Mental health conditions are likely to affect each of us at some point in our life, directly or indirectly through those close to us. Some people find themselves in a downward spiral and unable to get out, the deeper you get in, the harder it is to just “think yourself happy”. It gets to a point where it can severely impact your life and the life of those around you.

The cause?

Research has shown that there are many causative factors that drive someone to become anxious or depressed. The questions you need to be asking is, why wont it leave you alone? What is causing it? How did it start?
Our Naturopaths are able to formulate a treatment plan centred around not only your symptoms but addressing the cause through the latest scientific treatment methods fused with time-proven traditional naturopathic methods.

Have you addressed these five possible triggers?

1. Hormone imbalance
2. Genetic predisposition
3. Digestive function and nutrient absorption
4. Detoxification
5. Psychology

1.  Hormone imbalance.

This is one of the most common pieces missing to the puzzle. Menopause, PMS, Post-Natal depression, MANopause (men have hormones too!)… they all share the common trait of mood imbalances. The connection is they are all from hormone imbalance. The only problem with thinking that these are the only times that hormones go out of balance is that you have more hormones than your “reproductive hormones”. Hormones of the fight and flight response are more often than not to cause of anxiety. Inflammation could potentially cause these to go out of balance. Hormones may become out of balance as a result of ongoing stress, heavy metal accumulation, poor digestive function and medication. Thorough pathology testing is the best way to assess your hormones. 

2. Genetic Predisposition.

There are, most definitely, genetic factors that could possibly lead to anxiety or depression. Identifying any sort of genetic traits is of utmost importance. Although you cant change your genetics, there is plenty you can do to negate the effects that these traits can bring about.
There is a condition that not many have heard of called pyroluria. It affects approximately 10% of the population. The persons ability to assimilate vitamins needed to make “happy chemicals” is low, so this test is always recommended if you suffer from any mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, low-stress tolerance, alcoholism, fatigue or insomnia.
Another gene that we frequently assess is for MTHFR gene mutation. The MTHFR enzyme is key to the conversion of folate to the active version, which is pivotal to neurotransmitter production. Under methylation that is linked to MTHFR gene mutation may be associated with reduced glutathione, an antioxidant and detoxifier.

MTHFR gene mutation may be associated with fibromyalgia, depression, autism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, chemical sensitivity, addictions and migraines. Just to name a few. Learn more about MTHFR gene.

3. A lack of nutrients, reduced absorption or an underlying digestive issue.

Have you heard of the gut-brain connection? The gut is also called the second brain, and rightfully so its function influences brain function. 

Often we hear people say, “I get this pain here” or “I get a little bit of reflux” or “Sometimes my bowels do play up, but not often” or “It does make funny sounds”. These little signals from your digestive system could possibly indicate that you have food sensitivities, not allergies, just delayed minor irritations. These irritations may cause havoc on your digestive system in a way that is hard to comprehend until you do the testing. Research is shifting towards the area of microbiology and using specific strains of bacteria in part of the treatment of anxiety and depression. There are specific strains that we find to be higher in the stool samples of those with the anxiety of depression. Once these bacterias are corrected, the person almost immediately feels better. Our Naturopath can help you in this area.

Nutrition is so important in the production and balance of your neurotransmitters. Low levels such as zinc and iron are known to influence mood  since they are fundamental to neurotransmitter production. We offer thorough pathology testing to measure the levels of nutrient building blocks. 

4. Inadequate detoxification.

We are not talking about a fad online detox. We mean the fundamental detoxifying that should be happening daily. Including the clearance of heavy metals, environmental toxins, bacterial cell walls and any foreign particles in the blood stream. The skin, liver and gut help us detox. Too often we see that Phase 2 in the liver is under or overstimulated leading to an accumulation of toxins. We see these sort of clients explain they have bad breath, funny taste in the mouth, yellowing in the eyes, bags under the eyes or digestive issues. Walking around feeling super foggy. 

5. Emotional support when it’s needed.

Often you can pinpoint when anxiety or depression started. It may have been triggered by a traumatic event. Maybe you have suffered with it all your life? Perhaps it is your “undercurrent” of beliefs, thoughts and feelings? The events of our life truly impact our emotions. When we have been “beaten and down” for so long it can be hard to get back up again and regain our confidence. For some people, our caring Psychologists are recommended to support you, this is at your discretion, of course. We believe that talking to a psychologist is for everyone. Psychology therapies such as EMDR and CBT are often utilised in our clinic by the team of psychologists. Collectively, these all have the potential to alter your happy, calming neurotransmitters.