Feeling sad from time to time is a normal reaction to the challenges of everyday life. It’s not easy feeling happy all the time.
However, bouts of feeling sad and depression are not the same. With stress levels at an all-time high depression is a growing issue.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health depression is a common and serious mood disorder that causes symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. What’s more, depression can lead to the breakdown of relationships with family and friends.
The Common Signs of Depression
Let’s take a closer look at the main symptoms of depression. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.
- Feeling hopeless about life.
- A lack of interest in daily activities.
- Appetite or weight changes.
- Difficulty sleeping, or over-sleeping.
- Anger or irritability.
- Feeling physically drained.
- Feelings of not being worthy.
- Addictions and addictive behavior.
- Memory and concentration problems.
- Unexplained muscle aches and headaches.
Depression Is A Common Symptom Associated With Hypothyroidism
When thyroid hormone levels are low it leads to a wide range of symptoms, including depression.
The reason?
The thyroid hormones are widely distributed in the emotional centers of your brain as they play a vital role in your brain biochemistry.
Consequently, life feels good and you have an optimistic outlook when your thyroid is running smoothly. The flip side of course is that thyroid dysfunction can give rise to emotional health issues. You can end up feeling that life is an emotional roller coaster.
Depression is NOT Just In Your Head
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way. If you suspect a thyroid hormone imbalance is taking a serious toll on your emotional health it’s vital you speak to a thyroid-literate doctor who understands thyroid problems.
Transforming your thyroid health could be the key to improving your emotional state. I highly recommend you look more deeply at triggers such as the foods you eat, toxins, chronic infections, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and any genetic influences. You will see these topics are all covered regularly here on the ThyroSynergy® blog.
NOTE: The use of anti-depressant medication is the mainstay of medical treatment for mild to severe mood changes. If you are taking prescribed medication you should not cease, or adjust your medication unless under the supervision of your medical practitioner. If you suspect you are experiencing depression, promptly seek professional help.
References
Hage MP, Azar ST. The Link between Thyroid Function and Depression. J Thyroid Res.2012;2012:590648.
Loh HH, Lim LL, Yee A, Loh HS. Association between subclinical hypothyroidism and depression: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry. 2019;19(1):12. Published 2019 Jan 8.
The National Institute of Mental Health Information Resource Center. Mental Health Information. Depression. Last Revised: February 2018. Link
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