Depression is not a joke. It can affect a person’s way of thinking, behaving and feeling. Although the condition is primarily blamed on the lack of certain chemicals or neurotransmitters in the brain, it is actually very complex and can be caused by stressful life events, medications, health problems and family history.
A person who is depressed may feel sad, lose interest or pleasure in things he normally enjoys, change in appetite resulting in either weight gain or weight loss, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, lose energy or experience fatigue, waste time in purposeless activities, feel worthless or guilty, have difficulty thinking or concentrating and worse, depression may lead to suicidal tendencies.
As mentioned, stressful life events increase the risk of having depression. In fact, in a recent study, researchers found that the number of depressed Americans tripled during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the time before it occurred. The study revealed that the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the U.S. reached 27.8 percent during the pandemic, compared to only 8.5 percent before. According to the researchers, the causes of the significant increase in depressed Americans are lower social resources, lower economic resources and greater exposure to stressful events, such as job loss.
Prepping for depression
Stressful events increase the prevalence of depression. But even before disaster strikes, some people already suffer from mental health problems and need antidepressants. According to statistics, over 42.3 million people rely on anti-depressant medications — and this was way back in 2017. With the pandemic, there could even be more people taking these drugs for their mental health. The problem is, after a disaster, there could be a shortage of these drugs.
As a prepper, you should be wary of the possibility that either you, or one of your family members, or a part of your survival group may experience depression after SHTF. Yes, mental toughness is a must for preppers, but no one is invulnerable to depression. Along with your preparations for disasters and other SHTF-like events, be ready to deal with or prevent depression.
When prepping for your food supply, make sure to include foods that are good for the brain, such as wild meat or fish, pastured meats, canned sockeye salmon, canned herring, canned sardines, canned oysters, coconut oil, olive oil, butter, lard, eggs, dark and leafy greens, canned olives, mushrooms, nuts, sunflower seeds and berries. Make sure the foods in your stockpile have a long shelf life.
As for supplements, choose those that provide vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, vitamin B6, niacin, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. (Related: Nutrients and brain health: Which ones are great for improving mental health?)
In addition, since it is a must for preppers to learn how to grow their own food, make sure to plant herbs that are beneficial to mental health. Some examples of these are St. John’s wort, catnip, valerian and mugwort. These herbs can be consumed as supplements, but catnip and mugwort can be steeped into a tea.
Catnip helps a person to function without falling asleep. Valerian is a sedative that has muscle-relaxing properties. Mugwort also helps those who have insomnia, while St. John’s wort helps people with anxiety. (Related: Many invasive plants have medicinal benefits)
Fight depression even before SHTF
Your mental toughness will be challenged during difficult times, but it can be cultivated before SHTF. Some of the things you can do to build mental strength is to stay connected with important people in your life. Practicing meditation or yoga also helps. Always aim to get good-quality sleep and eat a nutritious diet. Exercise regularly and get enough exposure to sunlight. Lastly, if necessary, seek professional help.
Visit Mental.news to learn more ways to support your mental health.
Joven Gray
Sources include:
TheOrganicPrepper.com
Amazon.com
JAMANetwork.com
HelpGuide.org


Related Posts
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
Published by dreddymd
Dr Eddy Bettermann MD focus on Biological Medicine (Biologische Medizin) #Biological #Medicine #videos http://bit.ly/2LF3Ro3, Darkfield Microscopy (Dunkelfeld Mikroskopie), Orthomolecular Medicine (Orthomolekulare Medizin), Ayurvedic Medicine (Ayurveda), Psychosomatic Medicine (Psychosomatische Medizin), raw food (Rohkost), fasting (Fasten):
Our primary integrative medicine goal is the maintenance of your health and wellness, and we are committed to safe and effective healthcare.
Our specialties include online integrative medicine education by alternative doctor: food and allergy management through the use of Integrative medical therapy, Environmental Medicine, General Family Medicine, Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Chronic Fatigue, ADHD, autism, Fibromyalgia, Yeast/Fungus related diseases – Candidacies, mercury dental replacement and detoxification, Natural Thyroid Replacement, Weight loss, Lyme Disease, Irritable Bowel Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Addiction related programs, Intestinal Dysbiosis, as well as trigger point therapy using Neural Therapy.
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD, physician from Germany, consultant and teacher in biological medicine, especially dark field microscopy known as Live Blood Analysis in Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. But he lecture also in the USA, Canada and the U.A.E. He speaks english and german.
https://dreddymd.com/2017/01/17/the-interactive-live-blood-cd-and-the-certified-training-live-blood-analysis-online-course/
https://dreddymd.com/courses/
https://dreddymd.com/2017/01/17/live-blood-microscopy-analysis-darkfield-course/
“Let thy Food be thy Medicine and thy Medicine be thy Food.” — Hippocrates
Physician Member of the Medical Board at AOX Singapore,
Medical Doctor at Nurse Mobile Clinic and
Physician at DrEddy Clinic
Our Mission:
The mission of the Integrative Medicine is to search for the most effective treatments for patients by combining both conventional and alternative approaches that address all aspects of health and wellness – biological, psychological, social and spiritual. Biological Medicine is a big part of my work and so is Dark field Microscopy, what I use in my daily practice and what I teach more then 15 years in Asia and around the world: Live Blood Analysis in dark field based on Haematology.
We utilize Live blood analysis since 2004, conventional as well as specialty laboratories for a thorough diagnostic work up of the disease in question. Our integrative medicine treatment regimens are especially unique and are tailored specifically to the individual needs of each patient.
Our Mission: don’t harm, prevent, use food as medicine
We are a reliable partner for integrative medicine in Medical Spa & Clinic Development and integrative medicine Education Training for alternative doctors – we bring different holistic approaches, like Integrative Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda Medicine together. On your request we offer our service in your place as well.
Heavy metal poisoning
Heavy metal poisoning is much more common than most people realize, and if you’re thinking that it doesn’t apply to you because you haven’t been exposed to any, think again. If you’ve eaten fish regularly, had amalgam fillings, received vaccinations, drank contaminated water, or done industrial or agricultural work or pharmaceutical manufacturing, there’s a good chance that you have a fair amount of toxic metals in your system..
We are here to help and to educate!
Wishing your health and happiness
Dr Eddy Bettermann MD
Multimedia library https://bit.ly/2Wgqsd3
Protect you and your family from harmful radiation.
DrEddyClinic is affiliate of Amazon and get commission for the products, which we recommend https://www.amazon.com/shop/dreddyclinic , same as GlobalHealing https://dreddymd.com/shop/supplements/
View all posts by dreddymd