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I my husband has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and seems to be much more forgetful than he used to be. I know this could just be because he doesn't have the motivation to be engaged with much, but I'm wondering if it could be something more? Thanks.

Swimming is a GREAT form of exercise! It is easy on your joints, good for strength and toning, and (as adam said) can be very 'zen like'! I love it, but then again, I've been swimming since I was young. When depressive symptoms get the best of me, I force myself out for a swim...in the summer especially when I can be outside, this works wonders on my mental state.

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Some people do seem to feel the effects of this stimulant more than others, depression or no. If drinking caffeine affects your ability to sleep well at night, a lack of sleep can absolutely impact your depression symptoms. Also, if caffeine gives you energy for a short while but then causes you to crash leaving you feeling worse than before, this can also mimic/spark the emotional ups and downs of depression. Caffeine alters the chemicals in your brain that may be trying to re-balance themselves during your depression treatment which may also impact your symptoms.

Regardless, if you can at least cut down on or cut out your caffeine/coffee intake and be really reflective on how your body and mind feels, this would be a good start (decaf coffee still has some caffeine in it). If you drink a TON of coffee (I would say 4+ cups a day), cutting it out all at once would also spur some crazy symptoms, so would wean yourself off of it more slowly!

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