Hot weather
Most of us are overjoyed when the rainclouds disappear and the sun begins to shine, but for some, it means depression. It is a disorder known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) brought on by not lack of sun, but by too much of it. It’s thought to be linked to heat sensitivity and hormonal imbalances.
The pill
A study from Melbourne’s Monash University has said that women who take birth control pills are almost twice as likely to be depressed, compared to those who don’t.
Doughnuts
As much as they might cheer us up at the time, comfort foods such as doughnuts are not only bad for the waistline but also your mental health. The sugar soaked doughnut may be a good mood quick fix, but could send you into a sugar crash later on. So it’s goodbye doughnut king!
Tea and coffee
If you’re depressed by sleep deprivation, then decrease your coffee and tea intake. Try to not drink tea or coffee after 4pm, because it can be fatal to your sleep.
Cigarettes
The University of Melbourne found that smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of severe depression by 93 per cent. While the nicotine may reduce stress temporarily, in the long term it can be detrimental.
The internet
A study done in China tested 1,000 teenagers who used the internet excessively and found that they were two and half more times likely to develop depression. Protect your kids and yourself by limiting the use of internet to an hour a day.
Vegetarian diet
In a U.S. study, scientists found that a diet low in fatty acids can increase the risk of depression. Vegetarian’s diets are low in fatty acids and while some nuts and seeds are a good substitute, they can get lost in the body.
Procrastination
Poor time management can trigger depression. When you leave everything to the last minute, you get the feeling of being overwhelmed and that your life is spiralling out of control.
Cosmetic surgery
Research published in the journal Current Psychiatry found that women who have undergone plastic surgery are three times more likely to commit suicide than those who haven’t.
Atkins diet
When you eat carbohydrates, the ‘feel-good’ brain chemical serotonin is boosted, helping you feel happy and content. So when you cut these out of your diet, you become more susceptible to mood swings.
