Tie the knot to avoid depression

Depression affects many Americans, always adversely. But getting married may lessen depression, according to a new study done at Ohio State and presented to the American Sociological Association.

Researchers found an 8-point drop (on a 1-to-84 scale) in depression after marriage. Participants who were not depressed to begin with experienced a 2-point drop in depression symptoms.

3,000 people participated in the study, which took place over a 6-year period.

Even the researchers themselves were surprised by these findings, since they expected that marriage would act as an added stress to depression, or at the very least that people with depression would be less likely than others to benefit from marriage.

Researchers had thought depressed people would be less likely to benefit from marriage because the depression of one spouse can put a strain on the marriage and undermine the quality of the marriage.

As to why depressed people may enjoy more benefits from matrimony, one of the study authors theorized, "We think that depressed people may have more to gain from the emotional support and close intimate ties that come with marriage."

She quickly added that these depressed people should not substitute marriage for depression treatment either.

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"Clearly, one should not look upon these results as recommending that depressed people should get married," said Dr. Charles Goodstein, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine in New York City. "The likelihood is strong that such a marriage might fall apart."

A previous study done recently found that people who never marry have a greater chance of dying early than people who were married.

Lifelong bachelors and bachelorettes had an even higher risk of early death than people who were divorced, separated or widowed, suggesting that marriage confers some sort of health benefit, even if it doesn't work out.

Gerry Morton, CEO of EnergyFirst, has these suggestions for treating depression naturally:

1. Reach out to friends and cultivate strong friendships.
2. Join social organizations so that you meet more friends.
3. Be open to the possibility of getting married if you meet someone special.
4. Exercises regularly so that your brain releases endorphins, which counteract depression.
5. Eat organic fruits and vegetables, free-range and hormone-free meats, and avoid processed foods.
6. Take high-quality supplements including St. John's Wort and OmegaEnergy Fish Oil for depression symptoms

Building strong social support networks and having good friends has long been known as one of the best tools in fighting off depression.

Marriage is the next logical step, and the intimacy and security it offers can help ward off depression.

More tips on how you can improve your mental health can be found by visiting: How B-Vitamins and St. John's Wort Helps with Depression and Anxiety

Gerry Morton, CEO of EnergyFirst, holds an MS in Nutrition and is an experienced athlete who has competed in 25+ marathons and 4 Ironman triathlons. Gerry is an excellent source of information on nutrition, supplementation and exercise. Since 1997, he has been educating and motivating others on how to attain peak performance.