WHAT IS DEPRESSION: Some Facts About Depression and Can Omega 3 Help

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Which of the Following Are True About Depression?

Depression is twice as common in men as in women

Some small studies have claimed that increasing the amount of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet such as those in certain fish can help depression

More than 17% of the population have had a major depressive episode in their lifetime

It usually takes 2 to 6 weeks to notice improved symptoms after starting medication for depression

Bipolar disorder, another type of depression also called manic-depressive illness is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression)



Actually according to statistics depression is twice as common in women as men. It is also true that more than 17% of the population have had a major depressive episode in their lifetime. And you may need to wait between 2 and 6 weeks for the medication for depression to cause a noticeable improvement.



"Never have so many owed so much to so few". Winston Churchill was speaking about the Spitfire and Hurricane pilots who defended England in the Battle of Britain but the phrase could aptly have included Churchill himself. A man who did so much to prevent the world from falling into the depths of tyranny and the abyss of a new dark age. Yet Churchill fought internal as well as external battles. He called it his "black dog", bouts of depression during the course of his amazing and inspiring life. He along with Abraham Lincoln and countless millions upon millions of other people have come to grips with this ubiquitous phenomenon.

Fishing for Treatment for Depression: More Fish Less Depression? Piscatorial Impact on Serotonin Levels

As the study printed in Researchers Fish for Answers About Omega-3, Bipolar Link indicates researchers have reported an inverse correlation between bipolar (manic) depression and fish consumption. The question about omega 3 fatty acids and depression is not just a fish story. There are ongoing studies and some small preliminary reports that omega 3 fatty acids such as those in certain fish may help with depression and perhaps other related conditions. See this report about borderline personality, depression and omega 3 fatty acids. See also this report about fish oil and depression .

What are Symptoms of Depression?

Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood

Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex

Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

Restlessness, irritability

Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.



The previous list of depression symptoms is from this excellent National Institute of Mental Health page explaining the Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Depression.