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Your Favorite Foods May Be Contributing To Your Anxiety & Negative Mental Health

Author Melanie Day

This is not the news I wanted to read on Tuesday after a holiday weekend. You know those foods and drinks you reach for after a bad day? For me wine always helps and a bag of sour gummy worms- a definite feel-good. However eating food can absolutely make you feel good, especially in the moment. But some foods can actually do the opposite. According to an article from Huffington Post, some foods actually may be bad for your mental health. These foods include:

  • multiple cups of coffee or espresso
  • diet soda
  • alcohol
  • highly-processed foods
  • candy and other sugary foods.

So basically all of my favorite things. And definitely what I want to turn to after a bad day. Unfortunately, these types of food can reportedly lead to anxiety and depression and alter serotonin release. Of course, it would be hard (and take a lot of willpower) to avoid these beloved foods and drinks. And like most anything, they are generally ok in moderation. So what exactly constitutes “moderation” for Celsius and sauvignon blanc? Asking for a friend. Though both of these things are definite mood boosters for me in the moment, I can see how they could hurt a person’s mental health down the line. In fact, many people rave about how much better physically and mentally they feel when cutting out alcohol and caffeine. I know while those sour gummy worms taste delicious in the moment, later they leave me feeling bloated and just gross. At least when I eat half the bag!

So take this with a grain of salt (or sugar) but limiting consumption may help you feel better physically and mentally. Want to learn more about the negative foods and drinks that impact your mental health? Read the full Huffington Post article here.

Study Finds South Carolina Has One Of The Most Depressed Cities In The US

Depression and mental health are huge issues plaguing our society both locally and nationally. According to the World Health Organization, “Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, it is estimated that 5% of adults suffer from the disorder. It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities.”  According to a study commissioned by CEUfast South Carolina has one of the most depressed cities in the United States.

CEUfast is an accredited continuing education program for nursing professionals. To conduct this study, researchers at CEUfast.com analyzed numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify the most depressed cities in the United States. The data used is based on the number of residents who have been diagnosed with a form of depression. They went on to say that approximately 40 million adults in the US have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorders. And unfortunately with the prevalence of social media teenagers and even children are experiencing these illnesses at an alarming rate.

And while as a society we have made great strides in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, we still have a ways to go. Discussions are more prevalent but access to resources still needs significant attention.

  • What are the most depressed cities in the U.S.? 

  • 28. Myrtle Beach, SC

    Coming in at number 28 (50 total cities were named in this study) is Myrtle Beach, SC. CEUfast estimates that 22.9% of residents in the popular tourist town suffer from depression. Myrtle Beach was the only North fo

  • 10 Most Depressed Cities In America

    Rank  Metropolitan Area  Percentage
    1 Billings, MT 31.00
    2 Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA 30.60
    3 Knoxville, TN 30.20
    4 Charleston, WV 29.00
    5 Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY 27.30
    6 Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA 27.20
    7 Madison, WI 26.90
    8 Salem, OR 25.90
    9 Chattanooga, TN 25.80
    9 Duluth, MN 25.80

  • Signs of Depression

    **According to the National Institute of Mental Health**

    • Consistent anxious, sad, or empty feelings
    • Hopeless feelings
    • Feelings of helplessness or guilt
    • Lower energy than usual
    • Irritability
    • Low interest in favorite hobbies or activities
    • Restlessness
    • Thoughts of suicide

  • What To Do If You Are Experiencing Depression

    Individuals who are dealing with symptoms of depression should contact their primary care provider, therapist, or psychiatrist to discuss treatment options. Need to find one? The American Psychological Association has a guide to help you find a mental health profession. People who are feeling suicidal should contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to get immediate help. 

Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.

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