We often associate mental health struggles with emotional turmoil, stress, or life circumstances right! But what if the source of your anxiety, depression, or brain fog wasn’t solely psychological? What if it’s really not about the towels left on the floor or the dishes left on top of the dishwasher and not actually placed inside it? What if it is actually your thyroid?
What if it Is actually your thyroid?
The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, plays a massive role in regulating your metabolism, energy levels, and mood. When it’s out of whack, the result is hormonal imbalances that can mimic a range of mental health symptoms, making it difficult to pinpoint the true culprit.
The Thyroid-Mind Connection: A Very Complex Web
Both hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid) can significantly impact mental well-being. The hormones produced by your thyroid, T3 and T4, influence neurotransmitter function, which directly affects your mood, cognitive abilities, and emotional stability.
Hypothyroidism: The “Slow Burn” of Mental Fog
When your thyroid is under active, it doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to a slowdown of bodily functions. This can manifest as:
- Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest, and feelings of hopelessness are common.
- Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and slowed thinking can mimic cognitive decline.
- Anxiety: While seemingly contradictory, hypothyroidism can also trigger anxiety, often accompanied by irritability and restlessness.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and lack of energy can exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleepiness can further disrupt mood and cognitive function.
These symptoms can easily be mistaken for clinical depression, perimenopause or anxiety disorders.
Hyperthyroidism: The “Wired and Tense” Experience
An overactive thyroid pumps out too much hormone, speeding up bodily functions. This can lead to:
- Anxiety and Nervousness: Restlessness, irritability, and panic attacks are common.
- Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping can worsen anxiety and mood swings.
- Rapid Heart Rate: Palpitations and a racing heart can contribute to feelings of anxiety and unease.
- Mood Swings: Emotional instability and rapid shifts in mood can be disruptive.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Even though the body is sped up, the mind can have trouble focusing.
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can resemble generalised anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder or perimenopause.
The Overlap: A Diagnostic Challenge
The similarity between thyroid dysfunction and mental health symptoms creates a diagnostic challenge. Many individuals are treated for mental health conditions without their thyroid being checked, and vice versa.
When to Suspect Your Thyroid:
Consider getting your thyroid checked if you experience:
- Mental health symptoms that don’t respond to conventional treatment.
- A combination of mental and physical symptoms, such as fatigue, weight changes, or hair loss.
- A family history of thyroid problems.
- Sudden or unexplained changes in mood or cognition.
Get it checked anyway right!
Taking Control of Your Health: Beyond the Blood Test
While a blood test is crucial for diagnosis, consider incorporating holistic practices to support both your thyroid and mental well-being.
- Morning Massage: Gentle self-massage around your neck area can improve blood flow to the thyroid gland. Look for tutorials that show the correct area and pressure. This can also be a calming way to start the day, reducing stress.
- Cold Water Splashes: A quick splash of cold water on your face and neck can stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a role in regulating the nervous system and reducing anxiety. Some even believe it can stimulate the thyroid. Start small and slowly build up time.
- Mindful Movement: Practices like yoga or tai chi can help regulate the nervous system and reduce stress, which can indirectly impact thyroid function.
- Nutrient-Dense Diet: Focus on whole foods rich in selenium, iodine, and zinc, which are essential for thyroid health.
- Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep to support hormonal balance.
- Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or spending time in nature.
It is important to note that these holistic approaches should be used in conjunction with medical treatment, not as a replacement. There are many foods to change to support thyroid and mental health so diet is crucial.
Remember, you are not alone. Understanding the connection between your thyroid and mental health is the first step toward finding the right treatment and reclaiming your well-being.
You know what, you may just need a bit of self care and a few little adjustments to your lifestyle.
DM me and let me see if I can help.
Maria
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