world has been an interesting place for the past few months. It seems like things are constantly changing and our main concern is our health. Physical health has been the main concern that is, but what about our mental well-being.
In many places’ lockdown has been going on for at least two months strong with limited contact with loved ones. We are starting to see the repercussions of social distancing, and physical distancing on our mental well-being. But so many of us don't even know what depression looks like. And our idea of it comes from movies and TV shows.
It's estimated that clinical depression has been the leading cause of disability in the United States for people who are 15 to 44 years old! That means it affects about 14.8 million American adults (James, Dr.Matt 2017)
Here are some of the signs and symptoms of what depression looks like:
sadness or a sense of emptiness
feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
suicidal thoughts
irritability
poor concentration
loss or gain of body weight (that is more than 5% and is not related to in intentional dieting or health issues - thyroid)
poor self-esteem
the inability to experience pleasure
listlessness and lethargy
For men depression can look quite different. Men tend to report fatigue and other physical ailments such as stomachache, headache, back pain, constipation, diarrhea. And sleep problems come up often either not being able to sleep or sleeping too much. Men find themselves constantly angry or hostile rather than sad. And they identify as being stressed rather than sad and they may complain about loss of sexual desire and erectile dysfunction.
If you find yourself exhibiting some of the above symptoms know that there are many tools and techniques to get rid of depression. And they don't always involve years of psychotherapy. I know I used to be a psychotherapist and now work as a mental wellness and nutritional therapist. I utilize a technique called Mental Emotional Release that helps you release depression, anger, sadness, fear, hurt, guilt, shame, even PTSD within minutes. From there we work on setting up your life in a way that supports your new goals and perspective on life you want to have. There are so many ways to get out of depression and when you work on the mindset piece and nutrition massive change can happen.
Actionable steps you can take today to help improve your mood. Have a morning practice listing 3 things you are grateful for and WHY. The why is key, it helps you have a deeper appreciation for those things. Surround yourself with positive people and content; meaning listen to podcasts, read books, watch movies that lift your spirits. Nutritionally focus on grass fed beef, wild caught fish, pastured chicken, veggies, nuts/seeds and minimal fruit. These foods will help lower inflammation in the body, regulate your blood sugar, and begin to heal gut distress. Hint gut distress is a major factor in depression. Foods like sugar, grains, beans, soy, industrial seed oils (canola, sunflower, safflower, corn, rice bran) and alcohol all contribute to inflammation in the body. Again this is a trade off trade the foods that further mood symptoms for ones that encourage better moods, are anti aging, and help you have more energy. Also there’s no need to cut out dessert i have a free paleo ebook all on desserts to help you find great alternatives to the normal comfort foods. Check out it https://tuatara-fox-e6k7.squarespace.com/store-2