[jE22teTh]

In the US, a surprisingly easy way to inadvertently cause mild depression is to decrease intake of iodized salt over time. The "natural" iodine content of many foods (bread, milk) seems to be dropping steadily due to organic and other preparation practices. Kelp-extract supplements with around 200mcg of iodine daily can go a long way towards preventing mild depression associated with borderline iodine deficiency.

[empressplay]

The problem with the idea of using supplements to solve depression is it's a bit like fine-tuning the octane of gasoline in a car to solve a bad air-fuel mixture. You could potentially make the engine run a little better, but it doesn't solve the underlying problem, which is usually emotional trauma.

Developing coping mechanisms is a much better approach, also coming to acceptance (reducing resistance) about things that make you uncomfortable (ie impermanence, fear of rejection, trust issues, loneliness, perceived lack of legacy, etc.)

[jE22teTh]

Yes, if there is an underlying deeper problem, supplements aren't the answer.

However, if it is possible to become slightly iodine deficient by eating a modern diet in the US-- which seems plausible-- and if slight iodine deficiency causes or contributes to mild depression -- which also seems plausible -- an iodine supplement could be a easy solution.

[DanBC]

> the underlying problem, which is usually emotional trauma

This is untrue. The emotional trauma hypothesis is thoroughly debunked and has been for very many years. The vast majority of people with depression do not have any emotional trauma.

[empressplay]

If you attempt to reduce an extremely complex system of incidental traumas, re-enforcements, psycho-social effects and a multitude of many other factors down to "there was a death in the family" or "my father hit me once" then I would totally agree with you, that has been thoroughly debunked. There are healthy people whose fathers hit them, or have had deaths in their families, this is absolutely true. However, you do your mind (and yourself, obviously) an extreme disservice if you think of its mechanics in such simple terms (especially if you suffer from depression.)

It's like troubleshooting a computer by attempting to discern its vague history and comparing it to other computers, and then deciding that it's a hardware problem because some computers have similar software and function okay. Any computer technician can tell you that modern PCs are way too complex to repair using such simple logic (unless you just start formatting drives.) Now, there may indeed be a hardware problem, but you can't discount the OS based on a three-point checklist.

I grew up in a family with an extremely negative view of people who had mental health problems, and when I came down with depression I ran to fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, etc. because I didn't want to be "crazy". But all I did was set myself up for worse problems down the road when that rationalisation wore thin. Now, I'm not saying that taking an emotion-centred approach will solve all of your problems and make your depression go away -- it probably won't. But it will help you cope. Numerous studies show that it helps people cope. How could that be, if your thoughts didn't matter?

[DanBC]

I didn't say that thoughts don't matter. I'm not sure if you're aware that I strongly advocate for CBT.

But CBT doesn't aim to uncover emotional trauma. You talk about an emotion that is causing you distress; the hot thought that's associated with that thought; and then evidence for that.

[tim333]

Also consuming more Omega 3 oils, found in oily fish, can help.

eg see http://consumer.healthday.com/encyclopedia/depression-12/dep...

[alecrn]

If it's iodine deficiency that causes depression, then why would decreasing intake of iodized salt help?

[qntty]

He's saying that a decreased iodine intake due to eating organic foods causes mild depression.

[jE22teTh]

Sorry for the poor phrasing. Decreasing salt intake is a healthy thing to do these days, which will likely also decrease one's iodine intake.

[jetru]

It's not. We don't really know for sure.

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Endocrinology/GeneralEndocrinolo... http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/04/06/m...

[positr0n]

He said decreasing intake would inadvertently cause mild depression, not help. (I read it that way too at first)

[MDCore]

This looks interesting! Do you have any articles, papers etc. I can read?

[jE22teTh]

Re-emergence of moderate iodine deficiency in developed countries: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130522131000.ht...

In New Zealand the emergence of moderate iodine deficiency resulted in a mandate of adding iodized salt to bread: http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health-welln...

The reasons for the deficiency look a lot like the US:

"The re-emergence in iodine deficiency appears to be due to:

* the increased consumption of commercially-prepared foods (manufactured mostly with non-iodised salt)

* the declining use of iodine-containing sanitizers by the dairy industry

* less salt being used in home prepared foods as a response to the health messages to reduce salt intake"

[MDCore]

Thank you, that's really useful.