What is the Link Between Depression and Loss of Appetite

One of the most common symptoms for people with depression is a lack of interest in activities that they once enjoyed. 

This can mean missing out on preparing or eating food, which has a significant impact on your mood if you're not careful!

Cooking and eating may seem like a heavy task when you are feeling depressed.

Depression often leads to an increase in anxiety, which can make people feel sick with gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea, or abdominal pain.

Many people experience depression and feel like there is no hope for them. 

They may not eat or drink anything, which can lead to even more problems as it starts becoming harder on the body.

Depression often makes people feel as though they don't like themselves and their health doesn't matter.

They may also believe that if things get worse, then maybe eating or feeling better won't be possible for them either way.

Foods That Can Help With Depression

Things You Can do at Home to Help Your Depression

1. Follow your routine: It is important to stay consistent when you are trying to get better. Don't let the depression win; keep following your routine even if it feels like a losing battle at first!
2. Have a balanced diet: The key to overcoming depression is eating a well-balanced and varied diet. It's important for your brain's chemical balance, as well as providing you with the energy needed every day!
3. Have limits: If you are feeling down, it's best to avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can make your depression worse.
4. Exercise: Exercise is a powerful tool to combat depression. Aerobic exercises, such as jogging or dancing can stimulate your appetite and make you feel better because it releases endorphins which give rise an elevated mood-therefore giving hope for the future!

Treatment Options for Depression

See a Dietician

Depression and loss of appetite make it hard for someone to feel hungry or full, which might lead them to nutritional deficiency. 

A dietitian could help by creating meals that are nutritionally balanced and take your individual needs into account (ease of preparation). 

For example, if you're not having any energy then the menu will include easy-to-prepare food items so there isn't too much work on preparing a meal but still provides necessary nutrients needed each day.

Speak to Your Doctor

With depression and loss of appetite, you should see your doctor if you lose your appetite and have the following symptoms for more than 1-2 weeks: 

• extreme fatigue 
• unintentional weight loss 
• fever 

If depression and loss of appetite have been going on longer than 48 hours or is happening now with no end in sight, be sure to seek help as soon as possible. 

Seek Out Therapy

If you are suffering from depression and loss of appetite, therapy is a great way to manage depression.

Counseling can be a great way to get your mind back on track and improve psychological well-being. 

It's often used as an intervention for people who are struggling with depression and loss of appetite due to other sources such as stress management issues at work.

Conclusion

Just because you have depression and loss of appetite, that doesn't mean you have to suffer in silence. 

There are plenty of things you can do to increase your appetite and improve your mood. 

Foods that are high in protein and healthy fats can help boost your energy levels and make you feel fuller longer. 

Exercise is also a great way to combat depression and increase your appetite.

If these measures don't work, it may be time to see a doctor or a therapist. 

They can help you find the right treatment plan for you and get your life back on track. 

Have you ever struggled with decreased appetite due to depression? Leave a comment below and let us know how you coped.

Resources 

https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/depression-and-loss-of-appetite-advice-and-next-steps

https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/diet-recovery

https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/major-depression/depressions-effect-on-appetite/

https://www.buoyhealth.com/learn/loss-of-appetite