It’s harder to be social and maintain contact with loved ones; our options for exercising and being active are somewhat limited. And the pandemic has undoubtedly made everyone anxious about what to do now, and what comes next. Americans are staying home more than ever, and a wide range of health issues can be linked to inactivity and isolation.
This is especially the case with cognitive and psychological (mood) medical conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Feeling of “brain fog”
After a stressful and unprecedented few weeks that have accompanied the spread of the Coronavirus, it’s perfectly understandable why millions of folks around the country simply “don’t feel like themselves.”
Mood Disorders
If you feel like your anxiety, depression, or other cognitive or mood disorder has gotten worse over the last few weeks, you are not alone. And the global pandemic is certainly reason enough to feel foggier and more stressed than usual.
But the global pandemic and the ensuing consequences might not be the only reasons why you are feeling out of sorts.
It’s essential to keep tabs on your mental health and look for signs that there may be other issues at play. A surprisingly wide array of medical conditions and underlying problems can also lead to depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders.
And one of these factors may also be contributing to your mental health decline, in addition to the events of the world around us.
Keep an eye out for symptoms and indications of the following medical conditions, which may also be affecting your:
- Mood
- Stress levels
- Ability to think clearly
Misunderstood and Misdiagnosed
Thyroid disease is one of the most common conditions in the country, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed. This is partially because so many symptoms associated with thyroid disease, (which includes increased fatigue and a change in mood), can also be the result of so many other medical conditions, like stand-alone anxiety or depression.
But it’s estimated that roughly 60 million Americans have thyroid disease, and a noticeable percentage of these folks remain undiagnosed.
So be on the lookout for other signs thyroid disease may be the underlying root cause of your depression or anxiety, such as:
- Fluid retention around the face and hands
- Trouble losing weight
- The feeling of brain fog
An in-depth consultation and diagnosis will help you concretely determine if you have thyroid disease or another underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.
Hormonal Changes
Aging can also play a role when it comes to an increased risk for depression and anxiety, simply because of the natural ways our bodies change over time. There are several physiologic, hormonal, and metabolic changes that, if not addressed, can take their toll on many aspects of health, and this is especially true for aging men and women.
Your best bet for addressing the natural effects of aging is to schedule a consultation to examine your different treatment options based on any hormone deficiencies or changes that have occurred. At the Lamkin Clinic, we’ll do an in-depth consultation and subsequent lab work as needed to uncover if your mood change is linked to these natural alterations that come with age.
Weight Gain and Lethargy
Obesity and weight gain can also lead to increased anxiety and depression, and for a far-reaching range of reason.
For one thing, weight gain is inherently an unhealthy cycle where your:
- Energy levels drop
- Inactivity raises
- Mood follows suit
This leads to more:
- Inactivity
- Stress-eating
- Unhealthy diet and lifestyle habits
For another, a poor diet can easily lead to cognitive and mood disorders, simply because your brain and body are not getting the nutrients they need to function properly. Your best bet to combat weight gain and obesity, (which has also been on the rise since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic), is to seek out professional assistance and a medical weight loss plan. Trending and fad diets are exactly that and do not have positive or lasting results for the long term. So, seeking professional medical expertise and guidance when it comes to weight loss is key.
BioToxin Illness
BioToxin Illness is another sneaky and misdiagnosed contributor to mood disorders and cognitive issues that literally stems from home.
This illness is caused by the biotoxins produced and aerosolized by mold, which are commonly found on paper, wood, and organic materials, and can thrive in:
- Humid
- Dark
- Unseen places
The reason why BioToxin Illness is so difficult to diagnose is because these molds are often hidden in:
- Cupboards
- Under floors
- In attics or basements
- Other lesser-seen areas
And like thyroid disease, the symptoms of BioToxin Illness can contribute to so many other medical conditions. The trick is to look for the other signs that BioToxin Illness may be an issue.
Obviously, this includes spotting back mold within the home, but it also includes internal symptoms, such as:
- Sleep disturbances and night sweats
- Gut problems
- Recurrent or chronic infections
- Symptoms of hormonal imbalances
Because BioToxin Illness can also cause psychiatric symptoms (which include anxiety, depression, panic attacks, bipolar symptoms, and psychosis), it’s essential not to rule out this misdiagnosed condition when you start to notice changes in your mood.
What’s Your Best Next Step? Contact the Lamkin Clinic
The professional team at the Lamkin Clinic has the tests, knowledge, expertise, and resources to identify all of the above medical conditions and more. We can develop an effective and non-invasive treatment plan to help you feel like your old self again.
From DEXA body scans that accurately identify your fat to muscle ratios, to treatments that are tailored specifically to age-related hormone deficiencies, we will work hard to ensure that whatever is causing your depression and anxiety is addressed at the core. Contact us today! We’ll work together to ensure that regardless of the current global challenges, your health stays on track.