The thyroid produces life-sustaining hormones that play a central role in maintaining our cognitive skills and emotional wellbeing. What’s more, the thyroid hormones are highly active in the emotional area of the brain.
When you consider this close connection it makes sense that when the thyroid is running smoothly life feels good and you have an optimistic outlook.
The flip side?
Thyroid dysfunction gives rise to mood issues that range from mild to severe. In effect, life becomes an emotional roller coaster.
Hypothyroidism and Emotional Symptoms
The way you you’re feeling right now may not be ‘all in your head’. There’s a significant correlation between hypothyroidism and emotional symptoms but the link is not always understood.
According to the latest research thyroid dysregulation can be the hidden cause of mood disorders including anxiety and depression.
For this reason, if you think a thyroid problem is impacting your emotions talk to your healthcare practitioner about getting your thyroid checked.
A complete thyroid blood test checks thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) along with free T4 (FT4), free T3 (FT3), reverse T3 (RT3), and thyroid antibodies. Your practitioner may also order a thyroid ultrasound to check the health of your thyroid gland.
The Thyroid-Emotional Health Connection 2021
The COVID-19 restrictions are ongoing and most people’s daily routines have changed. With this isolation and loneliness is having an overwhelming effect on mental health.
By design we are social beings so spending time with friends and family along with regularly engaging in our community is vital for our emotional health.
This makes it even more important to make mental health a top priority.
Mental Health In The Spotlight
- Stay connected. If you are feeling less connected create opportunities to make social connections. This could include scheduling regular catch-ups with friends and family. Or meeting in person for some type of fun outdoor activity.
- Eat well, stay active. A nutritious diet and regular exercise can have a strong positive impact on psychological health. If you have a thyroid disorder continue with your treatment plan. Remember to take your nutritional supplements and prescribed medication as recommended.
- Seek strategies to manage stress. This is an essential self-care strategy as too much stress easily depletes immunity.
It’s okay not to be okay. If you or a family member is feeling worried or overwhelmed by the COVID restrictions seek immediate professional help.
In Australia:
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Lifeline 13 11 44
Children’s Helpline 1800 55 1800
References
Costache A, Riza AL, Popescu M, et al. TSH and T4 Levels in a Cohort of Depressive Patients. Curr Health Sci J. 2020;46(2):117-122.
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.
Turan E, Karaaslan O. The Relationship between Iodine and Selenium Levels with Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Euthyroid Nodular Goiter. Oman Med J. 2020;35(4):e161. Published 2020 Jul 31.