‘VEGETABLES CAN’T COMBAT DEPRESSION’

A study found that eating a healthy diet made people less likely to suffer depression, Dr C says it’s not that simple

Researchers followed 964 people for six years, and monitored their depression symptoms and diet. Those who avoided red meat, saturated fats and sugar, and ate vegetables, fruit and whole grains, were 11 per cent less likely to have depression later.

FEELING DOWN IMPACTS YOUR DIET

That’s all well and good, but the way it was reported was insulting, suggesting that a mental health condition was merely down to diet. It’s too simplistic to say “these people eat well, that’s why they’re not depressed”. It’s probably more accurate to say “these people are eating well because they’re not depressed”.

THERE ARE ALL SORTS OF TRIGGERS

The symptoms of depression include not finding pleasure in things you used to enjoy, feeling worthless, a lack of confidence, no interest in socialising, low appetite, weight loss, eating too much and gaining weight – all of those things would impact how well you’re eating. It’s not helpful to suggest that depressed people simply need to eat more whole grains and vegetables. Depression can be triggered by all sorts of things; bereavement, job loss, relationship break-ups, ill health and genetics can all up someone’s risk of becoming depressed. A change in diet can’t “cure” those things.

This research involved people with an average age of 81, which is significant too, because at that age people can be isolated – particularly if they have lost a partner, which will impact their mood and their motivation to cook.

Plenty of research has shown that when older men lose their partner, they tend to eat poorly, having never had to cook for themselves. The research also said that future studies were needed. Yes, the healthier your lifestyle, the healthier you are likely to be in old age – but depression isn’t that simple. Lifestyle triggers can all lead to mental health problems, and older people – like those in this study – are at risk because they’re often lonely, immobile and isolated, potentially unable, lacking in confidence or unmotivated to cook.

YOU NEED PROPER HELP

If you have depression, a good diet is of course important, and nutritious food will help everyone to stay as healthy as possible. But what people with mental health problems really need is help via antidepressants or therapy – or preferably both. Not vegetables.