Are you feeling weighed down? Is the pressures of daily life causing you to feel anxious, overwhelmed or depressed?  These are normal feelings. The good news? There is a way out of anxiety and depression.

Modern Day Pressures

In our modern day world, life just seems to be getting busier.  Between family commitments, work deadlines and that never ending to-do-list, it’s no wonder more and more people are experiencing mental dis-ease symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

These symptoms that must be taken seriously and treated as a health problem, without placing blame on the person suffering the condition. We do not blame others for their asthma or arthritis, so why blame someone for their depression?

Symptoms To Be Taken Seriously

Anxiety

Best described as a feeling of rushed stress. A person with anxiety may feel overwhelmed, like there are too many thoughts going on in their head. They may feel breathless, have chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty sleeping and a racing mind. The worry, agitation and nervousness can cause people to act in ways that affect relationships and increased aggression.

Depression

The feeling of not wanting to get out of bed. Life feels pointless and there is a reduction in motivation and drive. Depression can cause people to reject their family and friends as they experience desolation, sadness and despair.

The loss of interest in life can cause people to make decisions detrimental to their health.

Anxiety and depression are seperate symptoms, but people can fluctuate between both throughout their life. Panic disorders, aggression, violence and even suicide are all a possibility when a person struggles with their mental health.

We All Need Help From Time To Time

This is why we need to take it seriously. If you have a child, a friend, a co-worker or an elderly parent who shows signs of anxiety or depression, it is your responsibility to help them. Show them this article, or start a conversation.

Every person on this planet needs food, shelter and love. Different personality types will respond in different ways. 

Take a look at Beyond Blue or call 1300 22 46 36 and talk to a professional to get some advice that can help you or someone you know.

Nourish Your Brain

Now, I want you to consider this… the brain requires certain vitamins and minerals for proper neurotransmitter production. Our brain requires things like serotonin and dopamine so that we can be happy, have motivation, energy and drive.

A poor diet, low in certain vitamins can contribute to causes of mental health issues. 

A health check up with blood testing is important to determine whether a person can improve their mental health through diet and supplements.

Pharmaceutical medications as well as counselling can also be extremely beneficial and psychology consultations can be covered under Medicare under a ‘mental health care plan’ which you can discuss with a GP.

Five Dietary Recommendations For A Healthy Mind:

  • Eat a diet high in good fats. Foods such as oily fish like salmon and mackerel, brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds and avocado are high in Omega 3. Alternatively, take a good quality fish oil supplement such as Kissun Pharmaceuticals Memory Power.
  • Take a good quality B vitamin supplement. My recommendation is Kissun Pharmaceuticals  CardiOz. B vitamins have been strongly linked with boosting energy, reducing stress and increasing motivation.
  • Talk to a clinical naturopath about whether herbs such as Gingko Biloba, Brahmi, Saffron or Passionflower may be useful
  • Eat adequate protein. The brain needs protein from foods like eggs, fish, turkey and lentils to promote healthy brain chemistry. Alternatively, take a good quality protein supplement such as nanopro Vegan Protein.
  • Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol. The brain needs adequate hydration and it is important to avoid stimulants such as coffee, especially in the instance of anxiety. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and should be avoided in both anxiety and depression.

Look after your self and your mental health, and be aware of the stresses that can creep up.