Depression & Smoking similar make Deadly

]A new study says, depression increases the risk of death exactly the same amount as smoking. Both are known risk factors for heart disease.

In a study on depression published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, a group of Norwegian and British researchers to calculate the effect of depression on mortality. Researchers from the University of Bergen in Norway and King's College in London used what they call "unique link" in the 60 000 participants. The goal is to find out the relationship between anxiety and depression with death.

The result was surprising. Risk of dying from depression is really comparable to the risk of death from smoking.

Depression as deadly as smoking. Both are known risk factors for heart disease. Not to mention the fact that people who experience depression and smokers tend to be less involved in physical activity is small, and known risk factors for heart disease is very serious.

"Outside in common with smokers, however, people with depression may be at risk because they do not seek help, or they fail to receive help when looking for it," wrote the researchers, as reported by Rodale.

Here's how to protect your health from depression and protect the health if you are currently experiencing depression, as reported by Rodale:

Actively work to reduce risk

"Depression is a major risk factor for heart disease, but highly preventable and treatable," says psychologist Jeffrey Rossman, Ph.D., director of Life Management at Canyon Ranch.

According to him, three things most important to prevent depression, is still actively involved with relationships and activities that satisfy you, engage in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week, and a healthy diet full of fresh foods instead of packaged foods and avoid excessive alcohol consumption .

Find professional help if you feel depressed

Do not tell yourself that feeling depressed is only in your head and not a serious medical condition.

"Talk to your doctor or therapist to determine the best approach to improving your mood and prevent depression in the future," said Rossman.

Consider some treatment options. "Regular aerobic exercise and psychotherapy each as effective as antidepressants for the treatment of clinical depression, with long-term outcome better," he said.

Do not ignore the mood is consistently low

"Often, making changes only in one or two areas of your life-for example by increasing the daily activities-is sufficient to significantly repair the mood and prevent depression," said Rossman.

"I recommend working with a psychotherapist to help you cope with mild to moderate depression and develop skills for long-term happiness and success," he added.

Take action if you feel a depressed friend or family member

"Let your loved ones know that you care about her. Ask him to seek help from a professional, either a doctor or a psychotherapist (psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed social worker, or mental health counselor). Let him know that a lot of help available and if he want to do it, he could be better, "said Rossman.