| Are there ways to prevent depression? Some forms | | | | bridge, whatever — allows you to concentrate on |
| of depression may not be preventable since current | | | | something other than worries and lose yourself in the |
| theory suggests that they may be triggered by | | | | moment. |
| chemical malfunctioning in the brain. However, there is | | | | WALK IT OFF |
| good evidence that depression may often be | | | | Exercise has been shown to be as effective in fighting |
| alleviated or sometimes prevented with good health | | | | mild depression as Prozac. And it's thought to be |
| habits. Proper diet, exercise, vacations, not | | | | effective at keeping depression at bay in the first |
| overworking, and saving time to do things you enjoy all | | | | place. |
| help keep the blues at bay. | | | | While there are many different treatments for |
| Reduce your consumption of refined carbohydrates to | | | | depression, they must be carefully chosen by a trained |
| avoid low blood sugar | | | | professional based on the circumstances of the |
| The brain prefers sugar as its source of energy. | | | | person and family. Prescription antidepressant |
| However, when a person eats refined sugar or | | | | medications are generally well-tolerated and safe for |
| carbohydrates, blood sugars tend to rise and fall | | | | people with diabetes. Specific types of psychotherapy, |
| quickly, leading to low blood sugar. Symptoms of low | | | | or "talk" therapy, also can relieve depression. However, |
| blood sugar include depression, anxiety, fatigue, | | | | recovery from depression takes time. Antidepressant |
| irritability and headaches. | | | | medications can take several weeks to work and |
| Increase your intake of omega-3 oils may help with | | | | may need to be combined with ongoing |
| depression | | | | psychotherapy. Not everyone responds to treatment in |
| Omega-3 oils are an important component of the | | | | the same way. Prescriptions and dosing may need to |
| membranes of nerve cells. It is important to support | | | | be adjusted. |
| nerve health so that neurotransmitters function | | | | Treatment for depression in the context of diabetes |
| normally. Omega-3 oils are found in wild, deep-water | | | | should be managed by a mental health |
| fish (salmon, cod, and sardines) and in nuts and seeds | | | | professional—for example, a psychiatrist, |
| including walnuts, pumpkin and flax. | | | | psychologist, or clinical social worker—who is in close |
| MAKE TIME FOR FRIENDS, FUN, AND ACTIVITY | | | | communication with the physician providing the |
| It's so easy to let friendships and time with extended | | | | diabetes care. This is especially important when |
| family slide, especially when you're already pulled in too | | | | antidepressant medication is needed or prescribed, so |
| many directions. But having a network of support is the | | | | that potentially harmful drug interactions can be |
| most important way to prevent depression. It may be | | | | avoided. In some cases, a mental health professional |
| hard to believe that picking up the phone and calling | | | | that specializes in treating individuals with depression |
| your sister will be a deposit in your anti-depression | | | | and co-occurring physical illnesses such as diabetes |
| bank but it's true. It's also true that making time for fun | | | | may be available. |
| — as simple as telling a joke at dinner — will put | | | | Read about Acne Cure Treatmentsand Hair Loss |
| more deposits in the bank. Finally, losing yourself in an | | | | Treatments. |
| activity — reading, assembling model cars, playing | | | | |