According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression my include the following: fatigue and decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decision, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or  helplessness, feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism.

Over 6 million men struggle with depression yearly, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you suspect that you may have depression, please seek professional help. If you are nervous, consider taking a very trusted friend with you to make the appointment.

Living a life that encourages and supports mental health is possible. Furthermore,  research shows that  healthier food choices and exercise can greatly reduce or assist with managing depression.  There are some foods that “stimulate production”  of serotonin. “Serotonin is the brain chemical that impacts our ability to be “happy”  or regulate or mood”.   Those foods include:  sour cherries, eggs, flaxseed oil,  coconut oil, and fish that is rich in Omega 3. All of which can be incorporated into shakes or smoothies.

Exercise has its benefits as well.  Weight loss and muscle gain are great, but did you know that exercise has also been proven  to support increased serotonin  levels. Exercises such as aerobics, walking, biking, running, and swimming are amongst several that you could consider incorporating into your lifestyle. According to Live Strong,  for optimal serotonin enhancement one should strive for exercising three hours weekly or thirty-minutes for most days of the week.

In life knowing is half the battle. Always speak with a medical professional before starting an exercise regimen.  Don’t suffer in silence, get the help you  need!

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline   800-273-8255