Remember
I told you that depression can have a physical basis? Job one is to
figure out when there is a physical reason for mental health problems.
It is important to check out your physical condition when looking into
your mental health. I have always known that my physical health has an
impact on mood swings. And I am aware of the mind-body connection. How
about you? Now, here is how I was recently reminded. I went to the
doctor. As an adult, I have had thyroid problems for quite a while.
And it has gotten worse lately. Thyroid impacts mood. Depression is
one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. So, here is what I have to say
about that. Check out your depression medically. Making a change to
medications that you already have or beginning a new medication can have
a huge impact on your mental health. This is a basic tool in the
toolbox. Any good medical practitioner will pay attention to those clues
when you are sharing your mental health difficulties. If they don’t,
find another doctor. Advocate for yourself. You are the most important
advocate you have.
In my case, the times that I haven’t had thyroid medication have been the times that the mood difficulties have been the worst for me. Treatment clearly has to be more than the depression medication. Making sure my body is well taken care of has been just as important. My body really does punish me when I don’t take care of it. Can any of you relate? I am relatively sure that you can. Any listing of symptoms in regards to thyroid will include mood difficulties as a symptom. What other kinds of difficulties can contribute to mental health issues? I’m not a doctor, but I can tell you that physical health has a huge impact on mental health.
In looking into it this week, I found a huge list of physical problems that influence mood: Of course, there is Hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism. I know and love people who have Fibromyalgia. Both of my loved ones have Bipolar Disease in addition to the physical issues. Infections (including AIDS, Mononucleosis, and late stage Syphilis) can lead to mood issues. Hypoglycemia, Cushing’s Disease (adrenal problem), and food allergies also impact mood. Of course, most women know that Premenstrual Syndrome influences mood. What I am citing is only a partial list. If you have an interest, Google it yourself. Even lack of sun can lead to mood issues.
So, what is the lesson to be learned? If you are ignoring the physical connection to your mental health, you are doing yourself a huge disservice. It is important that you recognize the physical problems that contribute to your mood swings. Depression has a large medical component. As I have explained before, I believe that at the heart of it, mental illness is biochemical. For me, this is confirmation of that. When your body isn’t functioning well, your mental health is impacted. That is the basic fact. Taking care of that aspect first can save your life. Take care of yourself. Visit your doctor today.
In my case, the times that I haven’t had thyroid medication have been the times that the mood difficulties have been the worst for me. Treatment clearly has to be more than the depression medication. Making sure my body is well taken care of has been just as important. My body really does punish me when I don’t take care of it. Can any of you relate? I am relatively sure that you can. Any listing of symptoms in regards to thyroid will include mood difficulties as a symptom. What other kinds of difficulties can contribute to mental health issues? I’m not a doctor, but I can tell you that physical health has a huge impact on mental health.
In looking into it this week, I found a huge list of physical problems that influence mood: Of course, there is Hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism. I know and love people who have Fibromyalgia. Both of my loved ones have Bipolar Disease in addition to the physical issues. Infections (including AIDS, Mononucleosis, and late stage Syphilis) can lead to mood issues. Hypoglycemia, Cushing’s Disease (adrenal problem), and food allergies also impact mood. Of course, most women know that Premenstrual Syndrome influences mood. What I am citing is only a partial list. If you have an interest, Google it yourself. Even lack of sun can lead to mood issues.
So, what is the lesson to be learned? If you are ignoring the physical connection to your mental health, you are doing yourself a huge disservice. It is important that you recognize the physical problems that contribute to your mood swings. Depression has a large medical component. As I have explained before, I believe that at the heart of it, mental illness is biochemical. For me, this is confirmation of that. When your body isn’t functioning well, your mental health is impacted. That is the basic fact. Taking care of that aspect first can save your life. Take care of yourself. Visit your doctor today.
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