How to Beat Depression

This is an incredibly informative Ted Talk.

Dr. Stephen Ilardi is a professor of clinical psychology and the author of The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression Without Drugs. He earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Duke University in 1995, and has since served on the faculties of the University of Colorado and (presently) the University of Kansas. The author of over 40 professional articles on mental illness, Dr. Ilardi is a nationally recognized expert on depression. His work has been honored by the American Psychological Association's prestigious Blau Award for early career contributions to the field, and his research on the neuroscience of depression has been funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH).
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If you don't have time to listen to this talk, I am listing the bullet points for you here.

1. The problem:
We have not evolved fast enough to keep up with all the changes and fast pace of our current world. This puts our body in chronic fight or flight mode, which eventually causes inflammation. We also used to socialize more, sleep more regular hours, and move around much more. As well, our food sources were more balanced. All of these change factors contribute to the rise in depression.
2. The solution recommended:
a. Omega 3s- EPA 1000mg daily/ DHA 500mg daily . . . consult your MD of course. Fish oil and flax seed are great sources.
b. Exercise at least 3 times a week for 1/2 hour . . . get your heart rate up.
c. Make sure you get a good nights sleep, no excuses.
d. Hang out with you friends and family, often. Laugh, love, play!
e. Watch your thoughts . . . rumination feeds depression. If you find yourself ruminating, call a friend, switch gears.
f. Finally, get some sunlight, without sunglasses. Our ancestors were outdoors much more than we.
g. Since this Ted talk I have found research that concludes that curcumin, which is found in turmeric, may be as helpful as prozac. I suggest looking it up on the internet. Great news for people who can't medication. 
10. Lastly, many people have a gene mutation that affects mental health. It causes methylfolate deficiency. It is called the MTHFR mutation. If you have chronic depression, you may want to discuss this with your PCP. Click here for more information.
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Information on Amino Acids and Emotions