Depression Essay, Research Paper

Human nutrition is the study of how food affects the health and survival of the

human body. Human beings require food to grow, reproduce, and maintain good

health. Without the food our bodies could not stay warm, build or repair

tissues, and maintain a good heartbeat. Eating the right foods could help us rid

certain diseases or recover faster other illness occur. These and other

important functions are dueled by chemical substances in our food called

nutrients. Nutrients play a major role in maintaining the bodies organs in

functioning at its p0roper level. The Basal Metabolism Rate (BMR) is in

influenced by the body site and on state of nutrition. The BMR is an important

diagnostic tool especially in determines disorders of the thyroid gland.

Inadequate secretion of the thyroid may lead to greatly depresses metabolism

with mental and physically lethargy. Depression is a complex illness with many

facets of which mood is only one. Depression is a form of mental illness which a

person experiences great sadness and despair in one. Depression can also be

considered as self-destructive hatred, blaming oneself for being full of

helpfulness. Depression can also be used to describe the blues a person may feel

from time to time. Depressive disorders are at the present the highest-ranking

problems in America. A variety of medical conditions can cause and lead to

depression. A depressive disorder is a ?whole body? illness involving your

body, mood and thoughts. People with severe depressive disorder usually deal

with a combination of genetics, behavioral, and environmental factors. People

with these feelings have greater thoughts towards committing suicide. Fiftieth

percent of depressed people commit and others attempt suicide. Most of these

depressed persons suffer from malnutrition. Mental Health a, psychological state

of well being, a sense of purpose in life. Self-esteem, self-assurance, and

self-acceptance, are all characteristics of mental health. Mental health is term

used to refer to the absense of mental disorder. Mental health is focused upon

by a person?s capability of dealing with strenous situations. Being able to

elude cognitive, emotional, and dysfunctional behavior is good form of mental

health. A positive strategy for the mental health and limiting depression is

decreasing stresses. Sometimes there is much need for stress management.

Psychological make-up also can be linked to depression. A number of different

aspects of life can downside an individuals mental health. Depression is a major

factor that affects a person?s mental state. Many problems such as martial

relationships, or financial difficulties in a person?s life can lead to

stress. Stresses can also onset depression. Stress management can be a positive

factor in reducing the risk of depression. ?Depression is a common and costly

mental illness that affects approximately 17.6 million Americans each year.

Depression can affect a person?s mental health. There are many different forms

of depression that are linked to mental health disorders. A number of mental

illnesses occur worldwide. The most common disorders are manic depression,

schizophrenia, and severe depression. Manic depression is a bipolar disease that

causes mood swings from manic to depression. Manic disorders affect a person?s

way of thinking and judgment Schizophrenia is an abnormal behavior, which

distorts thought and perceptions from reality. Severe depression sometimes

referred to as major depression enables a person to interact with daily

situations. Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that

prohibit the ability to work, eat, and sleep. These episodes may reoccur

numerous times throughout a person?s life. Certain situations can drive a

person into depressed state. Without proper treatment, symptoms of depression

can last for weeks. A person must first have a physical and psychological

evaluation to determine if in fact they do have a depressive disorder.

Physicians have to first rule out all other possibilities before administering a

medication. There must be a proper interview of the person?s complete history.

Lab test is also done to determine the symptoms the person is claiming to be

having. Necessary treatment will depend on the outcome of the evaluation.

Depression can be treated with antidepressant drugs. The human brain has

neurotransmitters, which control our emotion and mood state. Antidepressants act

on these neurotransmitters by altering the level of the depressed state. A

depressed person will take these drugs for at two-three weeks before they are to

notice a change in their behavior. Some people discontinue the medication too

early. They are to continue taking the medication months afterwards to avoid a

relapse. Antidepressant drugs may cause temporary side effects but are not habit

forming. The most common side effects include, dry mouth, drowsiness, and

blurred vision to name a few. The most commonly used antidepressant drugs are

distinguished into three groups, (MAO), tricyclics, and selective serotonin

reuptake inhibitors. Selective serotonin antidepressants produce fewer side

effects than any other antidepressant drugs. Prozac and Zoloft are selective

serotonin reuptake inhibitors. ?Prozac became the most widely used

antidepressant s in the world, soon after its introduction.? Nardil is

classified under (MAO) monoamine oxide inhibitor. The circumstance of this drug

may cause a rise in blood pressure. People who take MAO drugs are to follow a

strict diet and avoid alcoholic beverages and certain cheeses. Most patients

obtain a list of foods from their physicians. Coping with the situation itself

can control maintaining mental health. The ability to cope with stress can be

crucial for the mental health of a person. Many people have different ways of

dealing with life?s scary moments. Coping means dealing with the aspects that

arise in everyday life. A person must first come to reality with them and deal

with the situation in their own way. Coping strategies may involve distraction

from certain situations, sharing your emotions with others, and involving one in

numerous activities. Support from friends and family members can encourage good

mental health. Individuals go through stages of negative thinking and make

situations seen more stressful than they really are. Research has shown that the

differences in people?s moods are inherited genes of their parents. Life is

feel with many stepping stones that people go through and have to overcome.

Certain situations may acquire more attention than others may. Mental health and

depression are among many mental health disorders; individuals deal with

throughout their lives. Eventually individuals are able to cope with their

situations and suppress their stress in a progressive way. Protection and

improvement of the health of entire populations through community wide action

primarily by governmental agencies and OAM. Environmental hazards promote

behaviors that lead to good physical and mental health, educate the public about

health and assure availability of high quality nutritional health services.

?Depression is one of the more pervasive mental disorders.? The graph below

shows the percentage of disorders; people have had during a period in their

lives.

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