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Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

When my mother underwent chemotherapy, we spent a lot of time visiting the phlebotomy lab for blood testing. I was always impressed by how easily the phlebotomist was able to find and puncture a vein to draw blood on the first try. I knew there had to be a method to it, and was astounded by how effortless and painless they made the process. It led me to research a lot about blood tests, from drawing to the actual screening. I've created this site to share what I've learned in the hopes of teaching others. The more you understand, the more control you can have over your own health care.

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Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

Ways That Your Relationship With Food Can Change When You're Depressed

by Francisco Arnold

Depression is a mental health issue that can often affect many parts of your life. Regardless of the reason that you're feeling depressed, you may begin to notice changes in how you interact with food, for example. It's important, upon noticing these changes, to gather the strength to ask for help — first from those around you, and then from a medical professional who specializes in caring for those with depression. Often, a number of therapy sessions and perhaps some medication can help to alleviate your symptoms. Here are some ways that your relationship with food can change when you're battling depression.

You May Be Indifferent To Eating

People frequently derive a lot of enjoyment out of eating, but those who are depressed can often develop an indifference to eating. Perhaps you used to have a number of favorite dishes, but you now no longer bother preparing them. Or, you might skip meals entirely because you aren't even thinking about eating. Some people who are depressed can feel so distraught that they aren't attuned to their bodies enough to even realize that they're hungry. Being indifferent to eating is a concern because it can leave your body lacking the vital nutrients that it needs to function.

You May Have Started Overeating

At the other end of the spectrum is the possibility of overeating. For some people who have depression, overeating can serve as something of an escape from the misery that they feel. Eating in an attempt to quell your depression is often tempting, but it doesn't have a positive long-term impact. While you might be distracted to some degree while you're eating that you aren't really thinking about your depression, negative feelings can quickly return when you've stopped eating. You may then attempt to eat again in order to feel better. Over time, these habits can lead to weight gain, which might deepen your depression.

You Might Pay Little Attention To Nutrition

Before you struggled with depression, you might have been conscious about eating a nutritious diet — for example, starting your day with a healthy breakfast, making healthy choices at lunchtime and dinnertime, and avoiding high-sugar, high-fat snacks throughout the day. This mindset can change when you're depressed, however. You might feel as though you lack the energy to make healthy choices, or you might simply be tempted by the temporary good feelings that you get from eating sugary treats and drinking soda. Of course, such choices aren't good for your health in the long term. If you've noticed these changes with how you approach your food, seek help for your depression from a depression treatment service.

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