Vegetarianism and Depression?

Question

I became vegetarian this week, and today i was diagnosed with depression and prescribed citalopram/counselling. My question is, am i more likely to get well on this better, healthier diet?

Answer 1

Don't worry -- millions and millions of people have depression.  Sometimes your body just has trouble producing or re-absorbing seratonin (in your brain cells).  There are many natural things you can do to help yourself get better without having to rely on medication.  

Sometimes food can help.  A vegetarian / natural diet might help you.  Stay away from chemicals, additives, preservatives and dyes in your food.  These can exacerbate depression and anxiety (which often go hand-in-hand).  

Exercise does wonders for relieving depression.  Studies have shown that exercise relieves depression BETTER than some antidepressants.  So, in addition to putting healthier food into your body (and BRAVO to you for doing that!), get out and get some exercise... fitness walking, biking, running, swimming... everyday.  You will feel tons better.  Good luck!!

Answer 2

Citalopram is an antidepressant used to regulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Serotonin is one of the chemicals your brain uses to regulate your mood. Your diet shouldn't have much effect on this, but I would discuss it with your therapist.

Take care of yourself and make sure your eating a ballanced diet.

FYI: to others on here. We are not her therapist.

Answer 3

i've been a vegetarian for a year and a half.

im doing great.

:D

i can feel myslef healthier.

the first month is hard on you but your body getss used to it.

trust me you will feel great

Answer 4

Since this is a problem that you pretty well knew that you already had - I would mention to the doctor that your seeing about your diet choice.  Better to be on the safe side with your mental health than not.

I had a lack of serotonin and took medication for it.  I believe that you will find in a few weeks that you feel much better - it doesn't get better overnight.

My doctors were in favor of me eating vegetarian - but I also didn't take the same medication that your taking either - nor am I you.  That is why I really would strongly suggest talking it over with the doctors.  They are the ones that will be seeing to your care - not any of us on Yahoo Answers.

My best thoughts and wishes go out to you as you go thru this time in your life.  It isn't easy - and it does help when you know that there are others that are standing behind you willing to help you and be there.  If you feel the need - feel free to drop a line any time.  I don't have all the answers - but great at listening and reading - also great at giving encouragement.

Answer 5

Vegetarianism will give you something to do.

Answer 6

I don't think that you will do better on any other diets.  Vegetarian diets that are well balanced are the best kind of diet for you.  I hope that you feel better soon!

Answer 7

I can't say for sure.  If vegetarianism feels right for you, then do it.  It may be part of your therapy--the sense you are doing positive--but it alone cannot take the place of other therapies for depression.

If you'd rather not take conventional meds--and I can't blame you--you may want to ask your doctor about herbal supplements.

Answer 8

Deciding to become a vegetarian is a positive lifestyle choice, so I'm sure it will help. I hope your feeling better soon.

Answer 9

Yes:)

Answer 10

Not the most appealing question, but I'll do my best to help.

I wouldn't blame the diet, most veggies and vegans will tell you that their diet makes the feel better about themselves. Mines certainly does. I find it really satisfying.

Continue with the diet, I promise you that you will feel awesome.

Answer 11

I don't know how much being a vegetarian actually helps with depression, but I did find a site with some promising information:

"It came as a surprise to many that after one year it was the vegetarian group that not only felt better physically, but mentally as well. They had a decrease in depression and anxiety, fewer problems with stress, and improved interpersonal relationships.... Moreover, the incidence of both depression and anxiety has been found to be lower in vegetarians when compared to non-vegetarians."

--"Depression: The Way Out" by Neil Nedley, M.D.

Good luck!

Answer 12

As being vegetarian or not has nothing to do with depression, I think that if you really want to be a vegetarian it's likely you'd feel better because you are doing something you wish to do, and sticking to it and to your beliefs. Best of luck!