After this, there will be an option to tap on 'check if
you're clinically depressed' and take a clinically authenticated screening
questionnaire, which the search giant refers to as the PHQ-9. The
self-assessment is private and is meant to help steer people who might be depressed
towards deeper introspection.
As per Google spokesperson Susan Cadrecha, the feature is
being rolled out on mobile in the US soon and it is not meant to challenge a
medical evaluation, and instead complement it. "The results of the PHQ-9
can help you have a more informed conversation with your doctor,"
according to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which partnered with
Google on the questionnaire.
According to NAMI, clinical depression is fairly common
condition with almost one in five Americans experiencing an episode in their
lifetime. But only about 50 per cent of people who have depression get treated
for it. Until the feature rolls out in more places, here are certain herbs and
food that can help you cope depression and cheer you up -
1.Complex carbs
Bangalore- based nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood suggests that
you should add more complex carbs (good carbs from whole grains, brown rice and
vegetables) to your diet to fight depression. By limiting carbohydrates, your
brain may not be able to produce enough of the feel-good brain chemicals, such
as serotonin and you may also feel very lethargic.
"Protein rich foods are known to boost alertness. Some
of them contain an amino acid called tryptophan which helps your body make the
mood boosting brain chemical, serotonin. For vegetarians, peas, beans, soya,
lentils and paneer are good sources of protein and non-vegetarians should opt
for lean meat and eggs," says Dr. Anju Sood.
3.Brahmi
Brahmi is a perennial herb that has a long standing
reputation of curing stress. Brahmi plays a role of adaptogen that means it
helps the body to adapt to new or stressful situations. It also increases the
serotonin levels in the brain that keep the mind calm.
4.Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is said to relieve stress and anxiety which are
the two common symptoms of depression. It contains active compounds like
steroidal lactones, saponins, alkaloids and withanolides that provide
antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps restore the
normal physiological functioning.
5.Vitamin D
Also known as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is produced by
the skin with the help of the sun's rays. Many scientific studies have shown
that people with depression also had low Vitamin D levels. Depression is also a
play of hormones and vitamins that are associated with the production or
regulation of certain hormones. "Vitamin D is important for many brain
functions. You can have more of fatty fish, especially tuna, mushrooms, orange
juice and eggs to maintain your Vitamin D levels and also to manage
depression," says Dr. Anju Sood.
6.Carotene Rich Foods
Macrobiotic Nutritionist Shonali Sabherwal suggests that
foods rich in carotene can help in dealing with depression. It is a compound
that adds the orange-reddish colour to certain fruits and vegetables. It is
important in the diet as a precursor of vitamin A. Carrots, tomatoes and sweet
potatoes are good sources of carotene. The more intense the colour of the fruit
or vegetable, the more carotene it will have.
