Depression cannot be prevented by supplements, finds study
Depression cannot be prevented by taking a daily dose of multivitamins. According to a recently published study, people prescribed a yearly dose of supplements were as susceptible to developing depression as those who were on placebo. The research stemmed from previous work which suggested that certain dietary patterns and nutrient levels were linked with the risk of developing depression. The study was published in the journal JAMA Network.
Study co-author Ed Watkins, a professor at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, shared that their clinical trial demonstrated that fortification supplements did not help in preventing depression.
Mild depressive symptoms and obesity in participants
The study comprised 1000 people from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany. Since the participants demonstrated mild symptoms of depression on a survey, they were considered at risk of developing depression, however, they had not reported a full-blown episode in the preceding six months. Additionally, all the participants were obese or overweight, which was also one of the risk factors of developing depression.
The participants were divided randomly into four groups:
- One group received a multivitamin
- One group received a placebo
- One group received a supplement and behavioral therapy to improve their diet
- One group received a placebo and behavioral therapy to improve their diet
The multivitamins given included vitamin D, folic acid, zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fish oil.
The study was carried out for a period of one year during which it was found that nearly 10 percent of the study population or 105 participants developed depression. This percentage was the same across all the groups, regardless of the presence or absence of the supplements. Additionally, the behavioral therapy that focused on the diet did not facilitate the prevention of depression, however, it did help those participants who attended at least eight out of the 20 sessions, the minimum required number.
According to the researchers, this implied that behavioral therapy might help in preventing depression once the participants received a certain dose of therapy, however, more studies are required to validate the same.
Self-help tips to combat depression
Depression is a debilitating mental disorder, however, with self-care, one can keep the symptoms under check. Some of the effective ways of dealing with depression are:
- Taking adequate rest – It is important to ensure that one takes adequate rest to feel rejuvenated and invigorated. Sleep deprivation is often a cause of lot of distress. Therefore, one should aim to sleep uninterrupted every day for at least eight to 10 hours.
- Exercising – Exercising helps in the release of mood elevating hormones. Thus, one should aim to spend at-least 30 to 40 minutes every day doing some form of physical activity like brisk walking, running, Zumba, Pilates, dancing, cycling, etc.
- Practicing mind-relaxation techniques – It is important to feel relaxed and this can be achieved by practicing mindfulness, meditation, and even yoga. Deep breathing exercises, reading a book, and listening to music can also help some people relax.
- Indulging in self-pampering – Self-neglect can also cause dissatisfaction and distress. Thus, one should indulge in some activities that one likes like going to a salon, going for a massage, nail extensions, hair color. Pampering oneself or doing something that one likes can be a lot of fun, and relaxing.
Seeking help for depression
Though the self-care strategies work in the case of mild depression, it is important to seek professional treatment for the incapacitating disorder. Depression afflicts nearly 16 million Americans every year and is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
If you or a loved one is exhibiting depressive symptoms and is looking for reliable depression treatment centers in Texas, then get in touch with the Texas Depression Treatment Help. We can assist you in finding a suitable depression treatment center offering individualized treatment programs comprising medications, psychotherapy, and alternative therapies. Call our 24/7 depression treatment helpline 866-827-0282 or chat online with our experts for more information about available depression treatment in Texas.