First and Foremost - Mental Health

Came across Michael Friedman's article this morning.


"Each year about 25 percent of us have a diagnosable mental or substance use disorder or both. Yet only 40 percent of those of us who have such a disorder get treatment. Why? Many people get help from family, friends or clergy. But many of us don't know when we have a mental disorder or are too embarrassed to talk about it openly. In addition, many primary care physicians don't ask questions to identify mental and/or substance use problems; and if they do, they may make referrals, which many people do not follow up on. Besides, in most places there is a shortage of qualified mental health professionals."

Why is there such a stigma regarding mental issues?

"It is also entirely understandable that many of us are too embarrassed to talk openly about having a mental disorder. It is very hard to say out loud or even to oneself, "I am mentally ill," in a society in which being mentally ill is a curse."

Read more here.

You Are What You Eat

You can eat your way out of depression. Research shows that saturated foods, sugars and trans fats are terrible for your mental and emotional health. People who eat a diet high in processed food had a 58% greater risk of depression than those who maintain a more healthy eating regimen.

The Mediterranean diet, for example, is high in vegetables, legumes and essential fats.It is also associated with a lower risk of depression.

One reason is that certain foods protect the body from inflammation which has been linked with cancer and heart disease. Can this protection extend to mental health as well?

We are responsible for the way we feel and the way we act.

Eating consciously can help us assume greater responsibility and power.

More here: http://generalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/depression_linked_to_processed_food