Research Shows Links in Tobacco Use, Depression

Source from:  By Kevin Lamb Staff Writer Thursday, August 16, 2007  08/16/2007

HEALTH The latest research to link tobacco use with major clinical depression gives two important insights into why they go together so often. • The genetic connection suggests depression leads to smoking, as opposed to smoking's causing depression. "Some people with a history of depression may become smokers as a way of self-medicating," said Dr. Qiang John Fu of St. Louis University's School of Public Health. "Some people who are smokers might become depressed when they try to give up cigarettes and can't." • An early warning sign of someone's susceptibility to depression and smoking that a person has those genetic predispositions is any conduct disorder - teenagers' and children's extreme rebellious behaviors such as stealing, vandalizing, running away from home and fighting. The same genes that increase people's likelihood of both depression and nicotine addiction also are found more often in people with conduct disorders. "When (doctors) see people with a history of conduct disorder, they may be able to predict those people who could develop major depression or nicotine dependence," Fu said. - Kevin Lamb, Staff Writer diet Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly will keep you healthy, and so will being creative. Based on new research, being creative can improve your coping skills, improve your memory and boost your morale. Releasing pent up energy or stress through different art forms is therapeutic. So next time you feel stressed, pick one of these methods and get inspired: • Grab a pen and some paper and just start writing. Write down your personal experiences or do some creative writing. • Crank up the radio and start belting out your favorite songs. Make up your own or spice up your favorites. You can have your karaoke moment in private or in public-whatever makes you comfortable. Pour your emotions into your performance and release built-up emotions. • Shut the door or head to your favorite dance hall to get your groove on. Physical movement you control lets you express your feelings from your heart. Enditem