With World Mental Health Day around the corner, it’s an ideal time to focus on the emotional imbalances many people experience yet often overlook.
While mood fluctuations are a normal part of life, it’s important to recognise when a “bad mood” could be signalling something more serious. As a functional medicine practitioner, I’m keen to explore how emotional well-being is deeply connected to our physical health and how factors like hormonal cycles, nutrition, and lifestyle choices significantly influence our mood.
Recognising Emotional Imbalance: When to Be Concerned
Everyone has off days, but if a bad mood lingers, it might indicate a deeper issue. Emotional imbalances can arise from various sources, including hormonal shifts, nutritional deficiencies, and even hidden health conditions. It’s crucial to monitor how long and how intensely these mood changes last. Persistent irritability, sadness, or anxiety may be more than just a phase, especially for men who might not recognise or address these symptoms as readily as women.
The Role of Hormones and Cycles in Mood
Hormonal fluctuations, often associated with women, also affect men and can play a significant role in mood regulation. For instance, testosterone levels impact everything from energy to emotional stability. Factors such as stress, poor diet, and insufficient sleep can worsen these fluctuations, leading to mood swings that are often dismissed as “bad days.” Regular bloodwork can help identify imbalances in hormones like testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid levels, offering insights into the underlying causes of mood disturbances.
Understanding and Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
As we move into the winter months, it’s vital to understand the impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs in the winter. Reduced daylight hours can lead to a drop in serotonin levels, affecting mood and exacerbating existing emotional imbalances. Managing SAD effectively requires a combination of lifestyle adjustments, such as light therapy, regular exercise, and optimising vitamin D levels through diet or supplements.
Personalised Approaches: Testing and Supplements
A comprehensive approach to mood management often begins with bloodwork to uncover deficiencies or hormonal imbalances that may be impacting emotional well-being. Emerging research also highlights the crucial role of the gut microbiome in mental health. Gut bacteria imbalances can affect the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulate mood. Testing your gut microbiome can reveal whether digestive health issues might be contributing to mood problems. Based on these findings, targeted supplements, such as adaptogenic herbs, probiotics, or natural hormone boosters, can be introduced to address specific needs.
The Takeaway
As World Mental Health Day approaches, it’s a reminder that our emotional health is just as important as our physical well-being. Recognising and addressing mood imbalances is essential, and understanding the factors that contribute to them can help us take proactive steps towards better mental health. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent mood swings, consulting a healthcare professional for tailored guidance on bloodwork, supplements, and lifestyle changes can make all the difference.
Author – Dr Kerry Aston