Tag: Mental Health

Brain Food: Five Things You Can Consume To Help Fend Off Mental and Neurologic Illness

What we consume daily can have a significant implication on how our brain functions and what mental illnesses we may acquire.

An unhealthy diet may increase your risk for psychiatric and neurologic conditions such as depression and dementia.

Healthy diets may be protective.

Here are five dietary items to keep your brain on the right track:

  • Fish oil is loaded with DHA and EPA two polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 3 fatty acids) that can decrease psychosis and depression.
  • Berries have polyphenols which reduce the oxidative stress of free radicals in the bloodstream and slow cognitive decline.
  • Alcohol, always in moderation (one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men), can improve your cholesterol decreasing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Coffee has anti-oxidant properties and may increase insulin sensitivity improving blood sugar and has been found to reduce your risk for stroke and improve depression.
  • Chocolate (the darker the better) because of plant polyphenols called flavanols, has anti-oxidant properties and has been shown to reduce heart attacks and stroke and possibly improve mood in the short term.

The bottom line is a diet that is Mediterranean, based on high intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and unsaturated fats, or what is termed a “whole diet” which is fruits, vegetables, whole grains and high quality meats and fish, can help make you less likely to develop depression or anxiety and reduce your risk of dementia, heart disease and stroke.

Teen Depression: How Parents Can Help Prevent This By Promoting Physical And Mental Health

Teen depression is a serious problem that can cause long-lasting physical and emotional problems.

By promoting your child’s physical and mental health, you can help him or her handle stressful situations that might trigger teen depression.

There is no single cause of teen depression. Genetics and environment may play a role.

Some teens are more prone to depression than others:

  • Children of depressed parents.
  • Children who have anxiety or behavior problems.
  • Teen girls may be more vulnerable than teen boys.
  • Children with health problems, stress or the loss of an important person in their life.

Teens dealing with depression are more likely to experience teen pregnancy, abuse drugs and alcohol, and perform poorly at school and at work than other teens.

Teen depression is linked to an increase risk of suicide and suicide attempts.

How can parents prevent teen depression?

  • Praise your child’s skills. Self esteem and self perceptions are affected by poor performance in school, get involved with their teachers, praise their other strengths-whether in music, athletics, relationships or other areas.
  • Promote participation in organized activities. This will boost self-esteem and increase his or her social network.
  • Encourage physical activity. Have them get one hour or more physical activity a day.
  • Provide parental support. Remind your child that you care by listening, showing interest in his or her problems, and respecting his or her feelings.
  • Talk to your child. An early warning sign of teen depression is isolation. Set aside time to talk to your child.

If you’re concerned that your child will develop or has developed teen depression, consult your Doctor to find out about depression prevention programs or cognitive behavioral therapy as studies have shown taking extra steps such as these can help.