Why We Eat More in Depression? – Risks And Treatment

By Zubair Naseem

13 October 2022

 

Almost everyone occasionally overeats. That mouthwatering dinner that you simply must have seconds or thirds of? It occurs! Normally, nothing bad results from the occasional indulgence if it doesn’t become a habit.

 

Of course, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to a bag of chips or a package of your favorite cookies, since you had a rough week. However, persistent overeating may be an indication of sadness that needs medical attention.

 

Numerous symptoms of depression may appear. It can leave you feeling exhausted, agitated, or with a different appetite. Depression can make some people less hungry. Others, though, may gain weight as a result of persistent depression.

 

It’s also possible for depression to begin first from an eating issue. Find out more about the link between depression and binge eating, the health concerns that come with it, and how to receive the help you require.

 

 

 

Binge Eating & Depression

  • consume a lot of food very rapidly.
  • feeling as though you can’t stop eating, yet being uncomfortable full
  • eating food covertly to conceal your intake
  • For the previous three months or more, you’ve been bingeing at least once per week.
  • After a binge, you may feel disgusted or ashamed of yourself

 

Dangers of Binge Eating

Binge eating can result in the following health issues in addition to the potential for depression:

 

  • Gaining weight

Although binge eating disorders can occur in people of average weight, two-thirds of those who have them are obese. Additionally, binge eating can lead to weight gain.

 

  • Obesity and poor heart health

Being overweight makes it harder for your heart to pump blood, which frequently results in heart disease. Additionally, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke but can be controlled with a good diet.

 

  • Type 2 diabetes

Consuming excessive desserts results in sharp blood sugar increases. You could acquire type 2 diabetes when your body gets more resistant to insulin.

 

Avoiding Food Traps

You can eat well and avoid food pitfalls when your depression starts to get better by using the following strategies:

 

  • Find alternative ways to comfort your body

Besides eating, such as taking a warm bath, enveloping yourself in a comfortable blanket, or sipping hot tea.

 

  • Pay attention to your hunger 

Take a moment to reflect and determine whether you are truly hungry or experiencing another emotion. You might discover that what you want is a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend or a loved one rather than a cookie or a bag of chips, she advises.

 

  • Consume a Diverse Diet

Poor nutrition can worsen depression. So, pay attention to consuming a range of foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat dairy items.

Think about scheduling a consultation with a nutritionist who can make simple, wholesome food plans for you.

 

  • Boost Your Energy 

Engage in energizing activities like walking, playing with your dog, or listening to music. You’ll be less likely to overeat and make bad eating decisions when you do something that uplifts your spirits.

 

Depression Treatments

 

When a depressed person binges, it might be difficult to determine whether one condition led to the other or if they are unrelated. The good news is that both illnesses can be treated. If depression was the first problem, getting care for this mental illness might make it easier to control your eating. Following are your choices.

 

Depression and anxiety management

 

  • Psychotherapy

Consulting with a mental health professional can assist you in finding a healthy method to resolve your issues and enhance your well-being.

 

  • Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants are some of the medications used to treat depression (TCAs).

 

  • Lifestyle adjustments

Establishing a regular exercise schedule, getting enough sleep, and achieving a healthy balance between work, rest, and play can all help to ward against depression. If you want to improve your relationship with food, you might also want to work with a nutritionist.

 

  • Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (DMSTM)

It is a neurological procedure that stimulates nerve cells by delivering repeated electromagnetic pulses. It seeks to effectively and securely manage the particular brain regions connected to depression. Deep TMS has almost no side effects, no need for recuperation, and neither medicines nor anesthesia are used.

 

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