Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life. It may also involve feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and frustration, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes thoughts of death or suicide. It’s more than just a bout of the blues; depression isn’t a weakness, nor is it something that you can simply “snap out” of. Depression requires long-term treatment and is most commonly treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition characterized by the body’s inability to properly produce or utilize insulin, a hormone needed to convert glucose into energy. This results in elevated blood sugar levels that can lead to serious health complications over time, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision loss. There are two main types: Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition where the body produces little to no insulin, and Type 2 diabetes, where the body doesn’t use insulin effectively. Managing diabetes typically involves lifestyle adjustments, medication, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.

A “diet” refers to the sum of food and beverages consumed by an individual or an organism, typically characterized by its quality, variety, and quantity. It can also signify a specific intake of nutrition for health or weight management reasons. Diets may be influenced by personal preferences, cultural traditions, or health considerations, and they can vary greatly across different individuals and species. Specific diets, often named after their primary features (e.g., vegetarian, keto, paleo), are designed to promote weight loss, address health issues, or align with ethical beliefs.