Feeling depressed once in a while is normal when it is related to loss, life’s struggles or an injured self-esteem.
However, when intense sadness and feelings of being helpless, hopeless and worthless become a part of your life and prevent you from functioning normally, you may be suffering from clinical depression, a common but serious mood disorder.
Depression can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating or working. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression affects one in 10 Americans.
Dealing with depression is not easy for the person as well as their family members and friends. However, there is no need to suffer in silence. You can turn to different therapies, medications, meditation, physical exercise and even diet to help combat the condition.
Many foods have been scientifically proven to lift a person’s mood, and you should include them in your diet to help ease your depression in a safe and natural manner. Foods containing nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, tryptophan, vitamin D or B vitamins, have a direct impact on mood.
These foods even boost the effectiveness of antidepressants and also help prevent relapses of depression in the long run.
