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|  Depression is a common, serious illness that affects both men and women. However, men tend to focus on the physical, rather than the emotional symptoms and so neither they nor their doctor recognise that they are depressed. Additionally, depression is recognised as a high risk factor for suicide – and the rate of suicide in men is much higher than in women.
There is no single underlying cause for depression, although an imbalance in the brain’s level of neurotransmitters is thought to be a major contributor. An episode of depression can be triggered by the loss of a job, the death of some-one close, reaction to medications, divorce or any serious difficulty. Because men have difficulty acknowledging that they have a health problem – particularly a mental health problem – they invariably attempt to manage the mental symptoms with alcohol and “recreational” drugs, both of which just exacerbate the problems. The first step in the treatment of this illness is the recognition of symptoms - such as lack of pleasure in ordinary activities (especially sex), sleep disturbance, lack of energy, mood swings, weight loss or gain, difficulty in concentrating, chronic aches and pains and thoughts of suicide – and discussing these symptoms with your doctor. Nutritional supplements can help, but it is critical that they are taken under supervision and with the full knowledge of your doctor.
Useful supplements:
Calcium/magnesium have been found by some researchers to be deficient in people suffering from depression. Magnesium works with calcium in supporting the nervous system, relaxing muscles, and calming nerves. It appears to have a wide role in brain biochemistry and has a long history in treating major depression and suicidal tendencies. Fish oils may help with depressive disorders due to their Omega 3 content. Researchers have noted significantly lower levels of omega 3's in the red blood cell membranes of patients with depression. These Omega 3s appear to affect brain cell membranes in a way that allows serotonin – a type of neurotransmitter - to pass more easily. Depression, sleep disorders, and various addictions are invariably associated with inadequate levels of serotonin. Vitamin B complex provides a balanced supply of the B vitamins that we require for many of our bodies functions. Deficiency of these vitamins can cause symptoms associated with depression – such as fatigue, irritability, anxiety, memory problems, loss of appetite, insomnia and even thoughts of suicide. The B vitamins are essential to mental and emotional well-being but, because they are water-soluble, cannot be stored in the body and we have to depend on our diet to supply them. They are destroyed by alcohol, refined sugars, nicotine, and caffeine – all the things that many people turn to for solace when they are feeling depressed. Vitamin C is crucial to brain function. The earliest signs of vitamin C deficiency are confusion and depression – and when we are in stressful situations we require much more of this vitamin than normal. Use of Vitamin C has been shown to reduce depressive tendencies and nervousness – but usually in high doses and only under supervision. 5-HTP is manufactured by the body from the amino acid tryptophan, found in high protein foods. It acts on the brain to help promote sleep, relieve migraines, aid weight loss and, most importantly, elevate mood. In many cases 5-HTP is thought to be more effective in patients with long-term depression than antidepressant drugs and produces fewer side effects. Research is on-going into its benefits for other complaints such as fibromyalgia, obesity, and violent behaviour.
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