MOOD ON A PLATE

Right diet can beat depression and anxiety.

- By Harender Raj Gautam

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight people worldwide lives with a mental disorder. Mental health disorders like depression and anxiety continue to rise, and 970 million people are affected globally. In India, 10.6 per cent of adults suffer from mental disorders as per the National Mental Health Survey of 2015-16, and urban areas have a higher prevalence (13.5%) compared to rural areas (6.9%).

Among the mental disorders, depression and anxiety are of particular concern. Recent scientific research indicates a strong link between depression and anxiety and an increased risk of developing other diseases, including cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions. Moreover, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has made public mental health issues eminently crucial, as the pandemic has pushed an additional 129.4 million cases of depression and anxiety globally.

Though medical treatment and counselling can provide immediate relief and help alleviate symptoms of depression, our focus should also be on other forms of therapy that address the root causes. While the exact and pinpointed cause of depression is still unclear, existing evidence suggests that it is a complicated disease caused by the interaction of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. While genetic and biological factors are unmodifiable and play a partial role in this disease, modifiable environmental factors—including lifestyle, diet, and social support—contribute greatly to the onset of the condition.

Different scientific studies have found positive outcomes of certain dietary patterns, natural food groups, macronutrients, and micronutrients on the incidence and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms.

Foods to Take