Winter Depression? Eat Some Fish and Flaxseed!
It's been almost five years since then and I have to say most of the studies done on this have added fuel to the omega-3 fire, the latest of which is from researchers in Taiwan. They analyzed data from 10 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in patients with mood disorders receiving omega-3s for 4 weeks or longer. The type of omega-3 that seems to be used in the studies is one of the omega-3s found in fish - EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
Photo Credit: Claudecf
[J Clin Psychiatry 2007 Jul; 68(7): 1056-61, Lin, P.Y., et al., A meta-analytic review of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids.]
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: winter depression, flaxseed, fish, healthy diet
16 Comments:
I have taken a daily dose of Flaxseed for over a year now. I work as a Medical Assistant in a Psychiatric ttreatment facility, and I have discussed in the past with the doctors about other methods besides anti-psychotic medication to treat depression. As anyone can imagine, someone who is already suffering with clinical depression can become even worse during the holidays.
It would be great that something as simple an inexpensive such as flaxseed, may be able to help many get through the holiday blues.
Hello. I am one of those "annoyingly optimistic" people that you refer to in your article. Only it isn't the season that annoys me. It's experts, just like you, who are determined to give optimism and otherwise upbeat moods a bad name.
Why don't you take a moment to explore the many emerging studies in happiness. Try the University of Pennsylvania's Dr. Martin E. Selilgman. He's begun the first ever masters degree program in applied positive psychology. His literature promises that a doctorate in the same will follow.
The World Health Organization predicts that depression will be one of the leading causes of illness in a few short years. Why make fun of people who are trying to live life sunny side up. It would be easier for others to try if they weren't so afraid of being riduculed.
You're not helping us or our society when you make us out to be nerds.
Sherry McGee
Student - PhD Psychology, Health Specialization
Walden University
lighten up Sherry! the comment was a "tongue in cheek" remark. Having a sunny disposition is a good thing! There are depressed people in the world who would like remedies that will not ruin their liver, raise their blood pressure or lower their libido. Flax seeds are available, inexpensive, safe and recommended for other health reasons. Keep on being cheery, it makes the world a much better place!
Lucy
I could not have said it better Lucy!!! great response. Happiness in life is wonderful...that is if you can find it. I do not advocate drugs for any reason, and if flaxseed may be able to help..why not?
Dr. Selilgman sounds like he is on the right track as well. I remember a few years ago when people laughed in the spirit, hey what ever works, go for it. In this day so many people suffer from depression for so many reasons and what may work for one may not for another, so keep the comments and suggestions coming.
Sue
Tehachapi Ca
WOw !! Sherry I admire your passion, but your blowing the "annoyingly optimistic" comment way out of hand !! There was no blatant attack on optimistic people, it was just a light humor joke. No one was being made fun of, no one was made out to be a nerd. I am always saying to people, the glass is half full. I am considered a "overcharged optimistic" by my friends, and that is ok. I smile, I laugh, and have fun. As someone who has worked in the psychiatric field for many many years, positive thinking is essential. We teach patients to not listen to sterotypical views of the mentally ill. We teach them that words are just words. I do not mind if someone calls me a nerd. Its just a name, and it is a compliment to me. If you are going to enter the field of Psychology, I suggest that you remember, that life is too important to be taken that seriously.
Honestly, I'm not a big person for fish. can somebody tell me what flaxseed is with a good description and where is can be purchased? I'm been dealing with depression for 3 years and welcome any advice on how to stay positive and other recommendations on how to attack this numbness I have inside. Joe
Hey this is for Joe, or anyone else. I use a good flax oil called Spectrum Organic with Lignans. Flax oil should always come in a dark bottle and I think should always be kept in the fridge. I have been taking it for 2 months for anxiety and hormonal issues and it seems to be one factor in my improvement. Good luck! Clarissa
I have been sufferinag with depression since the birth of my 2nd child. In 1996 i was diagnosed with clinical depression. I am frustrated and ready to give up on medication.On top of this I have become an emotional eater. I am a mental mess and need some relief. I used to be loving, caring, and a fun loving person. Now I'm very negative and insecure. I just want to know there is a light at the end of my tunnel.
Hey Walden, Marty Seligman has been around a long time. He is most notably known for his work in Learned Helplessness (key component of depression). Dr. Seligman is working in the field of positive psychology as are many other psychology academics. It is important that when we post, we take care to be positive and encouraging. That's what life is all about: positive perspectives and respect for our fellow human beings. I am a Penn State, Harvard, Boston College and Boston University person. As an applied psychologist my speciality areas are depressive and anxiety disorders. If something helps a person with their depression then I say "have at it." Food, exercise, psychopharmacology, cognitive - behavioral therapy, etc., etc. The important component is finding a way to alleviate the pain of depression. I salute and admire everyone who takes steps forward to deal with this disease. So not only am I trained and experienced in this arena, I have suffered from depression and anxiety all of my life. My luck of the draw (so to speak) was genetics and environmental exposures starting in childhood. Be kind to yourselves and to others. It is a good way to start. Best wishes.
I have flax seeds every day & eat salmon at least 3 times a week & also take Omega 3 supplements daily, but whenever I attempt to come off my antidepression meds, I become suicidal. I also put on the "happy face" in public. Some of us need medication & should not attempt to stop without professional help.
I am in the thick of winter depression (SAD) and trying to avoid meds to breastfeed (along with fibro and costochondritis- it's tough). I really might try an antidepressant since even acupuncture isn't helping me enough. But here's something interesting about the flax oil: I was adding flax oil to our daily smoothie when I found out on mayo's website that it is not ok for breastfeeding or for children. I think the flax seed itself is fine, and I put it in muffins sometimes. It pays to look up any supplements on reliable websites. I think people sometimes need medical help for depression and anxiety and cannot rely fully on light therapy, super foods and herbs, or exercise. Of course we should go at our anxiety and depression with many different methods. Music, meditation, super foods, aromatherapy, baths, rest, exercise, light therapy, reading, journaling, talk therapy, acupuncture, breastfeeding after baby is born, good night sleep, vacation in the sun- whatever works. It's worth a shot!
When I say something optimistic to someone who doesn't view the world in quite the same way, I say, "okay, can I be Susie Sunshine" here? Then tell them how their situation can be viewed in a more positive light. Sort of disarms them. Then they can do whatever they want with what I offer up.
I'm 26 years old. I'm really curious if there are people who are dealing with depression right now and feel like they can never handle a serious relationship with somebody becuase the way they feel inside. I have losted a loved one because I just couldn't show enough affection and everytime I kissed that person I felt really numb but I enjoyed spending time with that person but just had a don't give a sh*t attitude. Also, is there a way to get some energy during the course of the day. I feel like the meds put me in a situation where I can't do nothing after getting home from work. All medications say to stay awake from Caffeine... is caffeine really that bad when taking antidepressants?? Just want to know if anybody has these issues and would like to talk about them
Yeah, i absolutly get everything you are saying...
Im 25 and saw a poster that reads: "Fond but not in love"... and i couldnt stop staring at it. It was if someone had just put every relationship i have ever had in perspective with just a few words...
I think to have that 'smittin' so happy you wanna puke love you really need to learn to truly love yourself, and i think its really hard at our age cuz i dont think we REALLY know who we are...
Give it time... and dont force it.
As for the lack of energy.... exercize... You will feel so good! I used to have 2 jobs at about 70-80 hrs a wk and i would work out almost everyday and im convinced that the only reason i didnt drop dead of exahstion was cuz i would really get my blood pumping in the morning and eat healthish all day and it would really keep me going... Good luck!
And im sorry... i have to say this but seriously Sherry, for being such an "annoyingly optimistic" person you kinda come off sounding like one big ball of f'ing negativity!
does any body know if flax seed oil over the long term harm your kidneys
Does using flax seed in breads have the same effect?
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