Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Treatment Alternatives For Depression and Anxiety
In this Health Alert, Dr. Karen L. Swartz, Director of the Mood Disorders Clinic at Johns Hopkins, answers a patient's question: What can I do, in addition to medication and therapy, to alleviate depression and anxiety?
Dr. Swartz answers: Many lifestyle changes can help lessen depression and anxiety symptoms. To start, a healthy diet can contribute to good mental health. A low level of omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish such as tuna and salmon, has been associated with depression, so eating more of these fish may help improve your mood.
Studies have also shown that low levels of the B vitamin folate are linked to depression and may prevent people from responding optimally to antidepressants. Supplements at doses of 400–800 mcg can be of benefit -- although you should ask your doctor before trying any supplements to be sure they won't interact with medications you're taking. Getting adequate sleep is also important to reduce depression: People who don't get enough rest tend to be irritable and moody, which can trigger major depressive episodes.
Finally, exercise is a key ingredient of a comprehensive program for depression and anxiety. Even though it can be difficult to motivate yourself to be physically active when you're feeling sad and lethargic, studies show that even taking a short, 10-minute walk may improve your mood and life depression.
Mind-body exercises such as yoga may be particularly beneficial because they force you to breathe deeply, circulating oxygen to all parts of your body and potentially releasing endorphins that may help you feel better and more invigorated.
Posted in Depression and Anxiety on December 10, 2008
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician. Click here for additional information: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Disclaimer
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That is a very interesting relvation, but makes perfect sense. I recall before I was on my medications for my various illnesses, I was making trips many times a day....and it would vary throughout the nights. But now the urges has subsided and I can enjoy most of my days without interruption. I do notice a difference when under more stress, but that is with anyone- either with out without issues with anxiety disorders.
Posted by: tracik95 | December 17, 2008 12:34 PM
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We do not know how long I have been depressed/anxiety, but in late 06 presented to PCP that I had 4 to 5 toilet trips each night and was having difficulty getting sufficient sleep. This lead to finding serious prostate cancer, and subsequent EBRT/IMRT treatment. However, the night voiding continued until late Sept 08 when I began taking SSRI's. Ten days later, I started getting a good nights rest, only being up once or twice a night. The BHS doctor suggested that during the day, my anxiety was limiting kidney urine production, then at night when I would relax, the kidneys would ramp up production to where I was voiding 200 to 350 cc every 1 to 1.5 hours.
Posted by: JoeMac | December 13, 2008 11:46 AM