Genetically
Modified
Organism

Wheat can definitely be GMO, however, it's not one of the crops that has been genetically modified.
https://gmoanswers.com/ask/what-are...gCFixOCeCJwD8GeF61t5PWjjLDBoCrxgQAvD_BwE

The way I understand it is that its not that the wheat was modified, how its processed has changed as well as what is added to give it longer shelf life.

Some say what is added when wheat is removed to make something 'Gluten Free' is just as bad if not worse, I don't know. I just know I do feel better following a Gluten Free diet.

Stop watching the news!!!

I'm glad you made an appointment! If you don't like the doctor, go to another! And you are definitely NOT alone, remember that. Depression runs in my family. So I've studied it in order to be understanding and knowledgeable. While I believe your food intake could have an effect, sometimes the chemical inbalance may require medication. But hey, if the eating healthier certainly can't hurt, right?!

Just know that there is help. The symptoms you described are depression, spot on. Someone mention low testosterone. That could be partly the problem, but not all with what you described. Simple test, part of a blood test. Don't just start taking one of these OTC products they advertise like crazy. Get it tested. Last time I had a blood test I asked to have mine tested What the heck, I figured. Mine was in the normal range. Glad I didn't fall for one of the commercials that say "Men, after 30 your testosterone levels start dropping".

You're on the right track. You made that first step to feeling better!

1. Turn off the news! (As already mentioned, but definitely worth mentioning again!!)

2. Exercise. For some folks, exercise is nearly as effective as an anti-depressant medication.

3. Watch to see if there is any pattern to how you feel. For example, are certain days of the week worse?

4. Lack of nutrition or not absorbing the nutrients eaten. I knew a guy who was depressed. His doctor discovered his vitamin B-12 level was low. Once that was corrected, his depression was gone. (He was not absorbing the B-12 he ate.) There are some other nutrient deficiencies which can also lead to depression.

5. Is there anything in your life that is just wearing you down? For example, is your boss or your job impossibly difficult? Do you have issues with your spouse, kids, parents, etc. When we face seemingly never ending, unsolvable problems, depression can be the result.

6. Have there been any changes in your life that may have triggered depression? Losing a friend, a death, unable to do things you once enjoyed, etc.

7. Depression is one way that our emotions communicate to us that something is wrong in our life. For example, we may get a bad feeling about a problem initially. If we ignore the bad feeling, or chose to do nothing to solve the problem, later on depression can be the result. The problem is that once depression sets in, it can be very difficult to go back and determine the original cause. If a decent counselor can be found, they can be very helpful. (Finding a good one may be difficult though!)

8. It is good that you are attempting to solve the problem now. Keep trying different things. Depression can be difficult to cure.

If it turns out you have a sensitivity to wheat or gluten, Guinness apparently qualifies as gluten free enough for Celiac sufferers to drink.

Food dye sensitivity is something else to consider, especially red. The stuff is in everything.

Kevin

Hey Duff,

Hope you get results from your GP's advice. There are some very thoughtful messages here and I've enjoyed seeing everyone rally around you and hope to do the same. I want to encourage you to seek out mental health therapy if you can afford it. Statistics support using both psychopharmaceutical treatment and therapy together as a best method of solving depression. I'd also add that alcohol is a depressant, so your doctor's advice to cut out even casual amounts of intake while you are working through this makes sense. If you do look for counseling, I encourage you to seek out a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. You can find them in your local area through psychologytoday.com. I'm proud of you for bringing up the topic here. Mental health disorders have a stigma attached, especially among men, and they really should not. Anxiety and depression are extremely common, and whether the causes are environmental, genetic or circumstantial, you've taken the big first step to healing. If you ever want to chat, please message me.

Lindy

Yes I have.

Anxiety has always been present in my life since childhood, but a serious head injury & the resulting severe concussion about 10 years ago turned it into something much worse.

I’ve been through the meds, physical therapy & have found that forcing myself to keep busy even when I don’t want to do anything, plus regular exercise have been the best way for me. Actually leaving my job of 15 years and going into business for myself has been a great boon, despite many people telling me that the stress would make things worse.

But recently the COVID disaster & its effect on not just my business, but my entire industry has brought back the struggle along with some very dark thoughts. I rely on the people closest to me....my wife & young business partner to keep me on track. Make sure you have such a support network among people you trust. I admire your courage discussing it here on this message board, where some people can be quite cruel.

As far as drinking concerned, I’ve generally found having a few with good friends to be a positive experience. ( Tough to do that right now.) Drinking by yourself never leads anywhere good.... I suspect this varies depending on the individual.

Yes, I forgot to mention exercise! Definitely releases the feel good endorphins! And alcohol, well we've all heard it's actually a depressant, not a stimulant.

My GP prescribed a sleep aid, an anti-depressant and a new pharma for blood sugar. I also haven't had any beer in the last 3 weeks, as well as cut out all carbs as much as possible. The result? My blood sugar has stabilized to "normal" people levels, not even pre-diabetic, and I feel 100X better. I'm not sure what part(s) are working for me but I'm going to stick with it for awhile longer before I start experimenting.

Glad to hear your situation improved!

Mike.

I had some issues with depression when I was young. I was off on my own and didn't have a network of friends or family so little things tended to hit me in a big way. It was a rough go. I found that a multi-layer approach worked the best. Exercise, friends, sleep, a hobby, therapy, etc. all work together to keep your mind in a positive space.

Awesome I fought my GP for a long time on taking any meds. Ironically, a sleep aid and anti depressant is exactly what he put me on and the difference was amazing. he told me some people are just "wired differently mentally and need A little help to "balance" things out. BTW I haven't smoked or had alcohol of any kind in over 3 years. He said the smoking and alcohol consumption was a form of self medication. Dunno but I'm staying the course.