Diet and Depression

[@sevey15]

I have suffered from bouts of depression and PMS for most of my adult life. It was so bad that I often felt like giving up. I knew it was all mental, but there was nothing I could do about it. Psychiatrists gave me medication that either gave me jitters and anxiety or made me feel comatose. After following a WFPB diet my depression and mood swings are gone. I feel like me, like I should be. I am so genuinely grateful.

[@xxKylieKhaosxx]

a little Mo thank you for sharing your story. I'm currently dealing with things like you stated above, and thought I was alone, I'm glad I'm not.

[@sandray7609]

I had PMS symptoms where I couldn't control my crying in stressful situations. That has disappeared

[@Naomiif]

90% of serotonin is made in the gut and 50% of dopamine. A lot of neurotransmitters are made in the gut. It's all in the digestion folks, and I mean digestion not necessarily diet. If you're not digesting things or have a low diversity in bacteria in your gut, it's not gonna fix it.

[@flyandshy00]

Check your hormones, you could have something worse.

[@angela_somanythings5670]

brentprodz The Veganism helped you find your purpose? It's okay to think that's a possibility!

[@maryalicelaubach9684]

I had been on antidepressants for over 18 years. I have been on a plant based diet for 4 months and have been off antidepressants for 3 months. I have been feeling wonderful.

[@ethers]

The diet allowed you to get off antidepressants? Can you say more. My situation is more complicated but my decades long depression did go away on a whole foods plant based diet.

[@maryalicelaubach9684]

I went on a plant based or vegan diet after watching “What the Food.” I started feeling really good and decided that I really wanted to get off all my meds that included an antidepressant, adhd medication and anti anxiety. I was able to do that pretty quickly. So, my increased well being was a catalyst, I would so, to getting off my pills. For me, it was very empowering.

[@Hollow-ty3qm]

Mary Alice Laubach do you take anything supplements for your ADHD now that you're off the meds? I'm asking cause i'm on ADHD meds and I hate it.

[@ethers]

Did you have any withdrawal issues tapering off of the medications? How bad was your depression? Amazing that something so simple (food) could make such a big difference. My depression was very severe at times and as I said decades long. It's completely gone now. I wonder what the mechanism is... My inflammation is very low now and I know that it was of the proposed mechanisms. My overall nutrition is also probably the best it's ever been as I seem to be meeting or exceeding all of the targets on chronometer. With all of the health benefits I've experienced and being aware of the plant based nutrition literature I feel like I have this secret that nobody knows that could help so many things (illness, the environment, hunger, animal cruelty, etc)... Makes me sort of anxious and angry that the solution to so many things is right in front of us and nobody can see it or is interested in it when it is pointed out.

[@Sandra-bx7zm]

my best friend did the same, was able to go off antidepressant meds after going vegan. great job! I hope more people will start to understand, we are truly what we eat. If you eat "live foods" you are alive, eating something that is dead, like an animal carcass, well, I would say many people agree, this is horrible for your health.

[@mia2791]

I've been eating a plant based diet for 3 weeks now and YES, I'm a lot less irritable, lighter in mood and just overall happier for no reason. Feels amazing!!!

[@Sandra-bx7zm]

awesome keep it up! I have corrected all my health issues and have been vegan 15 mos. Vegan for life!

[@bren0duh]

2 years vegan. I've reduced my bipolar medication by 75%. I think having to take responsibility for my actions has played well into my over all sense of Hope and ability to be proactive about my life choices. It's definitely not a cure all, but it certainly helps to eat "brain food". Veganism has helped my mind,body,and spirit :)

[@J4WESOME]

bren0duh Amazing!

[@Brickinasock]

Awesome job

[@bren0duh]

led samsung Scientific evidence is nice, but anecdotes are nicer. I don't encourage anyone to go off their medication, but based on my marked improvement in ability to manage my disorder my psychiatrist approved of the decrease in medication. I was very suicidal and dependent on the higher dosage of medication and weekly therapy sessions. I've been dealing with this for many years and the one thing that changed was the introduction of veganism. Mental health improvements require a lot of work by the person dealing with it. That's why I mentioned that's it's not a cure all. I do still take medication and I still do a lot of work to manage my emotions. Veganism has provided me a different outlook on my daily decision making and has given me purpose which has helped a lot with the suicidal aspect of my diagnosis. Aside from that, being a nurse, I've dove a lot more into the health aspects and recognize that there are foods that help us harbor a healthier brain and body. Scientific evidencd is definitely important, but it doesn't make anecdotes invalid.

[@AH-cy4md]

bren0duh you're right about it requiring a lot of work to get mental health improvement. I was seriously depressed all my life. After my younger sister committed suicide, I began to self-injure to cope with the rage and despair. At about age 35 I finally sought help since I was seriously suicidal. Took lots of meds, diagnosed type 2 bipolar, started therapy, was inpatient one Christmas. Started getting better. Cognitive behavioral therapy was crucial. But when I went from vegetarian to vegan, at about age 43, and stopped using all intoxicants (alcohol, marijuana, tobacco) and began meditating regularly, I improved so much I got off all meds. (Still have some side effects from them tho, like restless legs. Boo!) For the last 6 years I've been happy, stable, no moods swings or despair. I never thought it was possible. I figured I'd be miserable my whole life until I eventually killed myself. So, there is hope of ending depression! :-) You know what's depressing? 47 million turkeys needlessly murdered! Jeezuz!! :-(

[@bren0duh]

April Hall Wow, powerful story. I'm so happy that you got through it all. At some point, I also saw no way out and thought there was no hope at a normal life even with the meds and therapy. Meditation has also been such a great tool for me :D I definitely agree about the turkeys. It's amazing that now the only thing that brings such emotions is thinking about the amount of needless murder and torture. But even then, it's within reason and not unbalanced mood swings like before. Getting into animal activism has also been a great help to me recently. Keep it up! Getting through our battles one day at a time

[@eternalsunshine2458]

Absolutely saw a rise in my happiness once I went vegan. I was so sad before and I was a vegetarian for 20 years. Thank you Mike for all that you do. 😊😊😊

[@AK2HI]

Eternal Sunshine kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5u2ZYp_bdaMd9U better go vegan

[@fae137]

Hard to say if it was my diet or not, but I haven't felt depressed in quite awhile. Veganism has also opened my heart bigger than ever and made me even more empathic.

[@Flyig_Walrus]

Change in diet has defiantly changed my mood. I haven't had issues with depression in months and I no longer have aching joints.

[@annapomelo3818]

The same with me. When depressive from time to time I have the ability to deal better with it. No resistance anymore. That´s good. And the best thing about plant food is that I have no longer pain when I have my period. It´s lighter and shorter. Thank you, plants!

[@samaritaDeath]

I have been on anti- depressants for the last 22 years. There were times when I just wanted to give up, my pets kept me going. In the last 5 months I became vegetarian About 95% WFPB. Since then I have lost 30 kilograms( about 67 pounds), stopped taking antidepressants, my diabetes is reversed and I stopped taking diabetes meds.

[@Sandra-bx7zm]

awesome! keep it up! wish those meat eaters would read our stories and do what we do. The world would be such a better, healthier place.

[@IRosamelia]

Your pets must be awesome

[@IRosamelia]

Janko how do you know craftysmaritan is lying? 🤔

[@IRosamelia]

Janko you're judging someone you don't know and probably don't understand much. It's rude and ridiculous

[@StefaneJaspering]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Feeldealheal]

Love it! Good solid science, I'm currently a psychology student and we went into nutrition very briefly and it was concluded that nutrition defiantly has a role in depression. Really frustrated me though because they would say "get in as many fruits, vegetables and healthy fats (which means nuts and seeds) as possible", but then contradict themselves and would recommend animal products. If you're getting in as much fruit, vegetables and healthy fats as possible then it makes sense to be vegan, they just think we HAVE to eat meat and that a vegan diet is too radical to recommend. We'll get there one day though!

[@Feeldealheal]

So true Jess! I live in New Zealand and the advertising for dairy here is insane! They literally give out free milk in schools because they want to push dairy so hard. The biggest dairy producer is in bed with our last government, (hopefully won't be with our new government, but who knows) our last government was the only political party that had absolutely no environmental policies! Can you imagine! Our waterways are so polluted now from dairy run off and our government had no environmental policies, absolutely disgusting. The dairy industries called the companies that were producing vegan dairy replacement products "traitors to the nation" crazy! It's so stupid, I don't have to tell you how unsustainable and unhealthy dairy is, so its just ridiculous

[@Sandra-bx7zm]

yes some day the masses with "get it" I am the oldest of the adult "kids" in my family and vegan for 15 months now. corrected knee pain, migraines, cholesterol and lost 30 lbs! the healthiest I have been in my entire life! All my siblings who eat meat and dairy are on depression meds, high cholesterol and high blood pressure meds. Frustrating because they won't listen to me. The only change I made 15 mos ago was to go plant based vegan. No one can really dispute that transformed my entire health. My hope if that more people understand this before the bad diets shorten their lives.

[@farmcountry9675]

Kiera Jones - There's a cynical explanation why they give contradictory and/or incomplete training. . . if people learned how much our body and mind heals itself with optimum nutrition, the need for their "professional" services is diminished. Same thing with medical school. Teach just enough so it's not blatant denial of the truth, but not enough to actually help. Just follow the money. . .

[@cindymorson880]

Kiera Jones i

[@williamchamberlain2263]

@@foreverfearless14 also may be pumping AU dairy exports to Asia - _maybe_ travel was Dairy Association sponsored.

[@ItsAshHun]

I feel terrible every morning when I reach for my antidepressant and anxiety medication. I am transitioning into a vegan diet and I have been doing extremely well. I cannot see myself eating meat, dairy, or eggs ever again after discovering how amazing I feel when they aren't dragging me down!

[@joshyman221]

Thank you for that disclaimer at the start. I've been vegan for two years but I still find myself depressed on occasions. Diet definitely isn't the be all and end all. That said, I do think I would be worse off as a non vegan struggling with my mental health.

[@Feeldealheal]

Hey goodsire, I definitely agree with this :) I find nutrition has an impact, but other things do too. Some other things I've found help improve my depression are (and all of these are based off research): 1. solid support system, work on being able to tell people how you feel (I know at first its so hard but it helped me a lot) 2. SLEEP, so important 3. moderate exercise (I weight-train, try some things out and do something you enjoy) 4. keeping track of my mental health, being aware when I'm getting worse so I can adjust my lifestyle to decrease my stress 5. meditation, genuinely is so good for mental health, when I have more life stressors I try this 6. Interacting with friends and new people, another thing I have to make an effort with when I'm slipping back 7. chill time and hobbies time :) I always put my mental health first and honestly that's been working for me, its made my relationships stronger, it's made me be able to manage time and my goals really well, and overall its made me feel so much more in control of my mental state. I know one day I might fall back into something really dark but now I have my "mental health toolkit" to try and prevent that and hopefully be more prepared and active if that should happen again :) of course always know its okay to ask for help, at any time ever, no matter how you're feeling you deserve happiness! Note: If you're worried about your mental state the best thing to do is a seek a doctor or counsellor so they can provide you with the right resources, these tools listed are more prevention of relapse focused, not as a single treatment for depression

[@evilkiller65]

On occasion? Of course. Life will be never be perfect. It's natural to have up and downs and completely unrealistic to expect otherwise.

[@blueskyrescue3235]

Kiera Jones thanks for you helpful suggestions. I have a loved one that suffers from depression and her symptoms are greatly reduced by following a plan much like yours.

[@Aliciacyclist]

Goodsire and Keira I agree. WFPB diet helps but it's not the sole answer. I've been vegan 4 years but have has a major depressive episode during that time. Getting and staying mentally well is about all those good habits and about being aware of the unhealthy thought patterns and pulling yourself out of them before you spiral down too deep. Exercise and spending time in nature have been huge helps for me.

[@joshyman221]

Thank you very much for your response :) Whilst I have had some professional help in the past I think you're right in saying it didn't provide a lasting solution. I will try some of the things you mentioned and I hope I can get rid of this shit feeling I get too often.

[@slasher298]

I've gone from having panic attacks daily and being a depressed drug addict to having only mild to moderate anxiety with depression that I only attribute right now to a hip and back injury. Diet has been MASSIVE for me.

[@astralpurpose1344]

That's what's up man. Maybe see a chiropractor about those hip and back injuries.

[@randahassan5463]

I watch many videos but yours are by far the most informative, concise, and relatable. We are a family of 6 well on the way and to a significant degree because of the information you provide. If you get tired from all the uphill battles, which you can sometimes see, know that you are really making a difference. Serious thanks

[@CurlySuzySue]

I live in Ireland, and we exist under near constant cloud cover for most of the year. Vit D3 drops and chia seeds keep me happy all year round :-)

[@connaghananthony]

Sue X jaysus Im looking at blue skies here in November. ☺ what a country 🖒

[@CurlySuzySue]

Ha, it was actually a fine morning here in Wicklow too, lashing now though!

[@amykeever8527]

Interesting about the chia seeds!

[@aldrickfondracul9297]

I found some relief from clinical depression symptoms during the so-called "pink cloud" phase of going vegan. Basically, you need to be making some sort of forward progress in order to dig yourself out of depression ruts. Going vegan was doing something positive, so it helped elevate my mood. But my depression returned to normal once the "pink cloud" phase was over. At the very least, veganism did more to ease my depression than any "therapy" or prescription medication ever did.

[@unicorn_jazz]

Aldrick Fon Dracul Exactly!

[@maureenk1635]

Did you go SOS free, no salt, oil, or sugar, whole foods plant based vegan?

[@maureenk1635]

Also, I make sure to do 16 minutes, Peak 8 high intensity exercise as demonstrated on Mercola video, or 16 minute "Kettlebell HIIT Workout-Fitness Blender HIIT Kettlebell Training" several times a week.

[@maureenk1635]

True, but worth a try. Maybe try at least a pound of cruciferous greens and 1/2 a cup of tomato sauce a day.

[@tiputanicastillo7547]

Same

[@marianrising5557]

I've been vegan for 9 months now. I only did it for ethics but I'm going to try to take my health in to consideration too.

[@99sins]

Great to hear. If you tend to cook i would try starting out by learning how to make date paste or date sugar as a sugar substitute. For salt i would say try miso. There's some simple recipes you can make to have things around to snack on. One would be sorbet: all you need to do is freeze your fruits of choice (personally love blueberries) and then put them and some date paste/sugar in a food processor. That's it really. You can also make Nice cream which is just frozen bananas, peanut butter and soy milk (you can add whatever else for flavor). Besides this i would recommend checking out Cheap Lazy Vegan for some really cheap and healthy recipes.

[@marianrising5557]

omg thank you so much

[@squigglz97]

Almond butter definitely works. Another great banana ice cream recipe is frozen bananas, plant milk, and cocoa, then swirl in some nut butter. I had it for Halloween and it was AMAZING!

[@99sins]

Yes sure, any nut butter really. All you need to do is toss in your nut of choice into a food processor (skins removed if possible) and add some soymilk and date paste/sugar (actually if you're gonna blend it you can just throw in the whole date really). Add more soymilk if you want it creamier or water if it's creamy enough but not the right texture. You save a lot more money by making your own (and it tastes WAY better). Side note: Dates themselves are my new candy, they are so sweet and delicious (not to mention they are the #3 best source of potassium). Most people go for Medjool dates but i personally prefer Mazafati. Oh yeah another tip: Mic. made a video on browning veggies without oil. Screw that, there is an even better way (no offence Mic. ^^'). Just take your garlic and onions and cook them dry in the pan until they get brown. There will be a bunch of sticky parts on the pan but you can then throw in some water and make all the sticky stuff into a delicious browned garlic/onion broth. The smell alone is heavenly.

[@Feeldealheal]

Whole foods plant-based diet is the way then :))) might taste different at first but when your taste buds adapt even carrots taste super sweet! It's seriously so good for your health and energy :)

[@ameensh2439]

I turned vegan 3 years ago. Once I turned I did notice improvements in my mood.. I became calmer more down to earth and even more spiritual.

[@ashleymassey8825]

Was a proteinaholic/co petative bodybuilder and after getting deathly ill, switch to a vegan diet. 25+ years on antidepressants and learning about anti-I flam agora properties of plants and starches inspired me to put it to the test. After 1year with help from my doctor, I tapered off antidepressants and am going on two years drug free! I owe it all to sweet potatoes, which I absolutely love more than anything! Thanks for your awesome videos, Mic. You've helped me build a new foundation for health and happiness!

[@ezybella]

Awesome Mic. You’re doing a marvellous job. We need to continue watching your videos so please never stop.

[@randahassan5463]

What she said

[@Abstractorganza1]

From a diff perspective, when you eat animals, you’re eating their final moments of fear and sadness. You’re consuming their soul full of terror. Could be another reason 🤷🏻‍♀️ just my perspective.

[@Melissa.Garrett]

There’s scientific evidence to back that up, too: the animals being slaughtered would have high levels of adrenaline and cortisol in their systems as a response to fear, and that would likely stay in the meat to some extent. So if any meat-eaters try to poo-poo your argument as a wild imagination, you can point that out and shut them up. 😊

[@rachelgoodkind6545]

? fearless vegans? Through history vegans (and vegetarians) have been known to be kind, compassionate, sensitive, peaceful--while people who consume animals were known for aggression, anger and war-like qualities. This does not imply all animal eaters are violent or unkind. I do not recall if I was fearless when I consumed the suffering and death of innocent farm animals. Even Indian vegetarian Hindu leaders stated that vegetarian couples had fewer marital problems than those couples who consumed meat. The plant information is understood, plants do have feelings but they lack the central nervous system that all animals (and fish) have. However farm animals eat many, MANY times more plants than humans do. Estimates are that 40%+ of all land in the planet is used in some way for farm animals. For instance 90% of all soy and 80% of all corn in the world is fed to farm animals. And sadly, millions of acres of rainforest lands have been decimated to grow soy for farm animals and for cattle to graze on the land. For those who want to criticize vegans and vegetarians for eating (phytoestrogens in) soy, look at what is fed to fatten animals to slaughter. I prefer to eat a kind and compassionate diet, fear-inducing (?) or not, and that may or may not include soy plants. Peace.

[@fitafanatomy3359]

You're an idiot

[@susanb1394]

Completely agree.

[@cheesepuff5292]

Love it, and so glad to see a variety of studies supporting this from many angles. I hate winter due to my pretty severe seasonal depression. This will be my first winter as a vegan (been vegetarian for several years) so I'm looking forward to seeing how much it will help me. :) Also I've said this before, but I'd love eventually to see a video on anemia and veganism. ;) Thank you so much for your hard work, Mic!

[@DonnaTheDogGroomer]

Aimee Jodoin oh my gosh! I have had S.A.D. for several years. Every fall, I have to take antidepressants. I hate them, but it's worse if I don't take them. Every spring, I wean off the medication. I just became vegan in July, this year.

[@theshunnedBandersnatch]

I love winter, but always seemed to fel moody, sad & just blah around November & December. I started taking vitamin D & it has definitely improved my mood. Don't know if it's related, but 🤷🏿💁🏿

[@magnuslang-ree8645]

Check out nutritionfacts videos on vitamin D, might be related to the SAD

[@VeganismUnspun]

Very interesting! Whilst the red pill effect of Veganism can be depressing, the diet itself offers biochemical protection from such depression - good to know.

[@csil2863]

I might get scolded for suggesting this, but I think American prisons should only provide whole plant foods for the inmates. If you are correct about the effect of a plant based diet on mood and aggression, the prisons should become safer for the inmates, guards and staff. In addition, there are all the other benefits of a whole plant based diet.

[@maureenk1635]

I think this is a great idea. I'm sure some people will be unhappy but it's a fantastic idea!

[@csil2863]

led samsung I disagree with your comment. I think Mic. the Vegan is consistent in all of his videos with others who advocate a whole plant diet and who have a foundation in nutrition and/or medical and health sciences. In addition, what is reported in this video is consistent with my own personal experience prior to a whole plant diet compared to after living on a whole plant diet.

[@maureenk1635]

Yes, if broccoli sprouts appear to improve the symptoms on teenagers with severe autism, then it is not foolish to think that outcomes in prison could improve.

[@gracetyla6252]

csil - it's been done. And amazing results. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJLSpnaIf5tpibc

[@fadedpie]

Same for schools and hospitals.

[@foaly8]

“Excessive Mao destroys happiness”. rofl

[@akroma12345678910]

Yeah but that wasn't REAL communism.

[@pizzafreak1175]

foaly8 If it were not for Mao's early work for China it would never be the superpower it is today.

[@Treebard]

Excessive (egg and oil based) mayo also destroys happiness

[@carbontube7956]

Vegan way of eating has drastically improved my mood and my ability to handle stressful situations. Words can’t describe how much better it is.:)

[@thrivesurvive]

It is definitely true in my experience that eating whole plant foods, especially colorful, raw fruits and veggies has significantly reduced my depression. Although I often become sad because I am an empath and people suck, my depression is no longer an uncontrollable slippery black slope of misery and despair. When I became a raw vegan in 2006, my physical and mental health totally turned around. Obviously I made many lifestyle changes to support my mental well-being, but without the foods as my foundation, I don't think the rest of the changes would have made much of a difference. I'm not raw anymore (had to stop after 6 years due to teeth issues), I still enjoy a whole foods, plant based diet and my depression is still much more manageable than when I was vegetarian and consuming processed foods regularly. As a vegan, it is sometimes difficult to remain optimistic. Knowing all the nasty truths of the world can definitely be nightmare fodder and ignorance is bliss, however, I no longer consume the sadness and it no longer consumes me. Thank you for your excellent research and presentation.

[@realjayjobes1849]

Thank you for your videos!!🙏🏽💯

[@badbadgilead2552]

Hey Mic. You truly exemplify the attitude I've cultivated as a result of my journey with food. As a young mother, watching my son's dietary patterns and moods, it solidifies all the suspicions I've held about how strongly diet is linked with emotion. I was depressed from a young age and it went hand in hand with my diet patterns. As a teenager I was nocturnal, skipped meals, sometimes ate nothing but chocolate and milk. I know now I'm lactose intolerant. I self harmed. I would eat nothing and then binge. The eating nothing gave me the illusion of control that I held onto when I did binge. So much of my eating was impatient and unconscious. But my grandmother and mother were passionate cooks, and through them as well as cross-cultural exposure sparked my own passion for food and its power. I note that some of my happiest memories have been when I was well and truly fed as well as slept well and had less erratic bowels, lol. I began cooking and experimenting a lot as I got older, a few years ago going vegetarian. I noted carefully how powerfully my moods changed, but more so my sensitivity and awareness of myself and what I put into myself. I fell back into the modern omnivore diet, but part of me kept recording everything, especially how my moods became more unstable, my temper inflaring, and so on. I've been vegan now for 6 months, and for sure it is not the only answer to depression, but it is a critical aspect. For being able to know and trust what you CHOOSE to put into your own body is a huge step in changing your day to day life. Suddenly all other addictions aren't so scary once you get to grips with what you eat every day and how its affects that quality of your thoughts and what you attune to. Even during being an omnivore I went to Vipassana meditation courses a few times where I ate a vegan diet, and it became so clear in that space that there was no way to meditate continuously for days while eating meat.

[@victoriavarga]

One for your best videos yet. This is such an important topic and this information needs to be widespread. Thanks for making these videos, Mic. The world needs them.

[@susanb2163]

i am 61 and have been wfpb for almost a year. Definitely noticed mood changes i am more upbeat more optimistic less discouraged my moods are definitely more stable

[@miriamwoolf7180]

vegan rocks! I'm depressed that 99%of the world isn't vegan😢

[@jeanechi]

Well Mic, becoming a vegan has helped me being less of a selfish asshole towards animals so yeah, I'm happier! 🌱

[@lildandelionlily]

I absolutely love your channel. The amount of studies and factual evidence that you use make me have complete faith in what you say. I can't believe more people haven't watched this.

[@paigenoel29]

I've struggled with depression on and off for about 7 years. Since going vegan (4 months ago) The frequency of my episodes has drastically decreased. (Also I get way fewer migraines!) I'm sooo happy I made the switch!

[@AndyOchoaR]

I was depressed before I took on to this diet, and hadn't realized up until this video that the diet helped me so so much with it. Thank you, once more, for your awesome, informative videos

[@taylorbaker7205]

currently a 3 month chea'gan/ vegitarian that went cold "turkey". working my way up and this may help me out as well. so i guess ... Thanks MIC im going to give these tips a go. i know you probably get this a lot but thanks man. You have been huge help in the life style change!

[@JD_-yw9yv]

Definitely!!! Went vegetarian about a yr ago, but then went full vegan about 7months ago... BIG difference in how i feel! Now i try to share my experience with others and speak for those that cant speak for themselves...BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE! THANKS FOR ALL THAT YOU DO MIKE THE VEGAN!!!

[@Tim123]

Ah, another video. 🙏🏻

[@christinepayne725]

So, this is exactly why I went vegan in the first place. I had prayed about my anxiety and depression and I felt like I was told by God to go on a daniel fast. Once on it, my anxiety levels fell significantly, so much so that I felt I didn't have anxiety anymore. It used to be so crippling that after dinner at work (evening shift) I wanted to crawl under my desk and do nothing. I would also break down in panic attacks during simple trips to walmart or in church. Now, I can function fine and handle any intrusive thoughts that arise. It's much easier to fight my disorder and I no longer worry about having attacks all the time! Thanks Mic for all the info, ur awesome! I love ur channel and learned so much!

[@DavidAndersen84]

Mike, I have followed a lot of people on KZbin, and can say that no one does more homework than you. THANK YOU. You are the reason why I am a successful Vegan.

[@itskatehill]

It's so true! I used to suffer from terrible anxiety, bouts of depression, and racing thoughts, but since I've been following an almost entirely a WFPB diet for the past two and a half months my overall mood (and of course many other things) has gotten so much better! It feels almost like a miracle. I thought I would always have issues with anxiety, but I just don't seem to anymore. I can't imagine how my mood will change when I go fully plant based. It's so awesome!! 🌱

[@amiesmith4095]

Thankyou for your videos Mic, they are like gold dust in a world where people struggle to re-assess their choices, and your continued use of studies and your representation of the facts is essential for people to access the truth. You may be citing from other people's research regularly but personally I would rather watch a video of yours on the these complicated subjects than try and make sense of the science by myself, and if I wanted to tackle it then it's all there in your comments! You make this information digestible and that is incredibly important. You are the bridge between the complex scientific world and the people that need to hear this stuff. So thankyou again :)

[@heidiho3089]

Mic, you are doing a great job. Thank you for sharing all of your research on so many aspects of the WFPBD. Also, thanks for taking the time to produce your vids well, and thank you for providing citations, notes and links. You are a natural educator! Keep it up.

[@corimari3610]

My daughter is allergic to onions and garlic (all in the allium family). Not major symptoms but just headachy and sad. It is great she figured this out. I wonder how many other people suffer with this.

[@blueskyrescue3235]

Thanks for your informative video on this very timely and important topic! My entire life has improved after being on a High Raw Low Fat diet. Last winter was my first on a high raw version incorporating lots more fruits and dark green leafies and gone were the winter blues. As I look outside at the white stuff on my Minnesota deck, I am planning on another joyful season filled with more fruits and veggies!!! and no blue moods. I thank God everyday for this new life of joy, energy and abundant health and I thank encouraging youtubers like yourself who inspire and keep me on track. At 62 I feel better than I have ever felt!

[@luannedimaggio7025]

There is serious severe depression in my family and change it to a plant-based whole plant-based diet has made a difference in my attitude my ability to function physically and mentally and overall improve my happiness and lifestyle. Thank you again for all your information and your hard work.

[@mendolynskye]

Both my husband and I have been vegan for two months now. To say it has dramatically changed both of our moods into being more positive and healthy would be an understatement. Our pain levels are down as well. Looks like the inflammation levels we had from animal based foods were what was causing the prolonged pain, and as this study shows, crap mental states. Nothing else changed. We have the same jobs, house, kids, lives...with the addition of our car actually having problems which should have made us feel worse but we are just like oh well guess that needs fixed. After going WFPB we just feel better physically and mentally.

[@kelwesblake]

When people ask me the main improvement I feel since being vegan (8 months now) I always say my brain !!! Used to be so angry and sad and cry a lot and now I’m so level headed and smile all the time & handle hard things so much better. Great vid as always :))

[@AutumnButterfly]

I transitioned from Vegetarian to Vegan at the end of June. Since then I have lost 13 pounds, my skin has mostly cleared up, I have more energy and have begun tapering down my depression meds. It feels as though I'm healing, for lack of a better term. This has been the best thing I have ever done for my physical and mental health. The knowledge that I'm not contributing to suffering puts me more at peace and helps with the psychological and spiritual healing as well.

[@alphadelalune3740]

This topic is so relevant to me it brings me to tears. I'm 21, female, from the US, and I've been taking antidepressants for about 5 years on and off for anxiety/panic. I've been Vegan for about 2 years, not a junk food vegan but by no means WFPB. Although my doctors/therapists have strongly encouraged me to exercise as a coping mechanism (physical exersise is the only sure-fire way I've found to stop a panic attack, even just dancing around the room), and of course _mentioned_ diet, sleep, and exercise having an effect on my overall mental health, going on meds was always the first and foremost short-term recommended solution as an aid to developing healthy thought patterns and coping mechanisms. Although they're pedaling accepted science, I'm happy that medication was thought of as a crutch to do the mental therapeutic work myself, _BUT_ I think the notion that all the work has to be done in one's head is complete bogus. I stand by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy method and always will - it has helped me immensely - but I would never recommend it as the main course with a side of meds. A combination of a WFPB diet, regular exercise, regular sleep, _and_ CBT or conventional therapy is the long term solution for neurotypical people.

[@OceanPancake]

Its so interesting to learn about how our mental health is influence by the foods we eat : I noticed a huge difference in not only physical energy but also emotional energy since only eating plants. I feel lighter and happier

[@margaretcopeland1055]

I reread Candace Pert's "The Molecules of Emotion" from time to time. She really struggled to get any kind of recognition of her theories. If you eat things that have suffered greatly, almost all factory farmed animals, and even those supposedly "humanely harvested", you are ingesting their suffering and sorrow. Truly "you are what you eat" and I bet when there is better research we will validate how what we eat and how we treat animals, domesticated and wild, affect our emotional wellbeing.

[@larascarpini1151]

I used to follow a low carb diet with lots of animal protein and dairy supplements(whey protein and casein). Now I've been vegan for 8 months with a pretty high carb ratio and it was definitely a big change for my mood and my overall health.

[@meropale]

I love this channel and appreciate that Mic states around 9:26 that diet is only a part of the picture. Becoming vegan is a foundational element to easing depression but not a cure-all. I'm glad that people have found their depression cured by diet alone but that has absolutely not been my case. I've been vegan now almost four years and before that lived 20+ years as a lacto-ovo-pescatarian. I still suffer from depression and I choose not to go the drug route. The missing factor for me has been *exercise* . When I exercise there are definite positive changes to my overall well-being, including my mood and energy levels. In essence I have to do a little work to earn my happiness, and it can be a huge challenge to even get started as a depressed person.

[@angel227614]

Yep !! I have never been as happy as I am right now in life !!

[@chillout1424]

Vegan for 3 years, feel great with lots of energy. Just gave up coffee too. Having less roller coaster mood swings. Thanks Mic, enjoy your videos.

[@denise4peace565]

You are an amazing educator. Wish we could fill our classrooms with your level of intelligence and enthusiasm!

[@collmcev3266]

My mental health has significantly improved since adopting a pbd. Still acclimating and learning recipes etc but only ten moving so onward and upwards. Thanks for another great vlog x

[@ClimbLikeMountain]

The Whole Foods vegan diet has helped cure my chronic lifelong depression. I still sink low sometimes but the bouts are less frequent and shorter in duration :) now only if when I turned on my phone I stopped getting news reports of trump, eco destruction and child slavey, my depression would be gone entirely!

[@justinburford8582]

Vegan for 2 months now! Been overweight most of my life and losing weigh steadily. Definitely happier-since the switch. Was vegetarian for 2 years and didn't feel as good/happy. Love you Mic!

[@Alex.Rivers]

I was on prescription drugs for years to manage my severe anxiety and depression. It was so crippling I struggled to get out of bed to shower and use the restroom. Pills were always bandaid fixes and always had to change when they stopped working. For the last two years I have been vegetarian and completely vegan on the home, when I eat out once a week or so I will occasionally have dairy products in small amounts. Anyway, I do not take any medications to manage my mental health and I've never been happier. Life is wonderful, depression can get better! If you want it for yourself, you can do anything.

[@jordynpiano7171]

Yeah I'm doing the whole food thing it's pretty amazing how much it's helped my mood and I've only been doing it 3 weeks. It was one of the biggest things I've noticed thank you so much for making these videos, they've been super helpful

[@PaigePizza]

going vegan literally saved my life. not only did it give me something to be passionate and care about, but the diet change meed feel so much better mentally

[@TheRewiredSoul]

Awesome video man! I have a mental health channel and went vegetarian a few months ago (haven't made the leap to vegan yet for no real justifiable reason), but I'm a huge neuroscience nerd and appreciate all the info you put together in this. Keep on keepin' on, mah man! I look forward to researching this a bit more too

[@TheRewiredSoul]

Oh wow! Thank you for sharing that! I didn't realize how expensive these were. do you know if insurance covers these treatments?

[@amandarhea2318]

I suffered depression after having my first child and was on anti depressants for more than 2 years. They did help. I truly needed them. Within just 3 days of going vegan, I relized that I did not need them anymore. I was full of energy and glowing with happiness! I gradually got off the anti depressants, which was very easy because I really did not need them anymore. That was 2.5 years ago and I am still glowing with happiness most of the time. Back then I still ate processed foods and ate at restaurants. Mic, you have inspired me to go whole food plant based. For the last 6 months, I have been eating very little processed foods and very rarely eating anything I didn't make at home. I have lost 40 lbs in that time and am still loosing weight and feeling amazing! A Whole Food Plant Based Diet has changed my life for the better in so many ways!

[@deemacduff]

After 2 years on a low carb diet, I went vegan for one month, just to see if it would help my blood pressure. At the end of the month I noted the changes - not only was my BP at a healthy range, but my moods were stable and I was much happier! I’ve been a “sloppy vegan” since then, but have cleaned up my act in the past few weeks and the energy is back. It’s amazing!!!

[@scottseidner4661]

Thanks for all your hard work sir!! Former metasaurus rex here. Your vids are very easy to watch/follow. 6 months zero beef or pork. minimum dairy fish (1x week) almost no chicken, struggling to quit it all but we're close. 25lbs off feel amazing aches and pains all but gone,. haven't been to doctor since change but body doesn't lie... again THANKS FOR BEING YOU!!

[@katie7789]

Never in my life have I felt better than now (vegan for 1.5 years!!). My mood has mostly stabilized and I am MUCH happier :D I can honestly say the better I eat, the better I feel. I try to sneak in as many fruits and veggies as possible and I feel amazing when I do. I love the video because the hormone and neurotransmitter levels are exactly what I'm studying right now in one of my biology classes! I hope someone who needs this information finds it. Thank you so much.

[@nitsan]

LOL "Greger recycling" I love your videos. It's awesome to have something to show people which is a little more concise than sending several Dr Greger videos.

[@hammockmonk]

Nice to see some science that backs up my own experience. Thanks, Mic.!

[@ESLTopics]

Been vegan four months now and I have noticed a remarkable change in my overall mood. Much calmer and in a "Zen" place - I've never taken anti-depressants, but I think broccoli would win.

[@theirishplauge8156]

You rock man! Your videos are helping a lot of people!

[@williamshepherd3543]

I have been vegan for about a month now and had severe crippling depression. I no longer take medicine I cut out ALL medicine, I have never been more focused, happy, and overall just in a better mood/place in my life. I was the biggest meat eater but knew the benefits of a whole food plant based diet but I promised myself to stick with it for 2 weeks and now I'll never change!

[@annecapener3442]

I love your videos! Dr. G's are a bit too hard for me to watch and I like the way you breakdown things and make it easier for me to grasp! Plus, the little jokes are appreciated!

[@based54]

I used to be a lil' ball of pent up anger and aggression then i went on a mostly whole food vegan diet and now i'm just chill and enjoying things more . Also you were one of the biggest influences in turning me vegan so THANK YOU A LOT !

[@kellyac210]

What a big eye opener this video was.. Huge. Thank you!

[@theg9508]

Am 18 and Been vegan for just over a year now never felt better physically ,mentally and spiritually would recommend going vegan 100%

[@kathihonigwenkoff8948]

You are my hero :D you put so much value out there! And thank you so so so much for posting the studies and sources! This helps so much :)

[@jackcottonbrown]

Absolutely I notice a difference in my mood when I eat whole food vegan. Positivity up. Skin quality up. Sleep up. Workout recovery up. General feeling of wellbeing up. Immune function up. I don't really veer off the vegan path these days, but when I drop off the whole foods path I start to notice some negatives creeping back in. So I SQUASH those negatives with a beetroot and kale salad.

[@37cameraguy]

The “eat your feelings” bit with a puppy made me happy. Puppies make you happy. What we need is puppies in our life. And a plant based diet. But puppies, puppies are the key :)

[@frankpatricklennarz1519]

I can confirm the positive effects of vegan diets on mental states, even when there is still some processed food included already and even better on a whole food plant based diet.

[@diamondgarcia9409]

I'm the happiest I've ever been as a vegan.. this explains a lot of it. Also the connection and sense of purpose. Great video :)

[@kyriep9711]

My mom suffered from clinical depression, diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, and morbid obesity before dying of cancer. After seeing what diet did to her (especially the years she was on Atkins) I decided I had to find a way to eat to prevent the same things happening to me. After going vegan, I expected the weight loss, the clear skin, and the reduced pain in my joints but I never expected to be so much more stable and happy. I don’t even hate waking up in the morning anymore. Thanks for the video, Mic.

[@r.m5883]

Mike, you're always just killin' it

[@SavvySchmidt]

Great video Mic! I used to be an extremely anxious person (often worrying for no explicable reason), or things that would normally be only moderately worrisome would put my anxiety through the roof! So, I was extremely happy to notice that a byproduct of me going completely vegan (6 months ago) was that all that unnecessary anxiety disappeared. I'm glad you did this video, because, in addition to being extremely informative, it corroborates what I felt was the result of going vegan. Thank you! :)

[@CrazyVegan]

You are killing these videos, man! Loving the green screens and increase in production quality. The grey looks classy and your edits are on point. Well done! I'd love to interview you, if you're interested. Stay well!

[@rubusberry]

High carb plant based diet has certainly helped in my depression. I've also started to try and eat more whole foods, especially when I am PMSing because I've become aware of how inflammatory inducing foods have an effect on my energy and productivity motivation and therefore my mood. It's also very enriching to know that as a vegan, my choices in food do not have the devastating effects that animal and animal by products have on the planet, my health, and the animals.

[@asteriagency9683]

Going 100% wfpb has GREATLY stabilized my mood. Quitting added sugars helped tremendously too. I use to have mood swings- very angry. I asked my husband if he thought I'd calmed down since eating right & he said "Oh definitely! "

[@collme2454]

Was not only struggling with mood but terrible heavy menstruation to the point where couldn't leave the house. Within 3 weeks on WFPB lifestyle had 2 day light menstruation and no mood lows. Thanks as always for the great vlog.

[@delevator8755]

About two years ago, just before I went vegan, I was feeling incredibly depressed for no particular reason. Now I have plenty of reasons but still it's hard to feel sad. At least in the same way I used to. It actually frustrates me sometimes because it makes me feel like I'm not taking life seriously enough.

[@bren0duh]

DateYana omg yes! I've dealt with bipolar disorder for so long. Addicted to medication and therapy sessions. After going vegan, I realized that I hadn't had a depressive mood or suicidal thought in a very long time. I seriously freaked out 😂 I even called my friend for advice, "what's wrong with me? Is this the calm before the storm? Am I dying soon?" She said, "Brenda, you're used to the highs and lows, but youre okay. This means you're happy. This is a good thing" I do still take medication and still put in work of my own to manage my diagnosis, but becoming vegan definitely helped a ton.

[@Noelciaaa]

I was such a mess when I started being vegan I can't even remember what exactly pushed me to at that moment but once after two weeks I've noticed the "brain fog", constant fatigue and anxiety and problems with sleeping were gone, i knew I'm never ever going back

[@EarthtoRosita]

Same! Proud of you

[@EarthtoRosita]

Thank you for this video! Was actually hoping you'd cover this!

[@albino_panda1363]

"Gobble, gobble, biiiiiiiiiiiiiiatch." I started watching you because you were informative, and you helped convince me to look at my patient's health (and therefore mine), and switch from veggie to vegan. I keep watching you for being informed, and also for being funny. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@j.fabricioelias227]

Great video! And yes, since I started following a plant-based diet I've noticed, in general, that I'm less likely to feel deeply sad.

[@practicalpisces]

"Let's start on a *positive* note and see what foods can make you happier." I see what you did there!

[@zanirani]

I had a low grade depression, but since switching to a vegan Whole Foods diet, it has gone. What’s interesting is that the external life situation is now more challenging, but my mood is better than when I was in better circumstances. So definitely, vegan Whole Foods diet works. Super grateful.

[@mikedonnarumma5337]

BRILLIANT REPORT, i turned to vegan 10 weeks ago, my mood is noticeably changed, the feeling of mood is also changed for the better, as is my health,

[@motomike8102]

I saw a drastic reduction in stress and irritability after going vegan. It's great to see science backing up my anecdotal experience.

[@OBEAST312]

When I changed my diet to mostly fruits vegetables nuts seeds and legumes , I was able to retain information and was much happier, i could see clear and understand. It was definitely the best change I have made in life

[@TheSde16]

I feel so much happier the less meat I eat and the more vegetables. I just ate a veggie sandwich earlier and it legit put me in a super good mood. I wasn't expecting that😊