A recent tragedy in the French Alps has put the consequences of depression in the spotlight. Various media sources confirmed that Andreas Lubitz, a second pilot on Germanwings flight, apparently has suffered from depression. The Week newspaper states that: «Andreas Lubitz had been issued with a sick note for the day he flew a Germanwings plane carrying 150 people into a French mountainside. Police searching his home in Germany found a series of torn-up documents which described «an existing illness and appropriate medical treatment».
According to many experts in mental health most people who are depressed do not kill themselves, however, it is very clear evidence that untreated depression can increase the risk of possible suicide. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that in 2013, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. According to World Health Organization (WHO) over 800,000 people die by suicide every year and suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in the world for those aged 15-44 years. Statistics are scary — depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
Psychiatrists agree that the strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in adults are depression, alcohol and drugs abuse, divorce and other tragic life events such as family violence. WHO stresses out that over 90% of people who die by suicide have clinical depression or another diagnosable mental disorder. So, how do we stop depression? Is there a cure, a way to maintain this condition and help people to overcome the disease and come back to normal life?
There are many solutions for people who have symptoms of depression. Once a doctor confirms a depression diagnosis, you will be presented with a few treatment options including medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. People who don’t respond to traditional treatments may try brain stimulation techniques or vagus nerve stimulation. Antidepressant is the most common drug that is used widely to treat depression. They help to fix chemical imbalance in the brain. Many important chemicals such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine are known as neurotransmitters that are responsible for transmitting electrical signals between brain cells.
I have been researching the issue of boosting and strengthening a mental health through diet for years. When I started writing my book about the power of aphrodisiacs one thing became very clear. We are what we eat. Believe it or not there are natural ways of maintaining chemical balance of neurotransmitters. Foods can improve mental health, because certain nutrients contribute to body function by stabilizing blood sugar levels and improving neurotransmitters and the nervous system. Food containing omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and B vitamins can help to maintain a happy state of mind. A ‘good attitude’ diet should include some meats, fish, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Protein supplies the brain with the amino acid tryptophan, which helps to produce serotonin and niacin compounds vital for a stable mood. Exposure to sunshine is another way to ensure strong mental health. The sun’s rays can help to boost energy and lift up the spirits, because sunlight produces vitamin D when ultraviolet radiation reaches the skin. A deficiency of vitamin D can disrupt hormonal regulation responsible for sleep and mood. So, make sure you get exposure to sun or take supplements.
Positive thinking is well worth developing and strengthening. Everybody can alter their life by altering their attitude. Relaxation and a philosophical approach to life can help to manage stress, daily routines, and troubles. There are many things people can do to maintain positive thinking. The right combination of nutrients, exercise, and relaxation treatments are all good recipes for cultivation of a good attitude.
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