Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders

Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders

Mood disorders, such as depressive and bipolar disorders, are characterized by prolonged periods of excessive sadness and/or excessive joy. Anxiety disorders, on the other hand, are defined by persistent, severe anxiety that causes distress in daily life. While distinct, it is common for these two types of mental health disorders to coexist.

Nutrition and Mental Health

You may be wondering about the connection between nutrition and these disorders. Can they truly be treated with a specific diet or nutritional supplements? Unfortunately, the answer is no. However, a healthy and varied diet can effectively complement medical and psychological treatments and contribute to overall well-being.

Nutrition consultations begin with a comprehensive assessment of your dietary habits, current health status, and symptoms of depression or anxiety. Working together with your dietitian, you will develop a personalized action plan that respects your pace and priorities. During follow-up sessions, they will continue to support you with empathy, monitor your progress, and adjust the plan according to your needs. Your dietitian is there to assist you at every step of your journey toward optimal mental well-being.

Nutrition appointments are particularly useful for managing the consequences of depression and anxiety because these disorders often alter eating habits. They can lead to changes in appetite, cravings, and even episodes of overeating. Furthermore, the chronic fatigue and insomnia that often accompany these conditions can also negatively affect eating habits. Your dietitian at ABC Health Clinic understands the challenges associated with mental health disorders and is there to help you restore balanced eating habits despite the daily obstacles.

Medications used to treat these disorders often have the same side effect: weight gain. Naturally, when dealing with an active mental health disorder, weight is not a priority. However, once you start to recover, you may wish to return to your previous weight. If that is your goal, your dietitian will support you in achieving it in a healthy and sustainable manner.