Combat Depression
November 30th 2008 02:25
Just when a balanced, wholesome diet is needed the most, people who are suffering from depression negelect their bodies messages and needs. The ilness is quite distinct from a normal, reactive response to disappointment and often leaves some people with no appetite at all, while others go on binges or develop cravings.
As a result, victoms of depression (and anxiety) may often suffer from nutritional deficiencies or imbalances - particularly a lack of B & C vitamins, and of the minerals calcium, copper, iron magnesium and potassium. The precise relationship between different nutirients and the brain's chemistry is still unclear but malnourishment or weight problems clearly contribute to morale spiralling downwards.
About 6yrs ago I was suffering mild depression added with severe anxiety. I was working close to 80hrs a week doing three jobs, had been single for over 2yrs and living with a marijuana addiction (I was spending about $250- a week on my habit). I had a day job driving through Sydney and a night job working 11-7am as a night porter. I would get a few hours sleep at work and thought this would be enough. I would finish work at 7am, go home, smoke cones, have a shower and then commence my day driving in he city areas. NOT GOOD. One day I was driving to work and started having difficulties breathing that got worse the closer I drove to work. I turned home and it went away, so I took the day off. The following morning I HAD to go to work and it started straight away as I left home. I pushed on and when I entered the harbor tunnel I went into a full blown anxiety attack. I could not breathe, thought my chest would explode, thought I was dying and was getting black spots in my vision and yes, I was having this in peak hour traffic in the harbor tunnel. Most first reactions created by anxiety are the fight or flight feeling. I was overcome by the need to flee from work. I thought, as soon as I can I will turn the car around and go home. It worked yesterday so why not. But when I turned around it got worse (even though I thought it could get worse). I ended up pulling over next to a policeman doing speed checks and crawled on my hands and knees trying to breathe and begged him to call an ambulance. He sat me down and tried to get me breathing properly and an ambulance was called. He sat me on the side of Hyde Park to attempt to get it together while we waited (and totally seperate but weird - Rove Macmanus jogged past me and asked if I was ok). Anyway, ambulance arrived and this calmed me somewhat knowing they would keep me alive. Until they asked me if I was a junkie, apparently I had symptoms of drug withdrawl. They then said if they took me with them I would be stuck without transport in a Sydney hospital. They waited until I could call my boss and collect me and the car. NOT GOOD. From work I was collected by a friend who took me to the doctors where it was discovered I was killing myself with work, malnutrition and a drug problem. The drug problem was the main issue and from that day forward whenever I touched pot, the guilt would commence an anxiety attack. Also from this day forward commenced my medication on anti depressants and anxiety medications which lasted for 9 months until I could get better. It also got me smarter about food. I learnt what was so obvious, that eating wisely could improve a state of wellbeing. One of the first surprising things I learnt that mostly the "black dog" visits when our serotonin levels drop - something that marijuana was basically draining from my body. On another aside - The Black Dog was termed by Abraham Lincoln who named his depression the black dog. Lincoln suffered depression his entire life.
One of the first things I learnt was that a mild sugar rush will induce the feeling of calm, it was recommended I drink strawberry flavoured milks and this worked wonders. Other more healthier foods I learnt to eat more of were:
* Whole grains, peas, lentils and other pulse type foods
* Fresh fruit and vegetables
* Lean meat and poultry
* Fish and shellfish
I learnt to cut down completely on:
* Alcohol (uh oh)
* Caffeine in teas, coffees and soft drinks
I was told to avoid:
* Canned and processd meats
* Liver of any form
* Beer, red wine (OH NO) and liqueurs
* Processed or ripe cheese
One thing I will suggest in regards to depression and anxiety. Try to fight the urge to withdraw from friends and family, believe it or not they want to help. Sometimes talking about problems can help them be resolved. But seek medical advice immediately if you are concerned. One place to visit for further information is Beyond Blue by clicking HERE
As a result, victoms of depression (and anxiety) may often suffer from nutritional deficiencies or imbalances - particularly a lack of B & C vitamins, and of the minerals calcium, copper, iron magnesium and potassium. The precise relationship between different nutirients and the brain's chemistry is still unclear but malnourishment or weight problems clearly contribute to morale spiralling downwards.
About 6yrs ago I was suffering mild depression added with severe anxiety. I was working close to 80hrs a week doing three jobs, had been single for over 2yrs and living with a marijuana addiction (I was spending about $250- a week on my habit). I had a day job driving through Sydney and a night job working 11-7am as a night porter. I would get a few hours sleep at work and thought this would be enough. I would finish work at 7am, go home, smoke cones, have a shower and then commence my day driving in he city areas. NOT GOOD. One day I was driving to work and started having difficulties breathing that got worse the closer I drove to work. I turned home and it went away, so I took the day off. The following morning I HAD to go to work and it started straight away as I left home. I pushed on and when I entered the harbor tunnel I went into a full blown anxiety attack. I could not breathe, thought my chest would explode, thought I was dying and was getting black spots in my vision and yes, I was having this in peak hour traffic in the harbor tunnel. Most first reactions created by anxiety are the fight or flight feeling. I was overcome by the need to flee from work. I thought, as soon as I can I will turn the car around and go home. It worked yesterday so why not. But when I turned around it got worse (even though I thought it could get worse). I ended up pulling over next to a policeman doing speed checks and crawled on my hands and knees trying to breathe and begged him to call an ambulance. He sat me down and tried to get me breathing properly and an ambulance was called. He sat me on the side of Hyde Park to attempt to get it together while we waited (and totally seperate but weird - Rove Macmanus jogged past me and asked if I was ok). Anyway, ambulance arrived and this calmed me somewhat knowing they would keep me alive. Until they asked me if I was a junkie, apparently I had symptoms of drug withdrawl. They then said if they took me with them I would be stuck without transport in a Sydney hospital. They waited until I could call my boss and collect me and the car. NOT GOOD. From work I was collected by a friend who took me to the doctors where it was discovered I was killing myself with work, malnutrition and a drug problem. The drug problem was the main issue and from that day forward whenever I touched pot, the guilt would commence an anxiety attack. Also from this day forward commenced my medication on anti depressants and anxiety medications which lasted for 9 months until I could get better. It also got me smarter about food. I learnt what was so obvious, that eating wisely could improve a state of wellbeing. One of the first surprising things I learnt that mostly the "black dog" visits when our serotonin levels drop - something that marijuana was basically draining from my body. On another aside - The Black Dog was termed by Abraham Lincoln who named his depression the black dog. Lincoln suffered depression his entire life.
One of the first things I learnt was that a mild sugar rush will induce the feeling of calm, it was recommended I drink strawberry flavoured milks and this worked wonders. Other more healthier foods I learnt to eat more of were:
* Whole grains, peas, lentils and other pulse type foods
* Fresh fruit and vegetables
* Lean meat and poultry
* Fish and shellfish
I learnt to cut down completely on:
* Alcohol (uh oh)
* Caffeine in teas, coffees and soft drinks
I was told to avoid:
* Canned and processd meats
* Liver of any form
* Beer, red wine (OH NO) and liqueurs
* Processed or ripe cheese
One thing I will suggest in regards to depression and anxiety. Try to fight the urge to withdraw from friends and family, believe it or not they want to help. Sometimes talking about problems can help them be resolved. But seek medical advice immediately if you are concerned. One place to visit for further information is Beyond Blue by clicking HERE
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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i did not know that, very interesting!
thanks for sharing the backstory of your battle with depression, its funny how in Sydney how you can behave really strangely and nobody notices a thing!
$250 a week it fucking massive, even "hardcore" people i know only get about $95 worth per week between two people . . . im surprised (and glad) you still have any brain cells left!
this has been quite an inspirational tale of survival!
Comment by Jason King
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It doesn't seem like anything to me now - it was funny at the time - to me I felt normal when smoking pot and stoned when I wasn't. But yes I have been told that $250- worth and about 50 cones a day was quite dangerous and surprise myself daily that I have brain cells.
Thanks for the nice words!!
Comment by Wilson Pon
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Honestly, I only know that banana is good to prevent constipation. lowering blood pressure, ulcers, morning sickness and even strokes!
Comment by Jason King
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I HATE bananas - can't eat them unless in a cake or something. But any vegetables or fruit is great for you! I never knew it did all that other suff, thanks for the info!
Thanks so much for visiting the site and commenting!
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Comment by Jason King
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And bananas are all yours!! Thanks for stopping by!
Comment by GlenB
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But you don't have to worry about the brain cells if you subscribe to the antelope theory.
It postulates that a brain is like a herd of antelope.
As lions pick off the weakest antelope, it makes the herd stronger.
Comment by Jason King
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Comment by J YO Hansen
Comment by Jason King
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Besides the bananas (which I just loathe) my doctor also suggested strawberry flavoured milk, the sweetness offers a mild anxiety beating rush and it worked a treat for me. I became addicted to the stuff for a few months and always had a tin of Quick with me.
Glad you liked the article and best of luck with your journey.
Comment by J YO Hansen