Thyroid Disorders and Mental Health: Tips for mental wellness
Thyroid disorders are more connected with your mental health than you think. Studies found that people with thyroid conditions are more vulnerable to developing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. At Doral Health & Wellness, we have all the answers you need.
This happens because thyroid hormones regulate the levels of important neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and noradrenaline, which affect your mood. Thyroid hormones also affect the brain’s metabolic rate due to its ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier (which allows certain molecules to pass from the bloodstream to the brain).
Both these factors affect brain function and mood. Besides this, a thyroid condition can also impact your energy levels, weight, concentration, or even appearance, which also impacts your mood, which contributes to conditions like anxiety or depression.
If you’re living with a chronic condition such as an overactive or underactive thyroid, then it may eventually take its toll on mental health. The most common factor that affects mental health is stress which can interfere with many aspects of hormone balance, including thyroid function. This can suppress your immune system and make you more prone to autoimmune thyroid conditions like Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and may lead to changes in TSH levels.
So, while there are still chances that a thyroid condition and mental health condition exist independently, they will somehow be linked with each other in some way. The relationship between them is complex and not yet fully understood. However, as people with thyroid conditions tend to have higher rates of anxiety and depression, it’s essential to maintain your mental health, if you have a thyroid problem.
Tips to improve mental health with a thyroid condition
Here are some tips that can help you improve your mental health with a thyroid condition:
- Take the right dose of thyroid medication:
To maintain your thyroid hormone levels, make sure you take the right dose of your medication by regular testing. Taking the right dose can help you prevent mental health symptoms from worsening. Talk with your doctor to see if medication has been reviewed but you’re still experiencing poor mental health.
- Make Positive Lifestyle choices:
Exercising with a thyroid condition can feel daunting, especially if you’re experiencing thyroid-related symptoms such as fatigue or muscle weakness. However, light exercise may help to improve your symptoms along with mental health. A slow walk or a yoga session is a fantastic way to start. A healthy diet can also be beneficial for both your mental health and your thyroid health. So, consult with your doctor and add plenty of thyroid-friendly foods that complement your treatment and improve your symptoms.
- Meet people with similar experiences:
People with similar experiences can offer empathy and understand you. Join forums online related to thyroid to get in touch with other people with thyroid conditions and give yourself a safe space to share your thoughts without worrying about being different.
- Build a self-care hobby:
Everyone has a unique way of looking at their mental health and dealing with problems. Some people enjoy dancing, playing games, and spending time with loved ones can bring joy while others can feel happy by taking a hot bubble bath. So, whatever activity you like, add it to your self-care hobby and use it when you’re feeling low.
- Try some unconventional ways to boost your wellbeing:
There are many different ways you can use to improve your mental well-being, from meditation to taking a walk. You can use any way that makes you reduce your anxiety and stress and allow you to enjoy your life. From forest bathing to chewing gum, try separate ways that produce positive effects on your mental health.
If you need help with your thyroid condition, visit our endocrinology clinic in Brooklyn to get the finest specialists who evaluate your condition and give you the best treatment. Call us to book your appointment now and give the attention that your body needs to get better. Call us on +13473845690 and get answers for all your queries. Log on to www.doralhw.org or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 to book an appointment with our endocrinologist to get the best treatment. We have the best endocrinologists who treat these kinds of diseases and helpful staff to aid you during your treatment.