Nutrition and exercise

The connection between the psyche and nutrition is proven by more and more scientific studies. Although the effect of substances contained in food is considered by many scientists to be too small to achieve effective healing through dietary changes, healthy food can prevent the development of depression and generally increase well-being. The diet should be balanced, contain a lot of fruit and vegetables and, as a source of protein, rely more on fish than on meat.

The increased consumption of fish increases the supply of the amino acid tryptophane, which can be converted into the messenger substance serotonin in the body. This messenger substance works in the brain – it helps to cope with stress and gives feelings of happiness. In addition to the chemical effect of the food, it also does the body good.

Healthy food improves the immune system and fitness, you feel better and have more strength and drive to perform. This newly gained strength can be used, for example, to do sports. A lot of exercise in the fresh air, such as jogging or cycling, lifts the mood and promotes well-being. However, care must be taken to avoid unnecessary disappointments – goals should not be set too high, but should be realistic and achievable, so that a further increase is possible. Sporting successes also make you happy and lead to the release of happiness hormones.

Social Network

A stable social environment strengthens one’s self-esteem and gives the feeling of being both needed and supported. Regular contact with friends and family prevents the development of a lonely life situation and prevents depression. In the ranks of close confidants there is usually a person with whom one can talk about problems, which often makes it easier to deal with them – a solution can be found together and one is not alone in facing the problem.

Psychologists and doctors

For various reasons, conversations about personal problems may not be possible with people from the immediate environment. Also the fear that one’s own stress situation will be carried to the outside (this can also happen with good or helping intentions) prevents many people from having active conversations that could relieve the psyche. In these cases there is the possibility to consult a psychologist or doctor.

The reluctance of many people to take this step for fear of being labelled “crazy” is often a hurdle in the prevention of depression. An open approach to emerging or existing psychological problems must first be learned and for many people it costs a great deal of effort to talk to a specialist for the first time. But as is well known, they are not alone in this. In this context, the frequency of depression in the population should be reconsidered: on average, at least one person in 10 has psychological problems that require treatment. It is better to see a specialist prophylactically than to have to go to one.