Depression is not generally considered a great
problem in post polio. Is it because we are so busy proving we can
keep up with everyone else or is it just something we don't talk about.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM DEPRESSED?
According to "The Physician's Handbook of Clinical
Nutrition" by H Osiecki 1998 - any 4 of the below symptoms occurring
with moodiness for more than 2 weeks can be classed as depression.
SYMPTOMS
* emotional instability, irritable, excessive
anger
* sleep disturbance
* loss of energy or fatigue
* lowered self esteem or lack of confidence
* thoughts of guilt, dwelling on the past, suicide
* loss of interest in ordinary pleasures &
activities
* crying, pessimism, despair
* difficulty in performing tasks
* loss of weight or appetite
* difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Other sources paint the picture - silent, withdrawn,
apathetic, anxious, fatigue, inactive, childishly helpless, feeling
useless, discarded, uncared for, burdensome.
At this rate we could all fit the bill sometimes!
CAUSES OF DEPRESSION
* tension & stress
* headaches & pain
* nutritional deficiencies
* digestive disturbances
* grain intolerance
* poor diet (incl too much sugar
* allergies
* thyroid disease/ diabetes
* winter seasons (low UV light)
* prescription and recreational drugs
* physical disorders (including lack of exercise)
Disability can predispose to depression simply
because it reduces our ability to exercise!
Reduction in physical activity can lead to -
# reduced cardiovascular health
# reduced muscle & skeletal health
# obesity
# depression
# premature aging
EXERCISE
Exercise increases the production of endorphins
in the body. Endorphins alleviate pain, give the runner's "high"
and increase feelings of happiness. (Laughter increases endorphin production
too so having a good laugh helps to alleviate depression)
Exercise also increases catechalamine production.
These are neurotransmitters which include dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin
needed to combat depression. (Anti-depressant drugs raise levels
of these in the body too)
BRAIN NEUROTRANSMITTERS
Dopamine and noradrenaline increase alertness
and so perk us up. Protein foods, including red meat stimulates production
of these brain neurotransmitters. Vitamin B6, magnesium, carnitine,
vitamin C are essential for these too.
Serotonin has the opposite effect.
It eases tension, calms the body and is derived from carbohydrate foods.
(serotonin production needs B6 and magnesium too.) Serotonin is the
precursor to melatonin production.
Again low melatonin leads to depression.
The reason winter and dull days are more depressing is that melatonin production
is lowered with insufficient sunlight ( but needs dark at night to release
it into blood stream.) So spending time in the morning sun helps
to lift depression.
Acetylcholine is another neurotransmitter
that can cause depression if low. Choline is a B vitamin needed for
acetylcholine. This is often low in polios experiencing increasing
muscle weakness
Glutamine is a neurotransmitter that elevates
brain function and improves mood. It increases mental alertness and is
often low in post polio. Where muscle function is under stress, glutamine
may be used to supplement energy production, leaving insufficient for healthy
brain function.