Lifestyle choices may impact mental health

There are a number of anti-depressant medications, such as Effexor, available to consumers with a prescription from a doctor, but getting these medicines is becoming harder for people due to economic hardships. A recent study found that the amount of sugary or caffeinated drinks a person ingests on a daily basis may have some impact on the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms, suggesting that avoiding these drinks may be an effective lifestyle change for people with depression.

The American Academy of Neurology announced study findings from a soft drink research project by the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The institute measured themental well-being ofindividuals who drank four or more cans of soda, juice or cups of coffee per day to see how likely they were to express depression or symptoms associated with the disease. The most significant impact was seen among those who drank the highest concentrations of sugar, with juice and soda drinkers more than one-third as likely to develop these problems compared to individuals who did not drink such beverages. Participantswhodrank four or more cups of sweetened coffee had a 10 percent rise in likelihood of depressioncompared to the same control group, scientists found.

MedlinePlus, a publication backed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reported that a similar study released earlier this year found a weaker link between diet sodas and depression, indicating there could be a connection with actual sugar and likelihood to express depressive affects. Scientists involved in the study stated that both of these projects are preliminary investigations and more studies will be necessary toestablishthe connection between these elements.

A depressing financial situation
In the meantime, those taking medications for depression should continue receiving and filling scripts as penned by their doctors. Some clinicians realize, though, that these prescriptions are becoming more expensive, making it hard for patients that need these pills to obtain them through American drug stores. Those in difficult financial straits could try online pharmacies to get the aid they require.

Zara Aziz, a general practitioner, wrote for The Guardian that many patients are struggling with balancing householdessentials while maintaining prescription and healthcare costs. She stated she is encountering more instances of depression because of these and other factors. Finding affordable options for obtaining these vital medicines may require taking alternative routes.