Many things can trigger depression. It is common during life
changes such as adolescence, marriage, birth and menopause. It
can be a consequence of your upbringing - such as whether or not
you were taught effective coping skills as a child. There is a
genetic component to depression, and influences such as diet,
stress and illness also play a part. Being depressed can make
you feel out of control and helpless, yet there are many ways to
avoid falling into depression. * Examine your diet. What you eat
- or don’t eat - can influence your mood. The same diets that
can cause heart disease and arthritis in some individuals - one
that is high in sodium and saturated fat, and low in whole,
fresh plant foods and unrefined essential fatty acids (EFAs) -
can cause depression in others. Likewise, food allergies can
also alter brain function and trigger depression (Biol
Psychiatry, 1981; 16: 3-19). Wheat, milk, corn, beef and eggs
are common culprits (Ann Allergy, 1982; 48: 166-71). But bear in
mind that food allergies l