Cooking can be therapeutic for someone with depression because it offers a sense of control and accomplishment, engages mindfulness by focusing on the present moment,
and acts as a creative outlet. The sensory experience of cooking can help ground and soothe, while the physical actions involved provide gentle activity. It also promotes self- care by encouraging healthy eating, and the routine of preparing meals can add structure to the day. Additionally, cooking can foster social connection, helping to combat feelings of isolation. All these elements work together to provide comfort and reduce depressive symptoms.
When you’re depressed, your appetite can change significantly due to the emotional and physical toll that depression takes on the body. Some people may experience a loss of appetite, finding food unappealing or lacking the energy to eat, which can lead to unintentional weight loss and nutrient deficiencies. Others may turn to food for comfort, seeking temporary relief through overeating, often opting for high-calorie, unhealthy options that contribute to weight gain.
It can also be difficult to follow complex recipes or even find the motivation to cook. Depression often impacts executive functioning—making it harder to plan, organize, and carry out tasks. The mental energy required to follow step-by-step instructions can feel overwhelming, leading many to opt for simpler, more convenient meals or to skip eating altogether.
The following is a very simple recipe that will surprise whoever eats it. The balls look like cheese balls with pistachio nuts, but when a person puts one into their mouths and chews, they realize there is a grape inside and it’s very refreshing. Not what was expected. The smile on their face and the compliments they will give the depressed person are very helpful, very comforting.
There are many ways to make alternative versions:
1. Place a small dollop of horseradish on the cream cheese prior to adding the
grape, then roll in ground-up beef (I like using different kinds of jerky)
2. Roll cream-cheese covered grape in ground peanuts (like a version of a peanut-
butter sandwich, where the grape is the “jelly”)
3. Use different types of toasted and salted ground nuts, such as pecans, walnuts,
or toasted sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds
Harrison Levine
Boulder Psychiatry Associates
