Depression is a silent thief that comes without any sound and robs us of our peace. This debilitating condition affects more than 350 million people around the world. This condition can take a very big toll on peoples’ lives. There are many things that people can do to alleviate this condition and its symptoms like exercise, therapy, medication and solving underlying conditions like thyroid disorders. But in addition to doing things that can help this condition, it is equally important to avoid doing things that can worsen it. People are often unaware of many things that may seem harmless but can aggravate this condition in reality. So, here is a list of things that people with depression should avoid to alleviate their condition.
1. Unhealthy Diet
People say that you are what you eat, but as it turns out your feelings are also related to what you eat. According to a study that was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, a few researchers in Australia found out that Western diet which includes refined sugar, processed food etc. can aggravate anxiety in women. Women who are on a diet of meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and whole grains tend to do much better in anxiety inducing situations.
According to the researchers at the Deakin University School Of Medicine in Australia, the composition of the microflora present inside our gut plays a big role in influencing our mental health. Many researchers are even looking at the connection between depression and leaky gut. Leaky gut is a syndrome that happens when the stomach lining becomes weak and its contents leak to the other parts which trigger an immune response. This whole immune lapse can contribute to depression. Scientists are yet to find out more concrete proof about that but it can never hurt us to have a better diet.
2. Social Media Woes
Social media doesn’t always provide a happy refuge from reality. Sometimes, this very technology can worsen our woes. Many researchers have started noticing a pattern in the excessive use of social media and steadily increasing anxiety in young people. Young people are always on social media to be connected to the world as they fear isolation. Unfortunately, this tendency can exacerbate anxiety in many young individuals, especially the ones who are already prone to stress and anxiety. Researchers feel that Facebook can allow people who are depressed to feel connected, especially the ones who suffer from a sense of isolation. But it varies from individual to individual. So, if social media makes you sadder, then it would be a good idea to take a break from it.
3. Stress Management System
All individuals have a unique stress management system of handling their stress in their lives. So, a depressed person who has a faulty stress management system would tend to feel completely out of control when everyday stress gets a little out of hand. So, it is important to have a good stress management system in place to handle stressful situations, especially for people who are prone to depression. A study has found out that mindful meditation is effective in helping people relax. The practice of mindful meditation allows people to focus on their breathing while contemplating over the present moment. It allows people to feel more in charge of their thinking and bodies.
4. Sleep Patterns
Sleeping plays a big role in maintaining our mental and physical health. Many researches have found out that disturbance in sleeping pattern is a big reason that can influence depression. Sleep-related instances and conditions like changing patterns of sleep, insomnia etc. can trigger an episode of depression sometimes. Insomnia is a common symptom seen in people with depression. So, many doctors suggest that getting their sleep back can help them in getting better. Therefore, maintaining good sleeping habits like going to bed early, not using gadgets before sleeping and maintaining a good diet can help people to get some sound sleep.
Depression is a condition that can wreak havoc in a person’s life. Thus, people shouldn’t slip up while trying to do most things right in a bid to beat this condition.
