It is estimated that depression affects around 322 million people. Now the leading cause of poor health and disability across the globe, depression is on the rise. Depression has likely touched all of our lives in one way or another; either directly or indirectly. I’m sure we all know someone who is suffering or has suffered from depression.
Unlike many other illnesses, mental health issues can leave a person feeling terribly alone, confused and generally lost. It’s a far more serious health problem than many realise. So, you might be interested in learning, that certain factors put you more at risk for depression. Some of those factors, we cannot control and it’s simply a way of life. However, there are some things we can do to reduce the risk of developing depression and other mental health problems like anxiety.
Risk Factors:
- Family history of mental health problems
- Chronic physical health problems
- Insomnia
- Certain medications (you should check with your doctor if you are regularly taking any kind of medication and clarify if that medicine puts you at an increased risk of depression
- Substance abuse
- Traumatic events from the past (including death or loss)
- Vitamin Deficiency.
The majority of the list of risk factors above are unavoidable and out of our control. The last one, however, is not. Vitamin deficiencies are often overlooked as a contributing factor for depression. We’re talking mainly about vitamin D. The vitamin we mostly get from sun exposure. According to Dr J. Mercola, “the importance of strategies such as optimising your vitamin D and gut health for the maintenance of mental and emotional stability, is still frequently ignored.” He also states that exercise is also widely overlooked.
Studies have been carried out that show a vitamin D deficiency can and does put you at an increased risk of developing depression. Further studies have shown that people who are already clinically depressed, respond well to increased sun exposure to fulfil vitamin D requirements. This is another reason why depression rates rise over the winter months.
But Isn’t Sun Exposure Bad?
Too much sun exposure is certainly very dangerous, but too little can also be detrimental to our health. It’s all about balance and staying well protected in the sun. Although the majority of our Vitamin D is made naturally from sun exposure, we can also get small amounts from eating the right foods. Fish oils, egg yolks, fatty fish, mushrooms, beef liver and cheese are all high-fat foods with vitamin D.
B12 is another known vitamin that if deficient in, can contribute to depression. Knowing the signs of a B12 deficiency will help you combat this problem.
If you feel as though you’re at an increased risk of depression, it might be time to consider some lifestyle changes. By simply introducing more exercise and attempting to reduce stress levels, you can make a difference in your mental health. On top of that, of course, make sure you are getting the correct amounts of vitamins and nutrients.
If you feel as though your depression has got out of hand and/or you have any thoughts of suicide, please follow these steps to speak to someone straight away.
We highly recommend the Nutricell supplement to provide you with the key nutrients you need. High in vitamins D3 and K2. Once in the body vitamin D3 is actually turned into a hormone to help absorb calcium and phosphorus from the blood stream. Most people have never heard of K2, however, it’s vital to many aspects of our health. It is believed to reduce the buildup of calcium in order to reduce heart disease.
If you feel as though your depression has got out of hand and/or you have any thoughts of suicide, please follow these steps to speak to someone straight away.