Myth or Fact?

Happy

Luciana, Bilingual Health Educator

Myth or Fact

Good morning everyone,

"Myth: Once depressed, a person remains depressed throughout his/her life.
Fact: In most cases, depression lasts for a limited period. Adequate treatment leads to complete resolution of the symptoms and the person can return to a normal state of activity and health."

Change your diet, change your mood?

Hello KittyKat,

What you can eat can certainly affect your mood. If you are thinking of changing your diet, you should talk to your doctor since some foods can interact with medications in a negative way.


Luciana, Bilingual Health Educator

One week in

Luciana, Bilingual Health Educator

A New Year and a New Start on Life

Hello Ucpap,

I can hear the positivity in your post as you say you are ready to make strides to improve the 'real' you. You have come to the right place to receive support from a community whose members are going through similar things as you are. Have you had a chance to look through the Depression Program? Each session is based on the previous session, and some members are working one each session together and posting their experiences on this forum, under the Group Session Walk Through thread.


Luciana, Bilingual Health Educator

Healthy Snacks

    I was doing some research on healthy snacks, and found some information that I thought I would share with everyone. A snack is anything that provides you with 100 calories and a healthy snack can fit into the following food groups: fruits and vegetables (essential for vitamins, fiber and other nutrients), whole grains (rich in carbohydrates which can give you power), nuts and seeds (high in calories, but an essential source of protein) and low fat dairy products (a great calcium and protein source).

     Some smart 100 calorie snacks suggested by the Mayo Clinic are: “1 cup sliced bananas and fresh raspberries, 2 cups of carrots, 3 ½ cups of air popped popcorn, 5 melba toast crackers, rye or pumpernickel,  2 table spoon of peanuts, 2 domino sized slices of low fat Colby or cheddar cheese, or 1 fat free chocolate pudding cup.”

     They also mention ideas for quick and healthy 200 calories snack meals, which are a better alternative to skipping a meal, or opting for an unhealthy choice. Some of the ideas mentioned are:

-  “Toast one-half of a whole-wheat English muffin. Top with one slice Canadian bacon, a tomato slice and one slice low-fat American cheese. Microwave until the cheese melts.
- Spread 1 tablespoon part-skim ricotta cheese over one-half of a small cinnamon-raisin bagel. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired and top with a thinly sliced apple.
- Top a small baked potato with 2 tablespoons fat-free plain yogurt and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning.
- Layer a 6-inch soft corn or flour tortilla with 2 tablespoons shredded low-fat cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. Microwave until the cheese melts. Slice into bite-sized pie shapes. Dip into some salsa if desired.
- Mix 1/4 cup cold leftover chicken or convenience-type chunk chicken with sliced seedless grapes, 1/2 tablespoon sunflower seeds, 1 tablespoon plain low-fat yogurt or fat-free mayonnaise and a dash of curry powder. Stuff into half of a whole-wheat pita pocket. “

Members, what are some healthy meals that you enjoy, which don’t require a lot of work but are delicious and still nutritious?
Luciana, Bilingual Health Educator

new member

Hello Maddie and welcome to the Depression Center!


Luciana, Bilingual Health Educator

Med Changes

Lance, slowing down and focusing no yourself is so important. Take some time for yourself and do something you enjoy!


Luciana, Bilingual Health Educator

Bipolar Disorder vs. Depressive Disorder

Many wonder; what is the difference between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder? Below is some helpful information that may help clear up the mystery:
Bipolar Disorder is also called manic-depressive illness. Bipolar disorder is much less common than major depression but it's important to understand what it is and what makes it different from major depression. One symptom of bipolar disorder include cycling mood changes that include extreme highs (mania), extreme lows (depression), and periods of normal functioning (wellness). Sometimes the mood changes in bipolar disorder are fast, dramatic and obvious, like there is a "mood switch" that is being turned on and off. Usually, though, the mood changes in bipolar disorder are much more gradual and less obvious.

In a depressed phase, people with bipolar disorder may have some or most of the symptoms of major depression. When in a manic phase, people with bipolar disorder can be extremely energetic, active, talkative, and irritable. The symptoms of mania include problems with thinking, judgment, and social behavior that can cause serious problems and embarrassment for people with bipolar disorder and the people close to them. People in a manic phase often feel so energized and alert that they feel like they have "special" powers or have been "chosen" for a "special mission." People in a manic phase are often talking all the time about big plans for fame or success, but their plans often only get them into trouble. It is also fairly common for people to get into trouble because of their increased interest in sex and sexual activity, and increased spending habits that can lead to financial problems.
Untreated mania can sometimes worsen to a psychotic state that requires hospitalization.

Less severe episodes of mania are described as hypomania. Hypomania is also a serious disorder, but it often goes unrecognized because the symptoms are less debilitating and severe than mania. Someone who is in a hypomanic state may have more energy, need less sleep, and be more talkative compared to usual; others may believe that they're just in a "really good mood" or are "hyperactive."

Bipolar disorder is a chronic disorder. After an initial episode, people with bipolar disorder usually experience alternating periods of mania, depression and wellness for the rest of their lives. There is currently no cure for bipolar disorder. However, it is important to understand that recognizing bipolar disorder and sticking with treatment, even during wellness, can help keep the condition under control and reduce the chance that the episodes will worsen over time.

In summary, bipolar disorder is distinguished from MDD and dysthymia by the presence of manic, mixed or hypomanic episodes.
We hope this post has helped give you a better understanding of both illnesses. Please feel free to ask questions!


Luciana, Bilingual Health Educator