“There is no family in the country that’s going to be untouched by depression”
Worldwide, depression will be the single biggest cause of disability in the next 20 years. But treatment for it has not changed much in the last three decades. In the world of psychiatry time has apparently stood still. Up until now, depression has not been considered to be a physical illness but rather something that is all in the mind.
In this week’s episode, I talk to world-leading researcher, Professor of Psychiatry and author, Edward Bullmore, about the new science on the link between depression and inflammation of the body and brain. We delve into how and why we now know that mental disorders can have their root cause in the immune system and how identifying the root cause in each individual patient would lead to more effective targeted treatment.
Professor Bullmore explains that stress is probably the biggest risk factor for depression and we talk about how lifestyle can be used to combat it. I hope you enjoy the conversation! My upcoming book 'The Stress Solution' is full of actionable tips to help you live a calmer, happier life. You can pre-order it on Amazon.
Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/35
Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/
Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/
Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk
Actionable Insights
1. Implement Four Pillars of Health
Focus on improving four key lifestyle factors: food, movement, sleep, and relaxation (stress management), as these have a profound impact on overall health and can improve multiple conditions.
2. Adopt Mediterranean Diet
Consider adopting a modified Mediterranean diet, potentially with dietician support, as a study showed significant remission rates in patients with moderate to severe depression.
3. Reduce Overall Stress
Actively work to reduce your stress levels, as stress is identified as the single biggest risk factor for depression and stimulates an inflammatory reaction in the body.
4. Increase Physical Activity
Increase your physical activity, as it is beneficial for mental health and can act as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body.
5. Practice Mindfulness & Yoga
Incorporate practices like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga into your routine as effective tools for stress management, which can positively impact the immune system.
6. Address Obesity via Lifestyle
If overweight or obese, aim to lose weight through diet and exercise, as fat tissue is pro-inflammatory and obesity is associated with higher inflammation and increased risk of depression.
7. Combine Multiple Therapies
Recognize that depression is multifactorial and may require addressing multiple lifestyle factors and therapies simultaneously, rather than relying on a single solution.
8. Participate in Clinical Research
If you or someone you know has depression, consider participating in clinical research trials, such as those investigating new anti-inflammatory drugs, to contribute to scientific advancement and potentially access new treatments.
9. Read Recommended Health Books
Read ‘The Four Pillar Plan’ or ‘The Stress Solution’ by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee to gain simple and accessible strategies for lifestyle change and stress reduction.