This is an excerpt from a book I recently completed called Get We Get Better: 48 Treatment Options for Chronic Depression. Following the mental health journey of depression survivor Ruth, it offers numerous practical, evidence-based strategies for improving your physical, behavioral, vocational, relational, cognitive and emotional health. For updates and availability info, subscribe for free to the right. I post two or three articles per month, mostly on the topic of depression.
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Treatment option 7: Eating well
No judgment here, and no specific advice: when it comes to your diet, do what works for you. Consider whether or not your eating habits affect your mood, and if so, what changes might help. Undereating can cause depression, and overeating can, too. Avoid perfectionism and choose goals that are realistic and doable.
Of course, when it comes to food, it’s not just about physical health, but about mental health, too. Do your food-related thoughts, choices and plans help you feel more emotionally stable and healthy, or less? Answering this question can provide helpful information when assessing whether or not you’ve established habits that work for you.
If you suspect that you could benefit from a rigorously scientific perspective on nutrition, try How to Eat: All Your Food and Diet Questions Answered by Mark Bittman and David Katz. Everything by Michael Pollan is also great.
Finally, if you suspect that you might have an eating disorder, take a moment to fill out a confidential screening or start the search for help at nationaleatingdisorders.org. Food is a big part of life, and it’s hard not to be depressed or anxious if this area of functioning isn’t going well.
If desired, add “eating well” to your depression treatment plan. Then set specific food-related goals and write them on your ongoing to-do list.
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Get uplifted. At least a little bit. Get The Power of Acceptance: One Year of Mindfulness and Meditation at your preferred book retailer today.
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Babies come. But babies don't go. Get Fights You’ll Have After Having a Baby: A Self-Help Story on Amazon now.
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