Allied Wellness believes strongly in the importance of mental health care as well as physical. October 8^th is National Depression Screening Day. We are committed to providing the tools to prevent and manage this mental health condition, affecting more than 350 million people worldwide, and contributing to the risk of several physical chronic conditions. 

Risk Factors 

Depression is more common in those who are unmarried, have suffered traumatic life events, and who have a family history of depression. Environmental factors like financial burden and work dissatisfaction can increase risk of depression, which are much more common during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Signs and Symptoms 

Depression can be difficult to notice, as it can often manifest in gradual changes over time. Some common manifestations include loss of satisfaction or pleasure, fatigue, unintentional weight loss, diminished ability to concentrate, insomnia, suicidal thoughts, and feelings of hopelessness. 

Prevention 

Although environmental factors aren’t entirely within our control, some lifestyle changes can lower your risk for depression. Increasing physical activity, as well as increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole foods, and omega-3 fatty acids are very effective ways to manage your risk.  

Depression screening is recommended for all adults, regardless of risk factors. If you are experiencing depressive feelings and want help, please reach out to your Allied Wellness Health Coach, so they can provide you with the resources you need.

References 

American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA, American Psychiatric Association. 

Kanter, J. & Manbeck, K. (2020, April 1). COVID-19 Could Lead to an Epidemic of Clinical Depression, and the Health Care System Isn’t Ready For That, Either. The Conversation.  https://theconversation.com/covid-19-could-lead to an-epidemic-of-clinical-depression-and-the-health-care-system-isnt-ready-for-that-either-134528  

Opie, R. S., Itsiopoulos, C., Parletta, N., Sanchez-Villegas, A., Akbaraly, T. N., Ruusunen, A., & Jacka, F. N. (2017). Dietary recommendations for the prevention of depression. Nutritional Neuroscience, 20(3), 161–171. https://doi-org.ezproxy.lib.uh.edu/10.1179/1476830515Y.0000000043 

Smithson, S., & Pignone, M. P. (2017). Screening Adults for Depression in Primary Care. The Medical clinics of North America, 101(4), 807–821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2017.03.010 

Zhao, J., Jiang, W., Wang, X., Cai, Z., Liu, Z., & Liu, G. (2020). Exercise, brain plasticity, and depression. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 26(9), 885–895. https://doi-org.ezproxy.lib.uh.edu/10.1111/cns.13385