Coffee May Lower Depression Risk in Women

Ladies, grab that cup of Joe and do it without guilt. A new study shows that caffeine may help to lower our risk of depression by 15 percent over a 10-year period. In the study, those with a lower risk drank at least two to three cups of coffee (the caffeinated type) each day and they were compared to women who only drank a cup or less per week.

The study is not absolute and of course drinking coffee does not guarantee that you will not experience depression. The researchers say that the study only showed an association between drinking coffee and a lower depression risk.

What is Depression?

Most women are familiar with depression, but few people who have not experienced it truly understand it. I personally have never experienced depression, but have quite a few close friends who have been greatly affected. True clinical depression is far more than just "the blues". It interferes with your daily life and from what I witnessed, there were days, and sometimes weeks, where this type of depression affected them just as much as a physical disability could. It is a very serious illness.

What exactly causes depression is not known, but it is believed that a combination of stressful events and possibly your genes will play a role.

How Can I Lower My Risk?

If coffee, or caffeine in general, is not your thing there are other things that you can do to help lower your risk of developing depression. I would love to tell you to avoid stress, but I know that is impossible. However, you can do things to lower your stress level. First, get regular exercise, eat well and get plenty of water. Yes, I know you have heard this a thousand times, but it truly works in keeping us physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. Sleep is also critical and sleep should be regular and we need to get enough of it. I know this can be hard and I personally am a chronic "never-gets-enough-sleeper", but I do make sure to try to go to bed and awake at the same times everyday because this is very important. If you have any medical conditions, work with your doctor to get them under control and if any medications are causing bothersome side effects, talk to your doctor.

If things like school, work or home are primary issues, there are things you can do. Next semester, drop to part-time. I know this will take you longer to graduate, but you will be less stressed and will be able to focus more on the classes you are taking. If work is stressful, change jobs if you can, or lessen your hours if possible. If home is stressful, talk to your family and try to work out the issues.

Resources

My Health News Daily: Coffee May Cut Risk of Depression in Women