Posts Tagged ‘Mental Health’

The discovery of genes has radically changed our view of how the human body – including the mind – functions, or in some cases, malfunctions. We also know that having a gene that scientists have linked to a particular a physical or mental condition isn’t the end of the world and genes don’t simply determine our lives and health.

Genes are like switches and they don’t switch themselves on and off. They need a trigger to activate them. Having a particular gene may predispose someone in a particular direction but often that is all it is. In relation to depression, though there may be genetic factors involved, to think of it as a genetic disease or disorder is premature, and in many cases, unhelpful, since it falsely implies that one’s fate is pre-ordained.

Genes and Depression

There is no such thing as a depression gene; many genetic conditions are the result of whole sets of genes, which are activated in certain environmental and life circumstances. However, there is something in the gene theory of depression. Studies of families, especially twins, suggest that depression may have some genetic roots, though which genes are involved remains unknown.

A candidate gene is one known to regulate serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter involved in mood. People with it may be more susceptible to depression, but whether that will happen depends on a variety of interlocking factors.

Regardless of genetic makeup, anyone can become depressed if the circumstances are right (or rather, wrong). Sadness and despair can be normal reactions to hard times and the medical profession has been criticized for ‘medicalizing’ ordinary human unhappiness and prescribing unnecessary drugs. However, when depression is deep and enduring, sufferers can benefit from medical help.

If someone has a history of depression in their family that may usefully alert them to a possible genetic vulnerability. Swapping our supposed mental health genes is not currently an option, so sufferers concentrate on practical steps to management and recovery.

Dealing with one of the many depression disorders can often bring forth another task which is hard to cope with. That extra issue just happens to be a weight problem, and can either be a loss or gain of weight. In the majority of people the issue is weight gain, but there are still those who deal with unexplained weight loss during this time.

No matter which of the two scenarios you’re personally dealing with, the first step recommended is to speak to your physician about your depression as well as any weight issues.
Here are some ideas on how to best approach this situation.

* Get help for the depression. Putting priority on depression treatment will make dealing with weight issues more successful in the long-run.

* Set small goals. Any task is difficult when you suffer from depression. Adjust your goals by making them smaller and they will become more achievable.

* Increase your physical activity. Many people have a difficult time getting themselves to exercise. For the depressed person, the task can be monumental. However, exercise and general activity helps alleviate depression and minimizing weight gain. However, it’s better to take things slow and manageable rather than quitting too soon out of frustration.

* Eat nutritiously. Your body can be your friend during tough times if it’s treated right. Eating colorful, nutritious foods will give the body what it needs to help fight the depression and prevent improper eating habits.

* Work on your self-esteem. As a rule, people with depressive disorders have either feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. By working on these issues, it becomes easier to handle the necessary tasks of proper nutrition and exercise required to avoid weight issues in the first place.

* Ask your physician if your medication could be the culprit in your weight issues. Some antidepressants are known for causing weight gain.

While there are still many unknown elements about the relationship of weight issues and mental health, it’s evident that any connection is an important public health issue.