January 25, 2023

Feeling Down? It May Not Be Just The Winter Blues…

If you are feeling blue, fatigued or having trouble remembering things and you think it’s just winter doldrums – think  again. It is just possible you might not be getting enough vitamin B12, and you have a deficiency that can cause serious problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The many body systems affected by vitamin B12 deficiency underscore the vitamin’s importance in their proper functioning. “The deficiency of the vitamin appears to mimic symptoms of seriously degenerative diseases, and often is not diagnosed ,” said Sally Pacholok, a registered nurse who was diagnosed with a B12 […]
November 7, 2022

Is Your Diet Making You Feel Depressed?

There is growing research showing a significant correlation of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety and schizophrenia, with certain nutritional deficiencies. Typically, these disorders are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, or are emotionally rooted and are treated with medications and/or psychotherapy. Nutritional therapy can play a key role in the duration and severity of these conditions, improve the effectiveness of medications and correct the underlying cause. The more common nutrients people are deficient in: • B vitamins — These nutrients play a critical role in the function of your brain and nervous system. The two B vitamins that appear […]
April 5, 2022

Let’s Talk About Mental Health

Let’s say you twisted your ankle and it’s causing unbearable pain. You’ll likely go to a doctor, who will examine you and probably order an X-ray. If it’s just a sprain, you’ll be advised to apply ice, elevate and stay off it, and you’ll need crutches to get around for a while. If it’s a break, you might get a cast or a brace, or possibly an appointment with a surgeon, and some time off to heal. But what happens when your unbearable pain isn’t visible, can’t easily be explained or diagnosed, and doesn’t have a commonly accepted medical treatment? […]
March 29, 2022

Natural Approaches to Mild Depression

Summary: Antidepressants can significantly help people with major depressive disorders, but they typically offer little relief to people with milder forms of depression. If you’re looking for natural ways to cope with mild depression—or if you’re already on SSRIs and want to complement their effects—consider these nutrients and supplements. The occasional down day and even short stretches of the blues are a natural part of life. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one-in-ten Americans (people ages 40 to 59 in particular) suffer from depression at one point or another. Seeking help to regain a more positive emotional balance is […]
July 10, 2018

Your Online Resources for Depression Help

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, use these resources to find help. Anxiety and Depression Association of America Includes a searchable database of support groups across the country and offers a list of questions you should ask potential counselors, including practical ones (“Do you accept my insurance?”) and more clinical ones (“What is your treatment approach?”). Geriatric Mental Health Foundation Up to 13.5 percent of elderly people suffer from mild to severe depression. Mental Health America Mental health screening tests, educational resources and a search tool for finding an affiliate in your area who can help you […]
June 12, 2018

Depressed? Here’s What To Do Now

If you need help finding a therapist or someone to talk to about depression, these resources can help: If you are feeling depressed… Seek help. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (suicidepreventionlifeline.org). Let those closest to you know. Point them to more information to help them better understand what you are going through. Get enough sleep. When you’re stressed, your body needs additional rest. Insomnia is often a symptom of depression, so talk to your health provider about natural sleep remedies. Take a time-out. In addition to a treatment plan, do what relaxes you, whether it’s yoga, […]
March 27, 2018

Can Diet Reduce Risk of Stroke and Depression?

Turns out, the specific diet which is shown to reduce stroke risk may also reduce the risk of depression. People who eat vegetables, fruit and whole grains may have lower rates of depression over time, according to a preliminary study conducted by American Academy of Neurology. The study found that people whose diets adhered more closely to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet were less likely to develop depression than people who did not closely follow the diet. In addition to fruit and vegetables, the DASH diet recommends fat-free or low-fat dairy products and limits foods that are high […]