Are there ways to prevent depression? Some forms of depression may not be preventable since current theory suggests that they may be triggered by chemical malfunctioning in the brain. However, there is good evidence that depression may often be alleviated or sometimes prevented with good health habits. Proper diet, exercise, vacations, not overworking, and saving time to do things you enjoy all help keep the blues at bay.

Reduce your consumption of refined carbohydrates to avoid low blood sugar
The brain prefers sugar as its source of energy. However, when a person eats refined sugar or carbohydrates, blood sugars tend to rise and fall quickly, leading to low blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar include depression, anxiety, fatigue, irritability and headaches.
Increase your intake of omega-3 oils may help with depression
Omega-3 oils are an important component of the membranes of nerve cells. It is important to support nerve health so that neurotransmitters function normally. Omega-3 oils are found in wild, deep-water fish (salmon, cod, and sardines) and in nuts and seeds including walnuts, pumpkin and flax.

MAKE TIME FOR FRIENDS, FUN, AND ACTIVITY

It's so easy to let friendships and time with extended family slide, especially when you're already pulled in too many directions. But having a network of support is the most important way to prevent depression. It may be hard to believe that picking up the phone and calling your sister will be a deposit in your anti-depression bank but it's true. It's also true that making time for fun - as simple as telling a joke at dinner - will put more deposits in the bank. Finally, losing yourself in an activity - reading, assembling model cars, playing bridge, whatever - allows you to concentrate on something other than worries and lose yourself in the moment.

WALK IT OFF

Exercise has been shown to be as effective in fighting mild depression as Prozac. And it's thought to be effective at keeping depression at bay in the first place.

While there are many different treatments for depression, they must be carefully chosen by a trained professional based on the circumstances of the person and family. Prescription antidepressant medications are generally well-tolerated and safe for people with diabetes. Specific types of psychotherapy, or "talk" therapy, also can relieve depression. However, recovery from depression takes time. Antidepressant medications can take several weeks to work and may need to be combined with ongoing psychotherapy. Not everyone responds to treatment in the same way. Prescriptions and dosing may need to be adjusted.

Treatment for depression in the context of diabetes should be managed by a mental health professional-for example, a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker-who is in close communication with the physician providing the diabetes care. This is especially important when antidepressant medication is needed or prescribed, so that potentially harmful drug interactions can be avoided. In some cases, a mental health professional that specializes in treating individuals with depression and co-occurring physical illnesses such as diabetes may be available.