Preventing Depression

In the mental health world a new study has shown one way to prevent depression. It is: to eat breakfast. 

A study from Japan has discovered that people who routinely skip breakfast are more likely to become depressed. To my knowledge, it does not tell whether people who are depressed are more likely to skip breakfast because they have less appetite.

Anyway, here is a summary of the research:

Participants who ate breakfast less than 1 time a week showed an increased risk of depressive symptoms compared to those who ate breakfast daily. Overall, results showed that the lower the frequency of breakfast consumption, the higher the risk for depressive symptoms. This suggests that eating a regular breakfast plays a protective role against developing depression.

Breakfast consumption might protect against depressive symptoms by lowering cortisol levels in the body, given that high cortisol has been linked to depression. Another protective factor might be the role of a daily breakfast in regulating the circadian clock. The current study reveals a possible causal relationship between breakfast consumption and depressive status. This association might be further confirmed in future long-term studies.

Whether it is about correlation or causation, it still seems like a good idea to eat breakfast.

And, we would add, echoing the thought of Adm. William McRaven, when you get up in the morning, make your bed. That too will help prevent depression.