Depression is a serious, but common, condition. It often causes people to feel sad or empty for long periods of time. It can also affect one’s thinking patterns and physical health. In some cases, depression can lead people to consider suicide.
Depression is the most common cause of disability in the United States. One in 10 adults report experiencing it. Most people have their first bout of depression in their late teens or early twenties.
Depression’s symptoms can vary from person to person. Someone’s gender, culture, or age may change how they experience depression.
Depression is not simple sadness. Most people get upset when life doesn’t go their way. But someone with depression can feel so bad they struggle to do everyday activities like eat or bathe. To count as depression, the sadness must be a constant, long-lasting feeling.
Depression is not a sign of weakness. Although depression can sap one’s energy or motivation, having the condition does not meant one is lazy. In fact, many people with depression put forth double the effort to simply get through their day.
Depression is not forever. People with depression can feel hopeless about recovery, especially if they’ve had the condition for a long time. Yet most forms of depression are very treatable and I can help with this.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
The winter months can trigger a certain type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which can sap your energy and make you feel moody or depressed. SAD affects an estimated 1-10% of the population, with women experiencing it more than men.
The Mayo Clinic suggests relaxation techniques such as meditation, stress management, seeking the counsel of a qualified therapist, and light therapy to help keep mood stable during stormy times.
While there is no magic pill or supplement, certain nutrients can help support a healthy mood and mentality. Here are 5 supplements to help you beat the winter blues.
1. Vitamin D — Levels of vitamin D can drop in the winter months when the sunshine is scarce. Vitamin D supplementation can help to maintain healthy levels, which supports optimal immune function, brain, and long-term health.
2. Essential Fatty Acids — Found in fish oil and krill oil, the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA are very important for brain and nerve health. They support cardiovascular health, help to maintain blood flow, and may promote emotional well-being.
3. 5-HTP is a precursor to brain neurotransmitters which are important for emotional well-being. Neurotransmitter levels in the brain are highly dependent on the availability of 5-HTP within the central nervous system. Low levels of serotonin can also affect mood and supplementing with 5-HTP, the body's precursor to serotonin, may be helpful.
4. Ashwagandha — This ancient herb has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to promote vitality, longevity, and energy. The active compounds in Ashwagandha provide a wide range of benefits and may help to support healthy immune function, healthy mood, balanced stress levels, and normal thyroid function.
5. Probiotics — Scientists refer to the gut as the "second brain" and several studies have elucidated the connection between the microbiome, gut health, and brain health. Gut health is critical for brain health and overall health, and may also impact depression, anxiety, and other mood states.
See our Gut & Mood Health page for more detailed information.
* Information from SeekingHealth.com by Ben Lynch, MD
Depression is the most common cause of disability in the United States. One in 10 adults report experiencing it. Most people have their first bout of depression in their late teens or early twenties.
Depression’s symptoms can vary from person to person. Someone’s gender, culture, or age may change how they experience depression.
Depression is not simple sadness. Most people get upset when life doesn’t go their way. But someone with depression can feel so bad they struggle to do everyday activities like eat or bathe. To count as depression, the sadness must be a constant, long-lasting feeling.
Depression is not a sign of weakness. Although depression can sap one’s energy or motivation, having the condition does not meant one is lazy. In fact, many people with depression put forth double the effort to simply get through their day.
Depression is not forever. People with depression can feel hopeless about recovery, especially if they’ve had the condition for a long time. Yet most forms of depression are very treatable and I can help with this.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
The winter months can trigger a certain type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which can sap your energy and make you feel moody or depressed. SAD affects an estimated 1-10% of the population, with women experiencing it more than men.
The Mayo Clinic suggests relaxation techniques such as meditation, stress management, seeking the counsel of a qualified therapist, and light therapy to help keep mood stable during stormy times.
While there is no magic pill or supplement, certain nutrients can help support a healthy mood and mentality. Here are 5 supplements to help you beat the winter blues.
1. Vitamin D — Levels of vitamin D can drop in the winter months when the sunshine is scarce. Vitamin D supplementation can help to maintain healthy levels, which supports optimal immune function, brain, and long-term health.
2. Essential Fatty Acids — Found in fish oil and krill oil, the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA are very important for brain and nerve health. They support cardiovascular health, help to maintain blood flow, and may promote emotional well-being.
3. 5-HTP is a precursor to brain neurotransmitters which are important for emotional well-being. Neurotransmitter levels in the brain are highly dependent on the availability of 5-HTP within the central nervous system. Low levels of serotonin can also affect mood and supplementing with 5-HTP, the body's precursor to serotonin, may be helpful.
4. Ashwagandha — This ancient herb has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to promote vitality, longevity, and energy. The active compounds in Ashwagandha provide a wide range of benefits and may help to support healthy immune function, healthy mood, balanced stress levels, and normal thyroid function.
5. Probiotics — Scientists refer to the gut as the "second brain" and several studies have elucidated the connection between the microbiome, gut health, and brain health. Gut health is critical for brain health and overall health, and may also impact depression, anxiety, and other mood states.
See our Gut & Mood Health page for more detailed information.
* Information from SeekingHealth.com by Ben Lynch, MD