Most people know about depression causing physical symptoms, but there are ways that it can also impact your eating habits. How are depression and eating linked, then? At Promises, we offer depression treatment programs that can effectively help you overcome this mental health concern. Contact us today by calling 844.875.5609.
Exploring the Link Between Depression and Eating
Depression is a mental health condition that negatively impacts how you feel, think, and act. It causes a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed and feelings of sadness. A number of symptoms can occur, such as:
- Low energy
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Concentration problems
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Being easily irritated or frustrated
- Having thoughts of self-harm
It can also have physical effects, which include headaches, sexual dysfunction, and changes in appetite.
But how are depression and eating linked, exactly? Depression can cause a loss of appetite. The brain and the gut are closely linked in what’s called the brain-gut axis. One crucial neurotransmitter, serotonin, is made almost exclusively in the gut. Specifically, it’s made in the intestines.
A Closer Look at Depression’s Influence on Eating
Depression, which is characterized by low serotonin levels, can affect the way your gut functions, leading to a decrease in appetite.
Another reason why depression can impact eating is because of the increase in cortisol it causes. Cortisol is a stress hormone. High levels of cortisol often result in changes in appetite. For some, this means losing interest in food, while for others, it could mean an increase in appetite.
It’s important to understand that depression and eating are connected bidirectionally. This means that depression causes changes in your appetite, and a lack of proper nutrition can worsen depression.
This happens even if you experience an increase in your appetite because the foods that you’ll likely reach for could be higher in fat, sugar, and salt content while being low in nutrition.
Depression and Eating: What Treatment Options Are Available?
Whether you’ve been experiencing an increase or decrease in appetite because of depression, getting help at a treatment center can be the best thing to do. When you turn to us at Promises, you have the chance to receive the exact level of care you need.
Residential Treatment for Depression
For those who require a high level of care, residential treatment tends to be the best choice. Residential treatment involves staying at our facilities 24/7. This option offers constant monitoring to ensure you are safe and comfortable while allowing you to step away from your everyday worries to focus on getting help.
We offer individual therapy sessions at our center that can help you address the causes of the depression you’re experiencing. These sessions rely on evidence-based therapies like dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Because isolation is also a concern as you deal with mental health concerns, we also provide group therapy sessions. During these sessions, you get to hear from other people who are struggling with mental health and addiction problems.
Outpatient Treatment for Depression
We know not everyone can take time away from work or family life. If you can’t enter residential treatment, you can turn to outpatient services for care. We provide partial hospitalization programs as well as intensive outpatient programs.
As with residential treatment, you receive both individual and group sessions to help you understand what may be causing the depression and what could be standing in your way to prevent you from recovering.
Begin Your Recovery with Treatment Options at Promises
Promises offers the chance to address the issues that could be leading to depression and eating problems. By turning to our dedicated team, you can find the residential or outpatient treatment programs you need to help you start feeling more like yourself again. Call Promises today at 844.875.5609 to learn more about our many treatment options.