Depression is a severe mental illness that only very has been recognized as something that requires the attention and concern of everybody. For the longest times, depression had been associated with a stigma that had its own role to play in the aggravation of the illness. Fortunately, things have changes and depression has the serious consideration of the medical community and general public.

Depression arrives stealthily and victims often report that they cannot remember the day they became ‘depressed’. Diagnosis is difficult, and involves a long and complicated process that draws in acquaintances of the victim supported by an comprehensive study of personal and medical history.

The consequences of depression, apart from the obvious risk of suicide, are far reaching and lengthy. We have just begun to understand how depression affects the body physically and what long term effects it strangles the body with. This is important not only for the patient, but for his or her family members as well, since depression has been discovered to be a hereditary illness. Family history of mental illness is one of the first things that is given inspection in diagnoses.

Many actions are advised for an escape or recovery from depression and these include lifestyle changes, diet changes, therapy, medication and even serious medical operations. A combination of these is the only way to pull a victim out of the quicksand of depression.

It’s important to note, for your own sake or that of a loved one, what foods you can consume to help in the fight against the debilitating mental illness. Whatever little profit can be achieved must be taken, as depression shows no fatigue in its effort to shatter an individual. Here is a list of foods known to aid one against depression:

1. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds contain in abundance omega-3 fatty acids, as are many seeds. These are believed to have a positive effect on the brain and can push one out of a bad mood. The evidence is still far from undeniable, but current research is pointing that way. Chia and Sunflower seeds are two other kinds of seeds that have positive effects. That they offer so many other benefits only works in their favour. It is certainly worth giving it a try.

2. Walnuts

There is a growing discussion among medical experts regarding the role of natural foods and the suppression of depression. Walnuts are one of the healthiest nuts available and are brimming with omega-3 fatty acids. The question about how large a role these fatty acids plays in the proper functioning of the brain is being raised. Can they make the tiniest of nudges to push the individual out of depression?

3. Whole Grains

Whole grains are by far one of the healthiest foods that one can consume. They have an almost universally positive effect on the body and no negative effect that we can think of. They keep blood sugar levels in check, promote healthy and regular bowel movements and offer a feeling of fullness. They also stimulate the release of a chemical called serotonin which induces a positive, calming mood. We highly recommend something like Oatmeal.

4. Avocados

Avocados are excellent foods and are to be recommended to everyone. They are mostly monounsaturated fats, which is the right kind of fat. They also contain many vitamins and minerals, and have been known to bolster the performance of the brain. Avocados effect on the functioning of the brain makes it a worthwhile consideration for the plate.

You can’t fight off something as serious as depression with a change in diet alone. If you know someone who is experiencing telling symptoms - and it can often be hard to tell - support and encouragement is one of the most valuable things that can be offered. A good diet will offer some positivity, but therapy, medication, a support system and the knowledge that one suffers from what is truly a medical condition - a physiological phenomena - and not a run-of-the-mill period of sadness may just rescue the individual.