This is a post that gets to me.  I hate to see people suffer and I hate to see people down and depressed.  It's something I have watched attack family and friends over the years and in some cases with horrible implications. 

When you feel like life is no longer worth living, there's only one way to go from there and it's downhill.  For some, it's deep down and painful and can seem impossible to get out from under.

So, as if being depressed wasn't bad enough, more and more studies conclude that there is a direct correlation between depression and obesity.  If you're doubting whether there is any real connection...don't!

There is no doubt that depression can lead to an increase in body fat.  In fact, the only question really worth asking is how much weight will you gain while depressed. 

Of course, there are a host of reasons why this is so.  They range from hormonal and biological to physiological and social iissues.  This is not an area where we just give someone a happy pill and send them on their way.

The University of Alabama did a very extensive study that spanned 20 years and over 5100 people both male and female.  Yes, the study revealed that the depressed people not only gained weight but gained it much, much faster.

Interestingly, the depressed people also gained more "belly" fat.  This was probably due to the rise in the stress-related hormone cortisol.

Okay, where do we go from here.  Well, this is not something we throw some magic dust over and watch get all better.  But, there is hope.  If you battle depression, here are some things to consider.

1.  Nutrition-  Believe it or not, you eat the junk food because you think it makes you feel better but it actually contributes to the mental anguish.  This is why you should try to eat as many clean, healthy foods as you can.  That "CARB COMA' meal that you plan on having so that you will pick up your spirits will only drive you lower into depression.

2.  Supplementation-  Some studies found a deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids and depression.  Add healthy fats to your daily regimen.

3.  Social Sphere-  Listen, I know many hate to hear this, but if you're hanging around with negative, depressed people all of the time, do you really think that they're NOT going to influence you?  Surround yourself with happy, positive people.  People get frustrated with me sometimes because I laugh in the face of bad circumstances.  Fact is, I will continue to do so until I die.  You can CHOOSE to be strong and positive or you can choose to stay down.  I know, I know...lot easier said than done, right :)

Are you struggling with depression?  How deep is it?  I have a lot more I can say and a lot more I want to share.  But I want your thoughts.

In the end, let nothing and no one steal your joy.  Trust me, I've been there and it's not worth it.