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Depression Essay

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Approximately eighteen point million American adults or about nine point five percent of the U.S population age eighteen and older has depression. To break this down a bit more, twelve point four million woman and six point four men in the U.S are affected by depression. Depression is a very broad illness that many people are dealing with today. There are many different types and ways of dealing with depression, and helping others through it. When depressed, people lose all interest in group activities, and stay at home and mope around (Do, Jan 19th, 2011).when living with, or even being best friends with someone who is depressed it can be hard to handle and at times overwhelming. Depression has something to do with a chemical imbalance …show more content…

Depression can be both a cause and a consequence (Kemper, 1-1-2010). Sometimes when people sleep too much or are stuck in bed because of an injury, depression worsens (Kemper, 1-1-2010). Depression doesn’t have one definition but, all depression is reduced from good nutrition. Nutrition is equally important, because moods have something to do with people’s brains (Kemper, 1-1-2010). People need to keep a well watched and planned diet that is healthy for themselves. People’s brains need certain nutrients to make the neurotransmitters communicate properly (Kemper, 1-1-2010). Serotonin is a chemical that is very important for people’s mood, and it is made from nutrients people commonly consume. Serotonin comes from an amino acid, tryptophan, found in protein foods such as beans, seeds, nuts, and even chocolate (Kemper, 1-1-2010). Learning about foods to eat and foods to stay away from is a good tool to have when dealing with depression. Also, people need other cofactors in these metabolic steps, which include vitamin B, and minerals such as zinc, and magnesium (Kemper, 1-1-2010). Fatty acids are important for the communication between the neurotransmitters in the brain (Kemper, 1-1-2010). Can depression have organic causes? Yes, physical problems can definitely cause depression (Kemper, 1-1-2010). For example hip replacements are physical problems that cause people to be stuck in bed all day and not be able to get up or even get some fresh air, which could

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