6 Things You Should Know About Mental Health
Updated: May 29, 2017
Did you know that eating fast food may make you more likely to develop depression? Or that stress could be genetic?
Eating fast food may make you more likely to develop depression
A study from the journal Public Health Nutrition has shown that eating commercial baked goods (including cupcakes, croissants and doughnuts) and fast food (think hamburgers, hotdogs and pizza) is linked to depression. Consumers of fast food were found to be 51 percent more likely to develop depression compared to those who ate little or no fast foods.
Getting involved with your community makes you more mentally resilient
According to a recent article in Social Psychological and Personality Science, belonging to social groups, from chess clubs to sports teams, increases psychological strength to endure and overcome physical challenges. The researchers suggest it gives us a sense of belonging and purpose. Family and friends help, too, of course.
Feeling stressed could be genetic
A study in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that subjects with low levels of the stress-related gene had more negative feelings during stressful situations. This may help assess risk for depression and anxiety.
Having a healthy body weight makes women less depressed
A General Hospital Psychiatry study, which followed 203 obese women aged 40 to 65 for over a year, found that subjects became less depressed as they lost weight. Furthermore, lessened depression leads to being more active, say the researchers.
Omega-3 supplements are effective in treating depression
The use of omega-3 supplements has been used to effectively treat major depression, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. While the benefits of omega-3 have been well documented-a diet rich in omega-3 is good for your heart, as well as your brain-this study is the largest of its kind to demonstrate a clear link between omega-3 supplementation and depression. Previous studies have suggested that individuals with a deficit in certain omega-3s may be predisposed to depression.
Anxiety may affect cardiovascular health
A three-year follow-up study, published in The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, reports that people with panic disorder have a higher stroke risk. Symptoms include sweating, palpitations and shortness of breath. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing these.
Newsletter Unit
