Health – Being manly

Lots of guys don’t like to talk about their health. But it’s not a weakness to admit that everything is not quite ok. Tackling depression or anxiety is a big task and asking for help is actually a sign of strength!

In today’s hustle and bustle, it shouldn’t be a surprise that many end up so overwhelmed.

Life often throws us curve balls and we naturally get distressed. This usually passes, but for some it does not. Women who are depressed often feel hopeless and helpless whereas men tend to feel the physical signs. You might feel tired all the time or have an upset stomach for example. Check out www.depression.org.nz  – a website with both depression and anxiety tests available as well as loads of useful information.

All depression can be improved by increasing self care (such as sleep and exercise).

While there is no diet to cure anxiety or depression, there are some nutritional considerations to help as part of your overall treatment.

The sunshine supplement – studies indicate that low Vitamin D can be associated with depressive disorders. Since for most, Vitamin D comes from exposure to sunlight, winter can be a bit of a tough time. Taking walks outside or a vitamin D supplement can be beneficial.

Quite apart from the fact that a deficiency in folate can affect your mental health, research shows that low folate levels can prevent many antidepressants from having the desired effects.

Is magnesium the ultimate chill pill? Magnesium plays a vital role in many of our body’s biochemical processes. It is often depleted in our systems because there are low amounts in our soil, or due to coffee consumption and prolonged stress. Evidence suggests that magnesium might be helpful in anxiety although more studies need to be done.

Omega -3s and the Mediterranean diet are among many other nutritional considerations that are also worth discussing with a healthcare professional as part of your plan.
Signs and symptoms of depression need to be taken seriously if they last for more than two weeks or if you feel unsafe at any point of time. If you are constantly feeling down or hopeless, or have little pleasure in doing things you used to enjoy, talk to your pharmacist or doctor, or call the Depression Helpline on 0800 111 757.