If you are having emotional difficulties, like anxiety or depression, it can be so incredibly helpful to engage in therapy. Hey, I’m a therapist, and of course, having seen the incredible improvements people make, I am a big proponent. However, I do believe in looking at symptoms with a wide angle lens — so when I first start working with people I like to ask: “When was your last physical exam?” If it’s been awhile, especially for blood work, I will recommend that they make an appointment to be seen by their primary care physician. And for women, I often recommend a trip to their OB/GYN as well.

The mind/body connection is not some new age nonsense, it’s the real deal. There can be medical factors that have an effect on mental wellness. In fact, sometimes, if these medical issues are addressed with proper treatment, anxiety and depression can be managed more easily and people may even be able to avoid psychotropic medications. While there are many medical conditions that can impact mood, here are some of the most common ones I come across in my practice:

  • Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that our bodies make using sunlight. For those of us with limited exposure to the sun — particularly those living in Northern regions of the country with shorter daylight hours in winter – Vitamin D levels can take a nosedive. That can translate into low mood and low energy. A doctor can order blood to be tested for Vitamin D level and if a person comes back with a deficiency, the doctor can prescribe Vitamin D supplementation (sometimes quite high) in order to restore the amount of Vitamin D the body needs to function optimally.
  • PCOS: Women struggling with depression should make sure that PCOS is not part of the equation. PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome which can cause hormone imbalances. Among other symptoms, such as infertility and weight gain, issues with low mood can arise. This can be diagnosed by an OB/GYN through a blood test and physical exam. Sometimes hormones are then prescribed by the doctor to help manage this condition.
  • Thyroid Issues: The thyroid is a gland, in the neck region of the body, which produces hormones. In Hyperthyroidism, too much of the thyroid hormone is produced. When this happens, aside from physical symptoms, there can also be an increase in nervousness and irritability, showing up as anxiety. In Hypothyroidism, too little of the thyroid hormone is produced. In this case, symptoms such as depression and fatigue can present themselves. A primary care physician can do blood work to determine thyroid hormone levels in the body and then medication can be prescribed to maintain levels within a normal range.
  • Sleep Apnea: Difficulty breathing during sleep can impact sleep quality. A proper night’s sleep is important to brain function and lack of it can contribute to fatigue, depression, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Checking this out with a medical doctor can lead to treatment that can help with a more restful sleep, thereby reducing mental health symptoms.

When people address underlying medical issues that may contribute to anxiety and depression, they may see some significant improvement in their psychological issues. If you are struggling emotionally, I encourage you to make an appointment with your doctor in addition to beginning therapy. Oftentimes, therapist and doctor can work together (with a patient’s consent) to coordinate care and help support their shared patient on his or her journey towards healing.

 

<Photo Credit: Kalegin Michail via Unsplash>