[southernwonder]

Have any of you followed a specific diet to try to control your symptoms? I am looking around online about information on this and wanting feedback from anyone who has tried this approach.

I am also taking medication, but I am looking for additional ways to cope.

Thank you.

[MoonTurtle]

Might want to talk with your dr to see if there's anything specific you should or should not be eating, because of your medication. You never know about side effects, so it'd be good to check.

As for my personal experience: in the past, whenever I've tried eating really healthy (e.g. lots of fruits & vegetables and other fresh foods, cut out alcohol/soda/junk food) I usually do feel better. It feels like my body functions better, and my self-esteem goes up a tiny bit because I know I'm doing something good for myselfl But, when I'm feeling REALLY bad, it's more likely I'll reach for the wine or chocolate, instead of carrots and the like. So, I'm not always consistent, but I try, and I'm better about it than I used to be.

My advice: just try to follow a healthy diet - nothing crazy or too restrictive, just using common sense. Ease into it by making small changes, and see if you notice any results. Even if it doesn't make you feel extremely better, at least it won't hurt anything!

Best of luck!

[Elana05]

Originally Posted by MoonTurtle

My advice: just try to follow a healthy diet - nothing crazy or too restrictive, just using common sense. Ease into it by making small changes, and see if you notice any results. Even if it doesn't make you feel extremely better, at least it won't hurt anything!

Hi southernwonder,

...good point there...

I took macrobiotics very serously for over a year. This diet also contains philosophy about how foods affect mood as well as health (among other things). I think I got a little too far into the diet and my judgement became impared (I used to get pretty obsessed with things like this).
I can say that this type of diet provides a lot of healthful ingredients and recipes. Much of it resembles the traditional Japanese menu and so it includes some tastes that were pretty new to me, but also very healthful like seaweeds and rice-flour. Two things out of this diet that I really do believe are helpful are miso soup and green tea (if you don't mind caffeine). You can find some nice recipes for miso soup (chock full of noodles or veggies - yum) online. Looking back, this diet opened my eyes to some new and healthful recipes. At that time I had hoped it would be a cure-all. But in the end I guess I haven't really found food to affect me too much... So I've come back to feeling that it's simply best to eat unprocessed foods as much as possible and cook when possible. Here is a cookbook I like
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Bes.../9780760717400

E

[garden gal]

I've found that when I'm eating a lot of simple carbs (desserts, candy, etc...), my energy level and mood will crash more drastically than when I'm eating healthier food. I agree with MoonTurtle... when I'm eating lots of fruits and vegetables, my self-esteem goes up a little bit, and I think I generally feel better. But, when I'm really depressed, I don't have the energy to cook anything and tend to eat badly.

One book I've found that deals with dietary issues and depression is "The Chemistry of Joy" by Henry Emmons. It is an interesting read.

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Southernwonder!

In the earlier stages of my depression I followed an informal low-fat diet coupled with increased exercise and activity. I got into some of the best shape of my life! Unfortunately, in my case, neither diet, nor exercise, nor medication prevented depression from advancing and drowning me.

[adriano]

Originally Posted by southernwonder

Have any of you followed a specific diet to try to control your symptoms? I am looking around online about information on this and wanting feedback from anyone who has tried this approach.

I am also taking medication, but I am looking for additional ways to cope.

Thank you.

I'm on a vegetarian diet which has been VERY helpful. Chlorophyll (everything that is green) and avoiding refined sugar and caffeine keeps me up.

[turquoisesea]

I actually have been meaning to work on that but haven't yet!

What I would suggest is regular exercise. It can work wonders in a good percentage of the population

I must agree with garden! Carbs doesn't elevate happiness! Healthy foods would. I never thought about having a better approach in regards to food, and I will remember this. Thank you, southern! Anyway, while I was depressed though, I filled up on carbs (Cheerios, other cereals, and chocolate!) and orange juice (which just added to the acid in my stomach from being stressed.), so I'm guessing acidic drinks with Vitamin C isn't the best thing to have..
Also, stay away from gum! I'm sorry but it doesn't help at all. It never helped me, especially the ones that weren't sugar free because it made you aware that sugar and extra calories were coming in! So, gum, sugar-free or not, isn't a good idea to have.

I also like adriano's approach; it sounds like a good diet as long as it's balanced.

ps: I'll be even more honest here. I'm not sure if excercise does much! I mean, it grows awareness on how many cals are being lost, so maybe that awareness will drive you to excercise more and more? Maybe have a diet first, and when you're starting to feel better, go out for that jog.

Best of luck hun!

[MoonTurtle]

Originally Posted by opaquemind0

ps: I'll be even more honest here. I'm not sure if excercise does much! I mean, it grows awareness on how many cals are being lost, so maybe that awareness will drive you to excercise more and more? Maybe have a diet first, and when you're starting to feel better, go out for that jog.

In my experience, exercise was kind of hit or miss. Sometimes it made me feel a bit better, and other times it had no effect on my mood. Over time, it did help me lose about 10 pounds though, which I had gained due to sitting around and eating junk food while depressed!!

Like I said with the diet, I'd say go ahead and try exercise. If it helps your mood -- great, and if it doesn't, it's still good for your body.

Well, if exercise will do you well southern, then by all means, listen to Moon! I do agree that it's good for you!!!
(But don't overdo the exercising! I've done that once or twice, and well...-yeah. Just stick to moderate stuff, that isn't too much! )

[daytimedreamer]

When I eat better and more healthfully, my depression and anxiety spiral completely out of control. I don't know if it is just a coincidence or if the food had anything to do with it, but I've never noticed healthy foods having any positive effects on my moods.

I have digestive problems which are exacerbated by vegetables, so perhaps that has something to do with it. Maybe my body is not processing vegetables properly and I am not getting proper nutrition from them. It's something I will have to think about.