If you have five or more of the above symptoms, do not try to self-treat your depression. You may have a major depression which needs to be treated by a physician or psychiatrist immediately. If your depression is diet-related or due to a deficiency in some nutrient, and if you are not dealing with a major depression, you may try changing your moods with some diet modifications. One of the key mood-related nutrients is folic acid. Many patients experiencing depressive behavior have been found to be folic acid deficient.
Folate levels are high in foods such as beans, greens, okra, sweet potatoes and squash.
Raising the consumption of such foods can alter and, in some cases, completely eliminate mood swings and depressive behavior. Carbohydrates are also known to be important regulators in mood swings and depressive behavior. While it is known that carbohydrate consumption causes depression and mood swings in some people, it is not known exactly why. Doctors believe that increasing or decreasing the carbohydrates consumed can have a significant effect on mood. Care must be taken, however, to consume sensible amounts of carbohydrates, particularly those that contain sugar, so as not to aggravate any physical conditions that may be present.