The survey results for the year 2012 have revealed that there are 16 million depression patients in America. According to a study of World Health Organization, there are about 360 million people suffering from depression across the world.

There are many types of depressions and there are equal numbers of treatment options also. Symptoms shown by depression patients do not show any uniformity. They vary according to the type of depression as well as the intensity of the depression. Any person diagnosed with depression opts for medical treatment to control the affects of the depression as shown by its symptoms. This is not the right approach. Taking    a holistic approach that takes into account the various aspects of the disease in view of the general health and other factors that can have an impact of the disease.  A holistic approach will take into account some of the important factors like the ones detailed below.

Diet and depression

According to the studies conducted by UK dietician’s association, good nutrition is a crucial factor in physical as well as mental health. Though people like sugary, fatty food, they are not capable of boosting the mood and energy of a person. Such foods give good feeling only for a few hours after which it plummets down and the person starts feeling depressed and lousy.

Natural antidepressants

Everybody including psychiatrists agree that there are no magic diets which can help a person to escape from depression. But specialist are of the opinion that a balanced food consisting of enough fruits, vegetables. Whole grains, beans and lean meat are recommended as they help you get out of depression.  Diet that helps his gut is recommended by many dieticians. Balance diet helps you in keeping your blood sugar level stable throughout the day. Latest research has shown that omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 etc are very much very useful in controlling depression. These food items are useful in boosting mental health of a person. Similarly walnuts, berries, mushrooms, onions, apples etc are very useful in improving the symptoms of depression.

Natural depressants

There are some natural depressants like alcohol, caffeine etc. Persons who are prone to depression are advised to keep away from these natural depressants.  Studies have shown that alcohol consumption is likely to cause anxiety and panic attacks in its addicts.  This also reduces the level of serotonin which is the hormone producing sense of happiness is human beings. So keeping away from these natural depressants is always good for safeguarding a person from the attach of depression.