Whats the Link between Hypothyroidism and Depression

Hypothyroidism is a disease which is widespread among the population, and particularly among women. It occurs when the thyroid gland does not secrete adequate hormones hence resulting to another disease. Of all the consequences of hypothyroidism, this disease appears to be most related to depressive disorders. In this blog, we are going to discuss such topics as hypothyroidism and depression, their relation to each other and to their symptomatology, possible reasons for the occurrence of both conditions and what measures one can take in case of developing either of these states.

 

What is hypothyroidism?

This is a state in which the blood is low regard hormones in thyroid and thus your metabolism is lower than normal.

Hypothyroidism is a disease state that will find the thyroid gland in the body not producing sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones.

 

Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism has many symptoms and may vary from individual to individual. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include the following:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Problem tolerating cold
• Joint and muscle pain
• Dry skin or dry, thinning hair
• Heavy or irregular menstrual periods or problems with fertility
• Slow heart rate

 

What is Depression?

The best explanation of depression is that it is a mental obscuration or a mental fog that hinders the functioning of a person’s emotions, intellect, and general coordination. Depression is therefore described to be more than just feeling sad or low, instead, it has a tendency of readily impair the way one manages their life, relationships and activities. Depression may be attributed to a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors; health issues, especially hypothyroidism, may also provoke or trigger it.

 

Common Symptoms of Depression

Depressive symptoms vary but often include:

Persistent Feeling of Sadness. There is apparently no reason that leave one filled with sadness or hopelessness for more than two weeks.

• Loss of Interest: No interest and pleasure in activities enjoyed.
• Sleep pattern changes: sleeping excessively or being unable to sleep, causing tiredness.
• Appetite changes: being in excess or not enough, causes actual weight changes.
• Lack of Concentration: Inability to perform tasks or make decisions.
• Feeling of low Self-Esteem: Feelings of hatred toward yourself or being a burden to others.
• Irritability: Irritability or rapid rates of anger.

When you or your loved person manifests these symptoms, there should be action regarding getting a mental health expert.

 

How Do Hypothyroidism and Depression Relate to Each Other?

Hypothyroidism and depression are closely related according to extensive research in medicine. Here are some pivotal points that can proceed ahead to elaborate the relationship between the two conditions:

 

1. Hormonal Imbalance

The hormones regulate a percentage of mood and brain activity. This, therefore, when the concentration is low, it may cause an adjustment in the chemistry of the brain as far as mood is concerned. This hormonal imbalance tends to affect the processing of emotions in the brain, making it hard to regulate feelings and hence causing depression.

 

2. Tiredness and Low Energy

Probably one of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism is fatigue. Simple things about the day become harder to accomplish, meeting new people becomes difficult, or even doing things that you previously enjoyed become impossible. This fatigue just eats away at you and drains out all energy in your life, leaving you hopeless and depressed.

View More: 10 Best Foods for Depression to Beat

3. Physical Symptoms That Buffet Self-Esteem

The physical symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as gaining excess weight, dryness of the skin, and hair loss, can make a person rather low about his or her esteem. When one does not feel good about him or herself in terms of appearance or energy levels, it creates feelings of inadequacy and sadness. This stress on self-image can lead to the exacerbation of depression, or the disease may start.

 

4. Inflammation and Brain Function

Hypothyroidism causes the body to increase in inflammation, as have some claims for studies. Depression sometimes correlates with inflammation because it can help interfere with functioning in the body's systems in the brain. This correlation would demonstrate that managing inflammation with treatment would positively impact mood as well as global mental health.

 

5. Stress and Coping Mechanisms

Living with hypothyroidism is stressful because the daily challenges of managing the symptoms, handling the fatigue, and pressures from society can build up levels of stress. Chronic stress often contributes to the progression over time. One must have coping strategies to ward off stress and continue to feel that one is managing effectively.

 

What to Do If You Have Both Conditions

If you suspect you have hypothyroidism, depression, or both, it's very important to do something. Here are some steps you can take:

 

1. See a Doctor

The first course is a consultation with your health care. They can perform blood tests to check the levels of thyroid hormones in you. Your doctor will also consult with you on the treatment process if you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Early diagnosis and treatment are of high importance for both conditions to be treated successfully.

 

2. Get Treated

Hypothyroidism is treated primarily through medication that helps replace the missing thyroid hormones. The most common drugs are levothyroxine, which will help get your hormone levels back to normal, for example. Once you have reached the balance in your hormones, you may begin noticing improvements in physical symptoms and mood and energy levels.

 

3. Find Help with Mental Health

If you have symptoms of depression, it is really best to seek out consulting a mental health specialist. Treatment for depression can be therapy, counseling, or possibly medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is also really useful in helping you develop strategies for coping with things and how to defy negative thought processes.

 

4. Lifestyle Changes

Other than medical treatments, lifestyle changes can also help you feel better and well. Here are some:

Regular Exercise: Participate in physical activities that will enable you to release endorphins thereby changing the mood and energy of the body. Just walking could be the big variation for the whole day. Remain Connected: Reach out for support from friends and family. Social relationships can reduce feelings of isolation and expand access to emotional networks.

 

5. Track your symptoms

It is also important to keep track of your symptoms. For this purpose, you may note down how you feel at times. This will allow your doctor to advise on treatment if needed. Writing your experience is sometimes helpful in processing one's emotions and discovering patterns in mood.

 

Conclusion

Understanding the association between hypothyroidism and depression is crucial for those suspected to have either or both conditions. If you or your loved one has any of these diseases, do look for a cure. Hypothyroidism and depression have no reason to disrupt your life, as both can be well managed if you receive the proper treatment and treatment support.

Don't let anyone tell you otherwise; you don't have to go through all this alone because there are so many resources readily available to help you make your way to better health. Sometimes, that initial step taken to seek help brings a person closer to a brighter and healthier future.

Please book an appointment with the best Psychologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.