by Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS
Last year when Cindy came in for an annual exam, I was disheartened that her Internist had placed her on yet another antidepressant and she had gained another twenty pounds. Now she was even more depressed.
Like all of us, Cindy has her demons. Her biggest goes by the name of “Donut.”
A donut is just like an antidepressant; it makes you feel better immediately, but when your clothing becomes tight and the scale moves in the wrong direction you need yet another one to make you feel better.
Excess fat on your body does not make you a bad person. The body is not who you are. It is only a temporary shell that houses your immortal self. But disliking what you see in the mirror is a lousy way to start the day. Negative feelings make it difficult to become the person God imagines. How can you love others when you have trouble even loving yourself?
Poor Choices Map the Highway to Depression
Skillful living boils down to one action at a time. Buy fresh fruit rather than a box of donuts. Pick up an apple instead of the donut. Eat the apple. Wise choices lead to happiness and fulfillment. Poor choices chart the highway to depression.
Do I relax on the couch or go for a walk around the block?
Do I watch mindless television or read a good book?
Will I complain about my troubles – or thank God for my blessings?
The decisions we make determine whether we have a healthy life or not, both physically and spiritually. I can tell you from knowing thousands of patients through the years that it’s the choices we make each moment that determine our happiness.
The Prescription for Happiness
I recommended to Cindy the book “Eat to Live” by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. His prescription boils down to this: Just add a pound of salad, a pound of cooked vegetables, and fresh fruit every day. Then watch your demons – and the cravings – gradually fade away.
In fighting depression, our first line of defense must be against the countless chemicals and preservatives, and the dangerous fats and sugars, that permeate our food. A good diet is the first and best antidepressant.
This year when Cindy came back for her annual, she had lost fifty pounds. As she explained she was off all her medications, a huge smile lit her face.
It’s amazing what the right antidepressant can do.
