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Brief Definition:
We all have occasional blue days, where we don't feel like doing much or being around others. When this feeling becomes persistent and begins to seriously affect our lives and relationships, it could be considered severe depression. Even mild depression is nothing to ignore, but the severe form can cause marital problems, job loss, alcohol abuse, even thoughts of suicide. Depression can be a living hell.
Common Symptoms:
Depression is one of the most difficult problems to diagnose or treat. Depression manifests itself in mood-oriented symptoms including: anxiety, panic attacks, anger, crying spells, fatigue or an overall disoriented feeling. Depression can be related to hormonal or menstrual cycles. However, it has often been found that persons suffering from depression also suffer from allergies such as hay fever or skin disorders including hives and eczema, which may be food-oriented. Thus, depression may be linked to food allergies.
Treatment Options:
Psychotherapy and emotional counseling are often prescribed to deal with depression, citing specific events and/or childhood experiences as the cause. Another approach to treatment is to look at depression with the belief that it could be a result of food allergies or exposure to environmental factors such as chemicals, which may be responsible for chemical imbalances. Keeping a journal of good days and bad days as they relate to diet and environment is one place to start. Another option would be testing for allergens and getting treatment by a physician knowledgeable in the depression/allergy connection. Treatment should address the cause of the illness -- not just cover up the symptoms with prescription drugs.
We hope this information has been helpful. Please call Environmental Health and Allergy Center - St. Louis at 314-921-5600 or email us at ehacstl@ehacstl.com for more information.
