Persistent anxiety and sadness. Trouble sleeping. Feelings of worthlessness and irritability. If you go to your doctor and mention these symptoms, there’s a good chance you would be diagnosed as having major depressive disorder. Your doctor would most likely prescribe you some antidepressants and have you attend talk therapy.
However, there are actually several other conditions that have those same exact symptoms—which may be easily solved with some dietary changes or IV hydration therapy.
Here are 6 conditions that may be falsely categorized as depression based on their symptoms:
- Caffeine Withdrawal. If you are an avid coffee drinker, you should know that caffeine withdrawals can be as severe as having a panic attacks, sometimes with uncontrollable shaking.
- Low Blood Sugar. Hunger feelings set off a stress response, so—especially to those who are prone to high anxiety—low blood sugar can set off feelings that mimic those of depression. Unfortunately, if food intake isn’t consistent, people with low blood sugar can be irritable and anxious, exhibiting some symptoms similar to depression. This can be solved by eating frequently, enjoying whole, nutrient-dense foods.
- Hypothyroidism. With hypothyroidism, patients feel tired, worthless, and irritable. In fact, some people feel so tired it’s hard to get through the day without taking a nap. One of the problems with having hypothyroidism is that it’s one of the most commonly misdiagnosed health problems in the world. Even if you get your thyroid levels checked, often results come back saying your thyroid is fine.
- Lack of Vitamin D. According to a 2009 study from the Archives of Internal Medicine, 75% of all teens and adults are deficient of Vitamin D. It is so common that we are deficient in Vitamin D that most doctors will do blood work to see if that’s the case before prescribing antidepressants. There is a strong correlation between low levels of Vitamin D and higher odds of depression. The best way to get Vitamin D is by being in the sun and getting natural light, but clinics like ours offer IV hydration therapy with specific vitamins that help you get those nutrients faster, as well as Vitamin D and light therapies.
- Food Intolerances. Food has an affect on our hormones, and therefore can also affect our feelings. Ever feel lethargic and bummed out after a heavily processed meal? Certain foods cause inflammation in our gut and brain and can completely change our moods. Having nutrient dense foods can decrease that inflammation and lift our spirits.
- Dehydration. According to University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory, even a slight drop in hydration can affect our moods. The issue is that most of us wait to hydrate until we feel thirsty, which—by then—is too late, as we are already dehydrated. The key is to keep drinking water consistently throughout the day. Our clinic offers a specific IV hydration therapy that helps with dehydration, whether from a long night of overindulgence or to refuel after an athletic event.
However, sometimes symptoms of lethargy and sadness really IS depression, and, in that case, you may want to see your doctor for some medications and a referral for talk therapy. If that doesn’t work, ketamine infusion therapy is a highly effective and fast-acting option. Come schedule a free consultation with Infuse Wellness, Michigan’s leading provider of ketamine infusion therapy and IV hydration, and find out if you are a candidate for ketamine infusions.
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