There's no doubt that issues of mental health are more widely acknowledged and treated than in decades past. In fact, an independent advisory panel recently recommended that all primary care doctors conduct basic depression screenings during routine office visits.
Whether doctors universally adopt this practice remains to be seen, but the growing awareness of depression and of the various treatments available for it are steps forward.
Women, people with a family history of depression, people who are unemployed and those suffering from a chronic disease are at increased risk of depression. While we all have "blue" periods, experts recommend that you seek professional screening if you answer yes to the following questions:
- Have you felt down, depressed or hopeless during the past two weeks?
- Have you felt little interest or pleasure doing things?
Symptoms of clinical depression include difficulty sleeping, a sudden weight gain or loss, difficulty concentrating, a sense of hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness and loss of energy.
Luckily, depression can be treated effectively through a variety of methods. Psychotherapy, medication, diet and exercise are used alone and in combination. After formal diagnosis, health care professionals may prescribe an anti-depressant and suggest counseling or therapy sessions, but don't be surprised if diet and exercise are also discussed.
Researchers at the Friedman School of Nutrition at Tufts University found that individuals with major depression had lower levels of folate than people who had never been depressed. Although this study did not distinguish whether low folate led to depression or depression affected eating habits that led to low folate, it doesn't appear to matter in regards to treatment. Other research indicates that folate supplementation improves depression and makes anti-depressants work better.
Likewise, recent research from the Harvard Medical School and Jean Mayer U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University shows that symptoms of depression receded in three-quarters of the men and women ages 60-84 who followed a 20-week strength-training program. Interestingly, the benefit was greatest among the more severely depressed, according to researchers Maria Fiatarone Singh and Nalin Singh. Numerous other studies support the fact that regular aerobic exercise helps relieve depression as well.
Obviously, exercise is essential to both physical and mental well-being. Why not try a group exercise class for a fun, high-energy workout that offers both camaraderie and some extra motivation? Most communities have many options available at local health clubs, recreation centers and YMCAs.
Judi Sheppard Missett is CEO of Jazzercise Inc.
© 2003, Jazzercise, Inc. Distributed by the Tribune Media Services International
