DEPRESSION

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.

Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression (Depression (major depressive

disorder) 2022).

There are different types of depression. Clinical, Persistent depressive disorder (PDD),

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), or

Depressive disorder due to another medical condition There are also specific forms of major

depressive disorder, including: Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression), Prenatal

depression and postpartum depression, and Atypical depression (Depression: Causes, symptoms,

types & treatment 2023).

SYMPTOMS

Debilitating, inexplicable sadness, and malnutrition (Welsh, 2021). According to

my.clevelandclinic.org (Depression: Causes, symptoms, types & treatment 2023), the symptoms

of depression can vary slightly depending on the type and can range from mild to severe. In

general, symptoms include:

 Feeling very sad, hopeless or worried. Children and adolescents with depression may be

irritable rather than sad.

 Not enjoying things that used to bring joy.

 Being easily irritated or frustrated.

 Eating too much or too little, which may result in weight gain or weight loss.

 Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia).

 Having low energy or fatigue.

 Having a difficult time concentrating, making decisions or remembering things.

 Experiencing physical issues like headache, stomachache or sexual dysfunction.

 Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

CAUSE

Abuse of steroids, Hyperparathyroidism, and Sleep Apnea (Welsh, 2021).

Brain chemistry, genetics, stressful life events, medical conditions and medications are also

likely causes (Depression: Causes, symptoms, types & treatment 2023).

The Standard American Diet can be a major contributor to depression. It leads to obesity and

changes in the hormones (Jacka et al., 2010). Substance abuse is also another culprit as it alters

the brains chemistry.

Depression Statistics (Pratt&Brody,2014):

• 2009–2012: ~8% of Americans >12 y.o. had depression (moderate-severe symptoms in

past 2 wks)

• More prevalent among females in every age group (twice as likely to be affected as

men2) and persons aged 40–59

• Highest rate,12.3%, found in women aged 40–59 • Occurrence ~2½x more likely for

those below poverty level

• ~43% w/severe depression reported serious difficulties in work, home, and social

activities

• Only 35% w/severe symptoms sought mental health care during any given year

TREATMENT

Would want to assess the Client and see if there are any digestion issues or anything in their diet

that points to inflammation. I would also want to assess their toxic load, nutrient deficiencies,

lifestyle, and stress factors.

Stabilizing blood sugar is key. The brain requires a constant flow of glucose. Hypoglycemia (low

blood sugar) should be avoided (Murray 2012).

This a serious disease that can lead to suicide if not handled properly. I would recommend that

all my Client’s that are experiencing depression to seek medical treatment and assessment to see

if they need additional medicinal assistance or intervention.

ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS

A deficiency of any single nutrient can alter brain function and lead to depression, anxiety, and

other mental disorders (Murray, 2012).

Nutrients essential to combating depression are Vitamin B5 (Welsh,2021). Folic acid and vitamin

B12 functions together in many biochemical processes. Folic acid is the most common nutrient

deficiency in the world and depression is the most common symptom of a folic acid deficiency

(Murray, 2012). Vitamin B6 levels are also typically lower in depressed patients (Murray, 2012).

Vitamin D has great importance in the human brain therefore low levels could be involved in

depression in several ways. People with lower Vitamin D levels have been shown to be more

depressed. In studies, when given Vitamin D supplementation depression scores reduced

(Murray, 2012).

For these reasons B Vitamins (5,6,&12), Vitamin D, and Folic Acid are essential nutrients in

treating Depression. Some additional nutrients that would support the brain and ultimately

depression is Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and iron.

Clinical research from the 1970’s has established St. John’s Wort as an effective treatment of

depression as it works with neurotransmitter levels (serotonin) in many different ways

(Chevallier, 2016). St. Johns Wort is one of the most thoroughly researched natural anti-depressants (Murray, 2012). The meal plan calls for a daily dosage of 5ml of a St. Johns Wort 3

times/day (Chevallier, 2016). The meal plan also includes sources of Omega-3 fatty acids (fish),

and zinc and iron.

Day Three of meal plan includes 4106 IU of Vitamin D. Vitamin D supplement (2x1000u) and

Tuna steak (8 oz.). The remaining two days of the meal plan supply additional Vitamin D:

Baked catfish (8 oz.), Wild caught salmon (2 oz.) and a Vitamin D supplement.

Day Three of the meal plan includes 1.8 mg of B Vitamins. Kale (2 cups), 1 egg. The

remaining two days of the meal plan supply additional B Vitamins: Chickpeas and Kidney

beans.

Day Three of meal plan includes 475 mcg of Folic Acid. Peanuts (3 oz.), kidney beans (6 oz),

organic raw broccoli (1 cup) . The remaining two days of the meal plan supply additional

Folic Acid: Sunflower seeds and peanut butter.

LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

I would encourage seeking spiritual guidance from their spiritual source. As well as encourage

them to spend time with loved ones and doing activities they enjoy. Music is also a good form of

therapy and can help lift your moods.

Exercise is truly medicine. It can help with regulating blood sugar and reducing the risk of

depression. Exercise helps to reduce and/or treat depression by providing a serotonin and

dopamine induced high (Lee, 2022). There are so many benefits to exercise. Helping to promote

mental health and wellness is one of them. Exercise may be the most powerful natural

antidepressant around (Murray, 2012).

Pet ownership is shown to help reduce symptoms of depression (Ducharme, 2021).