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Being leveled by depression or anxiety, unable to engage in daily activities, is no joke. But before seeking an antidepressant or other mood-altering medications, you may want to start by having your thyroid levels checked.

THYROID DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH

Thyroid disorders are one of the leading causes of undiagnosed mental health issues. An overactive thyroid can make you feel sped-up and anxious, in a state of perpetual over-caffeination. An underactive thyroid typically means lower brain activity, which can lead to depression, brain fog, or irritability. In more than 430,000 scientific articles, depression has been linked with lowered thyroid levels. For more than 200 years, the medical profession has identified the connection between optimal thyroid function and mental health. Check your thyroid before taking antidepressants.
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“Patients with hypothyroidism and those with depression can present with similar general symptoms,” according to the American Thyroid Association. Because many mood disorders may have a fundamental root cause in thyroid disorders, it’s wise to have blood work done to see if you may be suffering from an underactive thyroid, in the form of hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease; an overactive thyroid, with a disease called Grave’s disease; or any number of other related conditions. A gland shaped like a bowtie wrapped at the front of your lower neck, the thyroid is a key regulator of the body’s metabolic processes. It also oversees the production of many neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin and GABA, which explains its paramount role in brain health.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF THYROID AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

For more than 200 years, the medical profession has identified the connection between optimal thyroid function and mental health. An Anglo-Welsh physician named Caleb Parry all the way back in 1825 noted “nervous affectations” in people suffering from thyroid dysfunction. More than a century later, in 1969, depression was identified as a potential early sign of thyroid disease. It is also linked to schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disease, ADD/ADHD, and other mental health problems. Before seeing your doctor, look for additional symptoms that could indicate there is more than meets the eye in your mental health struggles. They may include weight loss or gain, hair loss, fluctuations in your body temperature—feeling generally too hot or too cold—changes to your menstrual cycle, or persistent troubles with diarrhea or constipation. Other symptoms to look for include: Some of these symptoms on their own, such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, can be primary symptoms of depression. However, the existence of one or several at the same time also could indicate your thyroid is involved. Blood work can reveal low or high levels of the three main thyroid hormones, including thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH; thyroxine, or T4; and triiodothyronine, called T3. If so, treating your thyroid first to re-establish optimal hormonal levels may resolve, or at least lessen, psychiatric symptoms.

KNOW YOUR THYROID BLOOD TESTS—AND YOUR DOCTORS

While standard thinking holds that healthy levels of TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone, should range between .5 and 5 in blood work results, not every medical professional agrees. A TSH test reveals just how hard the thyroid gland is working to keep a person’s metabolism working. The higher the test score, the harder the gland is pumping out hormones to jolt you into gear. Generally speaking, lower TSH test results indicate the metabolism is in balance, working well enough on its own, without this assist. Some doctors, often those with a greater focus on lifestyle or integrative health, believe optimal results should always be below 2 or 2.5. The lower reading ideally indicates the gland is not over-stressed. So be aware that some more traditional doctors may not prescribe thyroid medication when a test shows a TSH between 2 and 5. They may only do so when the test comes in above 5, or even higher. To treat subclinical hypothyroidism may require a visit to a functional or integrative doctor.

WHAT FACTORS WRECK THYROID HEALTH AND CONTRIBUTE TO MENTAL ILLNESS?

A wide variety of factors, acting alone or in combination, can conspire to undermine thyroid health, including dietary factors and exposure to environmental toxins. One of them is a rapid loss of a large, or even moderate, amount of weight. When you lose weight rapidly, your thyroid slows, producing lower levels of TSH. This can throw off the delicate balance that the body must maintain in producing different thyroid hormones. In particular, rapid weight loss can result in a diminished ability to convert T4, also known as a “prohormone,” into the more active T3. Dietary factors such as gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, both of which involve reactions to the gluten in wheat, can trigger thyroid disorders. For people with either, eating gluten can create leaky gut symptoms and release an antibody that can attack the thyroid. Given that celiac disease is often accompanied by thyroid disorder, one clinical study suggests gluten-free diets can help people struggling with thyroid health. Other studies have found that a failure to adhere to a gluten-free diet, for people with these risk factors, can contribute to a host of debilitating diseases such as osteoporosis, anemia, and increased risk of mortality. Zinc deficiency is another risk factor, a particularly pervasive one given the depletion of zinc in many plants. Along with copper and selenium, zinc is required for the production of thyroid hormones. On the other side of the coin, thyroid hormones are necessary for the body to absorb zinc, which means hypothyroidism itself can lead to a zinc deficiency. When it comes to hair loss caused by hypothyroidism, often hormone supplementation won’t be sufficient without proper zinc supplementation. Lastly, women with hypothyroidism who take supplemental estrogen for their health may need to increase the amount of thyroxine or T4 they take in order not to prevent a drop in their thyroid function.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR THYROID BALANCE AND HELP FOR MENTAL HEALTH

In addition to seeking a functional doctor, a wide variety of natural supplements can boost your thyroid health. These include ashwagandha; zinc (which supports healthy hair); selenium; the herb rosemary; l-tyrosine; potassium; chromium; and vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, C, and D. Consult with your doctor to ensure your supplements support and do not conflict with your medications. If psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, attention issues, psychosis, or mania persist after regulating your thyroid levels, it’s time to seek help from a mental health professional. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Feeling anxious, nervous, stressed, or overwhelmed? You may think it’s just a normal part of life in our hectic society, so you ignore it and keep pushing through your days. But what you think is everyday anxiousness might be an anxiety disorder. Alarmingly, more than half of the estimated 19.1% of American adults suffering from an anxiety disorder will not get treatment, according to figures from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. While some anxiety can be helpful and good—even life-saving, too much is not. For millions of Americans, untreated anxiety is a destructive force negatively impacting health, relationships, and overall well-being. When anxious feelings build slowly over time, you may not realize you have an anxiety disorder; it’s important to recognize the signs.
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When anxious feelings build slowly over time, you may not realize you have an anxiety disorder; it’s important to recognize the signs. Without understanding the difference between situational anxiousness and anxiety disorders, you may unwittingly be making your anxiety worse. Here are some of the most common warning signs to look for. If you observe them in yourself, it’s likely time to see a qualified therapist.

8 WARNING SIGNS OF ANXIETY

1. You’re experiencing intense worry or panic.

If worrying is getting in the way of normal, day-to-day functioning, you may have an anxiety issue. Perhaps you’re overthinking so much that you can’t focus on your work or even relax reading a book. Or maybe your mind races with a cascade of stressful thoughts that takes you so out of the moment, you lose track of what you are doing, like missing your exit on the freeway. If you experience a sudden episode of intensified anxiety and unreasonable feelings of fear that produces physical symptoms such as a racing heart, fast breathing, and sweating—it is likely a panic attack and a sure sign you need to see a mental health professional.

2. You’re more forgetful.

Working memory can be adversely affected by anxiety, research shows. You use your working memory for solving problems and managing bits of information in current time. When it’s disrupted by anxiety and worry, you might forget where you parked your car or if you took your medicine. If you continually forget things—even recent events, it could be anxiety affecting you.

3. You notice changes in your sleep or appetite.

If you’re having trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep, that’s a red flag for anxiety. Worried thoughts, an activated stress response, and rumination can all disrupt sleep. Plus, it’s anxiety-provoking to have trouble sleeping, And the big topper, lack of sleep is associated with higher levels of anxiety, causing a vicious circle. If you notice that you’re overeating or not eating enough, it could be that you are dulling anxiety-driven feelings. Indeed, one recent study on anxious college students showed a high association with overeating during the pandemic. Research has noted that acute stress and anxiety appear to be more tied to undereating, and chronic stress and anxiety to overeating. Seeing a therapist can help address your anxiety and normalize your eating.

4. You’re losing your cool more frequently.

Anger and anxiety are strongly linked. Experts warn that if you have a shorter fuse than usual or are quick to anger, it may be related to increasing anxiety levels. Anxiety can masquerade as anger. When you rage at someone else, it allows you to blame your anxious feelings on something outside of yourself. Yet, research shows that anger coupled with untreated anxiety leads to negative outcomes. Anxiety can trigger the fight-or-flight stress response as a result of real or perceived danger. Thus, physiologically, your body readies itself to potentially fight off a danger, which can cause an overreaction as a means of self-defense. Also, anxious feelings can drive you to try to keep very tight control over your life situations, experiences, and feelings, which, ultimately, cannot be controlled. This leads to bitterness, frustration, and anger. So, if you’re feeling restless, irritable, highly reactive, and frequently angry, it may be time to address your anxiety with a professional.

5. You’re experiencing physical symptoms.

Physical symptoms such as nausea, headaches, shortness of breath, shakiness, or stomach pain can be caused by anxiety, according to a Harvard Medical School report. Experts believe that this may be a result of the autonomic nervous system getting activated by the fight-or-flight stress response. Additionally, pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, back pain, and arthritis are highly associated with anxiety, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America. A number of digestive issues are related to anxiety too. Experts believe this is due to the connection between the brain and the gastrointestinal system. Your enteric nervous system is embedded in the lining of the gastrointestinal system, and information is shared between the brain and the gut. That’s why you get that fluttery feeling in your stomach when you’re nervous. Some research also shows that dizziness is a common symptom related to anxiety. Scientists believe this may be due to the vestibular system, the part of the brain that controls balance, frequently interacting with the areas of the brain responsible for anxiety. If you’re experiencing these types of symptoms, not related to any other medical condition, it may indicate an anxiety issue.

6. You’re engaging in unhealthy coping strategies.

If you find yourself staying up too late binge-watching television or having a drink to unwind every night, consider that untreated anxiety may be driving your behavior. Indeed, research involving college students showed that anxious students frequently engaged in a number of negative coping behaviors such as self-harm, drinking alcohol, smoking, overeating, undereating, and using recreational drugs. Yet, any type of behavior can be an unhealthy coping skill if it is used to avoid anxious feelings—including reading heaps of books, spending too much time on social media, or shopping compulsively online.

7. You’re struggling with procrastination and perfectionism.

Studies show that high levels of procrastination are associated with poor mental health, including anxiety. It’s common to put off the very thing that you’re anxious about, such as a difficult work task or an uncomfortable conversation. However, if you start to avoid and procrastinate on practically everything in your life, it’s a sign of a potential anxiety problem. Where there’s procrastination, there’s often perfectionism—another indicator of anxiety. In fact, in most cases, research suggests that perfectionism derives from anxiety or low self-esteem, and perfectionists are at a higher risk of having an anxiety disorder. If you struggle with procrastination, perfectionism, or both, you’re probably anxious too, and therapy can help.

8. Your relationships are suffering.

We would not be human if we didn’t have trouble in relationships from time to time. However, when your romantic relationships are often in turmoil, or you’re having blowups with friends—or you have few, if any, relationships at all, it’s a sign of anxiety. In one study, participants suffering from anxiety were significantly less likely to describe their relationship with a partner or spouse as “healthy and supportive.” The study found that anxious participants were twice as likely to have regular arguments with their partners, and three times as likely not to be intimate. It’s not surprising then to learn that people who have anxiety disorders are more likely to be single and have higher rates of divorce, according to research. Anxious people can be overly dependent on others, needing constant reassurance. Or they can be cold and avoidant, out of fear of getting close and rejected. Either side of the anxiety spectrum makes maintaining healthy relationships difficult. If you notice any of these warning signs of anxiety, you may benefit from seeking professional help and getting to the root causes of your issues. Anxiety, panic attacks, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Content updated from previous publish date. Popular sports figure, TV commentator, and all-around beloved public personality, Terry Bradshaw spoke somberly and candidly about the toll his many football-related concussions have taken on his brain health and talked about his time at Amen Clinics. Bradshaw is one of nearly 200 football players from 27 teams and all positions who have undergone brain SPECT imaging at Amen Clinics to investigate the association between playing football, brain damage, and cognitive and mental health issues. Terry Bradshaw is one of nearly 200 football players who have undergone brain SPECT imaging at Amen Clinics to investigate the association between playing football, brain damage, and cognitive and mental health issues.
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HOW HEAD TRAUMA AFFECTS MEMORY AND MORE

The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that traumatic brain injuries—even mild head injuries that aren’t diagnosed as a concussion or that don’t cause a loss of consciousness—are a major cause of psychiatric illnesses, cognitive issues, and memory problems. However, few people know this because the field of psychiatry virtually never looks at the organ it treats—the brain. Four-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Terry Bradshaw, says he sustained more than six concussions over his lengthy NFL career. He has spoken openly about problems with his short-term memory, as well as his hand-eye coordination, and depression—all symptoms that are commonly seen in people with sports-related and everyday brain injuries. One of the many brain-imaging studies Amen Clinics has conducted on football players was published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences.  For this study, evaluations included detailed histories, cognitive testing, brain SPECT imaging, and qEEG studies on each of the players. The results were very clear: Playing football damaged multiple areas of the brain in greater than 90% of the players. In particular, there was persistent damage to the following areas of the brain:

CAN FORMER FOOTBALL PLAYERS IMPROVE BRAIN HEALTH?

You may have heard of “boxing dementia.” Now we are looking at “gridiron dementia.” The good news is that with a brain-health program, it is possible to repair, rehab, and reverse some of the brain damage that occurs in head injuries. For another study that appeared in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 80% of former football players who followed a brain-health program at Amen Clinics showed significant improvement in blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, as well as improvements in overall cognitive functioning, processing speed, attention, reasoning, and memory.

5 WAYS TO REHAB THE BRAIN AFTER HEAD INJURY

Whether or not you are a former football player, here are five things you can do to help nourish and care for your brain today if you have experienced a head injury:

1. Take brain-smart supplements.

Nutraceuticals that are especially good for improving any brain, but particularly for damaged or aging brains include: In the NFL study, the players used all these supplements to support overall brain health, circulation, memory, and concentration.

2. Check your HbA1C and fasting blood sugar levels.

High blood sugar levels impair healing. In a study from UCLA, mice that were given sugar after a head injury had delayed healing. Skip the Gatorade and rehydrate with water or opt for a sugar-free beverage that delivers essential electrolytes.

3. Check your thyroid, DHEA, and testosterone levels.

Because of its location within the skull, the pituitary gland (the master hormone gland) is often damaged in head injuries. Testing and optimizing hormonal imbalances is a critical part of the healing process after a concussion or TBI.

4. Try hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

HBOT is a non-invasive therapy that uses the power of oxygen to accelerate the healing process. A study in Plos One showed that HBOT improves post-concussion syndrome.

5. Protect your head.

One of the best things you can do is avoid future head injuries. Always wear your seatbelt, wear a helmet when riding a bike or skiing, hold the handrail when going down stairs, and avoid playing contact sports. The most important thing our brain-imaging research on football players reveals is that even if you have been bad to your brain and have injured it, you can change your brain to make it better. And with a better brain comes a better life, better moods, and a better memory. Head injuries and the mental health, cognitive, and memory issues associated with them can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Brain reserve is the extra brain tissue or function you have available to deal with whatever stress comes your way. Have you ever wondered why one person can walk away from a car accident and seem to have no negative effect, while another person’s life is devastated? It has to do with the health of the brain they brought into the accident. I coined the term brain reserve to describe the extra brain tissue and function you have to deal with whatever stresses come your way. Even before you were conceived, your parents’ habits were laying the foundation for your overall physical, mental, and brain health. At conception, your brain had amazing potential for brain reserve. However, if your mom smoked, drank too much, ate junk food, or had infections during the pregnancy, she depleted your reserve even before you were born. If, on the other hand, your mom ate nutritious foods, took prenatal vitamins, and was not overly stressed, she was contributing to a boost in your reserve. After birth and every day since, you continued to increase or decrease brain reserve by your habits, opportunities, BRIGHT MINDS risk factors, diet, and stresses. Brain reserve is the extra brain tissue or function you have available to deal with whatever stress comes your way.
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Imagine two soldiers in the same Humvee that drives over an explosive. They both get ejected from the vehicle at the same time, same forces and angles. One walks away unharmed; the other winds up with cognitive impairment, PTSD, and anxiety. How could that be? It all depends on how much brain reserve each soldier had before the explosion. Yes, the blast hurt both of their reserves, but one soldier had more to carry him through a traumatic event than the other soldier did, who was much more at risk for serious brain health issues.

To boost your brain reserve, you need to follow three simple strategies:

  1. Love your brain (you have to really care about your brain).
  2. Avoid the things that hurt your brain.
  3. Do the things that help your brain.

Today’s Practice: List 3 things you do that steal your brain’s reserve and 3 things you do to build your reserve.

In Change Your Brain Every Day, psychiatrist and clinical neuroscientist Daniel Amen, MD, draws on over 40 years of clinical practice with tens of thousands of patients to give you the most effective daily habits he has seen that can help you improve your brain, master your mind, boost your memory, and make you feel happier, healthier, and more connected to those you love. If you want to join the tens of thousands of patients at Amen Clinics who have already learned how to change their brain every day and have a better life, speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.   Children and teens in the U.S. are struggling with mental health disorders more than ever before—and they are not getting the help they need. Before the pandemic, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicated nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S. suffer from mental health disorders, yet only about 20% of those children receive care from a mental health provider. Estimates from the U.S. Surgeon General indicate most children struggling with mental disorders do not receive treatment, even in cases of well-recognized conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sometimes referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD). Late last year, amidst the added stressors of the pandemic, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory claiming a mental health crisis amongst youths. Indeed, one published analysis found depressive and anxiety symptoms in kids doubled to 25.2% and 20.5%, respectively. Nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S. suffer from mental health disorders, yet only about 20% of those children receive care from a mental health provider.
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Primary care doctors only catch the signs of a psychiatric issue about 25% of the time—and that usually results from a parent alerting them to a potential problem, according to one study. It underscores the critical role a parent can play in getting their child properly diagnosed and treated for mental health conditions.

DIFFICULTY RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN KIDS

It can be difficult for a parent to recognize a potential mental health issue in their child or teen. Research shows this to be true. The implications of treating a potential psychiatric problem—such as finding the right help and dedicating financial resources—and the existing stigma surrounding mental health issues can factor into a parent’s inability to see the signs and take action. A general lack of knowledge and understanding about the signs of mental health disorders is another major reason why so many mental health issues go undetected and untreated, according to a 2021 study. This can be especially true for struggling teens, who are expected to rebel, make poor decisions, act impulsively, be prone to moodiness, and keep their inner lives hidden from adults. A parent may write off certain signals of mental health distress as simply “teen” behavior. However, an educated parent can tell the difference and take action. If you are a parent of a child or teen, here are the warning signs that tell you it’s time for your child to have a psychiatric evaluation.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL ILLNESS IN KIDS AND TEENS

Let’s first look at the signs of more severe cases of psychiatric illness. About a decade ago, officials from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Center for Mental Health Services tasked a group of highly skilled child mental health epidemiologists, parent/advocacy representatives, and policy experts from top research institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, Duke University, Harvard Medical School, and others to determine simple, easily understood, scientifically derived warning signs of mental health issues in children specifically for parents, teachers, school counselors, and lay people. They analyzed epidemiological data from more than 6,000 children and parents and sought to identify symptoms of severe but mostly untreated mental health problems. They came up with the following 11 warning signs, which was published in the medical journal Pediatrics. Keep in mind that these warning signs are differentiated from other problematic behavior when the behavior persists over time, impacts a child’s functioning, or affects other people.

11 WARNING SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY NEED A PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION

  1. Feeling extremely sad or withdrawn for greater than 2 weeks
  2. Having made or making serious plans to harm or kill themselves
  3. Sudden, overwhelming fear not tied to any particular reason sometimes experienced with a racing heart or fast breathing
  4. Getting involved in multiple fights; using a weapon, or strongly desiring to hurt others
  5. Severe, out-of-control behavior that can endanger themselves or others
  6. Not eating, throwing up, or taking laxatives to make themselves shed weight
  7. Intense worries or fears that get in the way of their day-to-day activities
  8. Immense difficulty in concentrating or remaining still that puts them in physical danger or causes school failure
  9. Repeated use of drugs or alcohol
  10. Strong mood swings that cause problems in relationships with others
  11. Dramatic changes in their behavior or personality
If you observe just one of these behaviors in your child or teen, it is recommended that you take them to see a qualified mental health professional for an evaluation.

MORE TIPS FOR RECOGNIZING THE NEED FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN KIDS

In addition to the warning signs noted in the meta-analysis above, the NIMH also provides a general list of more nuanced symptoms/signs for parents to look for, which are specific to a child’s age. Again, remember that some behavioral problems may come and go, but when there’s likely a mental health issue the signs and symptoms last weeks or months. If you notice that any of the signs interfere with your child’s daily life at home and at school, or with friends, it’s time to contact a mental health professional.

SIGNS A YOUNG CHILD MAY NEED A PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION

SIGNS AN OLDER CHILD OR TEEN MAY NEED A PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION

These are not the only signs of a mental health issue, but they are the most studied and common. Remember that no one knows your child as you do. Do not discount your own “gut” feelings when something is amiss.

PRIORITIZE YOUR CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends that parents start early with regular emotional “check-ins” with children to ensure better mental health. They suggest making a safe space for your child to share openly without fear of retaliation. Listen and validate your child’s experiences. It’s important for them to feel you are eager to hear about their life in a supportive, non-judgmental way. Starting this practice early in life teaches your child the language of emotional expression and makes it much more likely that they will open up when they are struggling mentally. Mental health issues in a child or teen can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Grief is a common part of life. We grieve after the death of a loved one. We can also grieve the loss of a relationship or a job, a decline in health in ourselves or a loved one, or the loss of stability that accompanies a major life change. When grief hits, it affects us deeply. We may experience memory problems, have trouble concentrating, or be wracked with sadness. That’s because grief impacts the brain and can lead to a condition known as “grief brain.” When grief hits, it affects us deeply. We may experience memory problems, have trouble concentrating, or be wracked with sadness. That’s because grief impacts the brain and can lead to a condition known as “grief brain.”
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WHAT IS GRIEF BRAIN?

Grief brain is a term used to describe the neurological effects of loss on the brain. After a significant loss, the body triggers the release of neurochemicals similar to those involved in the fight-flight-or-freeze response. In the following days, weeks, and months, reminders of the loss can re-ignite this chemical reaction. This grief response can rewire the brain in negative ways. The brain changes experienced during periods of grief involve several key regions, including: In the healthy brain, the limbic system provides the motivation you need to get things done. The prefrontal cortex gives you the mental horsepower to complete important projects. In the grieving brain, this system is turned upside down, robbing you of mental clarity while heightening emotions.

SYMPTOMS OF GRIEF BRAIN

Grief brain can lead to an array of cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms, such as: People can even feel shame about or fear of their own emotions. And they may then try to stuff them down to avoid feeling as deeply—which, unfortunately, makes the problem worse. Intense grief can even become life-threatening. For example, it can lead to self-neglect or stir up suicidal thoughts.

TYPES OF GRIEF

Today, we know that grief can wear many faces—and that it’s anything but straightforward or linear. Here are some lesser-known types of grief:

GRIEF BRAIN CAUSES

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines grief as “the anguish experienced after significant loss, usually the death of a beloved person….[causing] physiological distress, separation anxiety, confusion, yearning, obsessive dwelling on the past, and apprehension about the future.” This type of grief is a primary cause of grief brain. However, grief brain can also surface as a result of form of loss. Here are some common causes of grief brain, some of which may be overlooked or not treated as seriously as they deserve: These are only some examples that can lead to grief brain. We are all uniquely affected by loss and change. And, as with emotional trauma, we all respond differently. However, the more coping tools and strategies we have, the better we will fare over time.

6 TIPS FOR OVERCOMING GRIEF BRAIN

If you’re experiencing grief brain, take the time to work through the loss and cope in healthy ways. Here are six suggestions to start you on the path to healing from any type of loss of any kind:

  1. Encourage sound sleep.

Suffering from insomnia is common in the wake of loss. Try supplements such as melatonin, vitamin B6, magnesium, GABA, 5-HTP, and theanine. And always practice the core tenets of sleep hygiene to promote full-body restoration.

  1. Reach out for help.

There are many ways you can work through your grief in safe spaces with understanding professionals or peers. Consider talking to a loved one, a psychotherapist, or another type of mental health professional. You can also call a crisis hotline or join a bereavement group.

  1. Confront your feelings.

Acknowledge and validate your feelings. Write a letter to an estranged loved one, then burn or bury it. Journal about your feelings surrounding a job loss. Create an album with photos of your deceased pet. Channel your emotions into a painting or song. Let yourself take whatever steps feel most restorative to you.

  1. Get moving.

Exercising and spending time in nature can be wonderfully renewing for the brain, body, mind, and spirit. Other movements, like dance, can expel excess energy in the body and allow us to physically work through feelings like anger and frustration. 

  1. Seek customized treatment.

Grief brain can be misdiagnosed as a variety of psychiatric conditions, and sufferers can be prescribed medications they don’t need. A brain SPECT scan helps obtain a clearer picture of any underlying brain health issues, enabling a more effective, customized treatment plan.

  1. Be patient.

Working through grief is not a one-and-done procedure, nor is it predictable. As exhausting as it can be to feel difficult and tumultuous emotions, understand that the grieving process is normal and helping you heal. Above all, to practice self-compassion in the aftermath of loss.   Prolonged or complicated grief, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Content updated from previous publish date. Has your sunny disposition recently turned dark and stormy? Have your occasional blue moods become your everyday norm? Or have you been feeling fearful for months or even years? It could mean that your brain is listening to Dragons from the Past. These inner “mental dragons” breathe fire on the amygdala (the almond-shaped structure on the inside of your temporal lobes involved in emotional reactions), driving depression, anxiety, anger, irrational behavior, and automatic negative reactions. This concept of mental dragons comes from Dr. Sharon May, a world-renowned relationship psychologist. Your brain is always listening to these Dragons from the Past and unless you recognize and tame them, they will steal your happiness. Is your brain listening to Dragons from the Past? These inner “mental dragons” breathe fire on your emotional brain, driving depression, anxiety, anger, irrational behavior, and automatic negative reactions.
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WHAT ARE THE 13 MENTAL DRAGONS FROM THE PAST?

Over time, Amen Clinics has identified 13 different Dragons from the Past that can continue to haunt your present and sabotage your emotional well-being.
  1. Abandoned, Invisible, or Insignificant Dragons—feel alone, unseen, or unimportant
  2. Inferior or Flawed Dragons—feel inferior to others
  3. Anxious Dragons—feel fearful and overwhelmed
  4. Wounded Dragons—bruised by past trauma
  5. Should and Shaming Dragons—racked with guilt
  6. Special, Spoiled, or Entitled Dragons—feel more special than others
  7. Responsible Dragons—need to take care of others
  8. Angry Dragons—harbor hurts and rage
  9. Judgmental Dragons—hold harsh or critical opinions of others due to past injustices
  10. Death Dragons—fear the future and lack of a meaningful life
  11. Grief and Loss Dragons—feel loss and fear of loss
  12. Hopeless or Helpless Dragons—have pervasive sense of despair and discouragement
  13. Ancestral Dragons—affected by issues from past generations
Almost all of us have at least one of these Dragons from the Past. If you’re like most people, you may have multiple mental dragons dragging you down.

WHAT PROBLEMS DO DRAGONS FROM THE PAST CAUSE?

Some of the most common Dragons from the Past are the Hopeless and Helpless Dragons, which fuel depression, withdrawal, and even suicidal thoughts. When your brain is always listening to the Hopeless and Helpless Dragons, it can drag you down into the dumps. How can you tell if these dragons are filling your brain with their negativity? Look for these common signs:

HOW COMMON ARE HOPELESS AND HELPLESS DRAGONS?

Sadly, the Hopeless and Helpless Dragons are far too common among us. Even before the pandemic, these dragons were assaulting our brains. However, with illness and deaths due to COVID-19, months and months of isolating lockdown, and economic troubles, the ranks of this army of dragons are skyrocketing. Check out these alarming statistics:

WHAT TRIGGERS HOPELESS AND HELPLESS DRAGONS?

The Hopeless and Helpless Dragons are often born when stresses stack too high. They can also originate from chronic frustration. It’s a concept called learned helplessness. This is where you try to feel better, but it doesn’t work, so you try again, but it still doesn’t improve. You keep trying until eventually, you feel helpless and lose hope that your situation will change. These dragons can also come from a family history of depression, a pessimistic mindset, or a loss of control. This breed of Dragons from the Past can be triggered in situations that remind you of feeling overwhelmed by stress or times when you felt powerless. Living through a pandemic, feeling like you aren’t in control of your life, or being stuck at home without being able to visit your family and friends can all trigger these sad dragons and rob you of your joy.

HOPELESS AND HELPLESS DRAGONS IN THE BRAIN

The brain imaging work at Amen Clinics—over 300,000 brain scans and growing—reveals a lot about depression, which is common in people who are always listening to the Hopeless and Helpless Dragons. Overactivity in an area called the deep limbic system is often seen with major depressive disorder. An Amen Clinics study on 15,000 patients found that when there is excessive activity in this brain region, people are more likely to say they have feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, in addition to a tendency to be negative, to be wracked with guilt, or to have crying spells.

6 WAYS TO TAME THE HOPELESS AND HELPLESS DRAGONS

It is possible to overcome the blue moods and depressive symptoms associated with Dragons from the Past. Some of the natural treatments that promote positive moods and help tame the Hopeless and Helpless Dragons include:
  1. Create a positivity bias. Purposefully start each day on a positive note. As soon as you awaken or your feet hit the floor in the morning, start the day by saying, “Today is going to be a great day” out loud. Since your mind is prone to negativity, unless you train and discipline it, it will find stress in the upcoming day. When you direct your thoughts to Today is going to be a great day, your unconscious brain will help you uncover the reasons why it will be so.
  2. Train your brain in gratitude. Gratitude directs your attention to positive feelings and away from negative ones.
  3. Get physical exercise. Breaking a sweat increases the release of feel-good neurotransmitters.
  4. Take nutritional supplements. Nutraceuticals such as fish oil, saffron, and curcumins promote positive moods.
  5. Try bright light therapy. Using an indoor light box has been shown to enhance moods and boost energy.
  6. Write down your accomplishments and strengths. Rather than focusing on what is wrong in your life, pay attention to what is going well. Odds are, you will feel much better.
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.   By Daniel Amen, MD [Excerpted from Change Your Brain Every Day] Depression is not one illness. Like anxiety, the pandemic spawned a whole new level of people being diagnosed with depression and placed on antidepressant medication, without ever getting a proper evaluation or trying simple fixes.   Depression is not one illness.
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NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR DEPRESSION

Here are 9 common things I do for patients before prescribing antidepressant medication.
  1. Check for and (if necessary) correct thyroid hormone abnormalities.
  2. Work with a nutritionally informed physician to optimize your folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, homocysteine, and omega-3 fatty acids. I’m convinced that without doing these nutritional fixes, patients are less likely to respond to the medications.
  3. Try an elimination diet for three weeks.
  4. Add colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet.
  5. Eliminate the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts).
  6. Exercise—walk like you are late for 45 minutes four times a week. This has been found to be as effective as antidepressant medication.
  7. Add one of the following supplements to your daily routine: Saffron 30 mg/day; curcumin, not as turmeric root but as Longvida, which is much more efficiently absorbed; zinc as citrate or glycinate 30 mg (tolerable upper level is 40 mg/day for adults, 34 mg/day for adolescents, less for younger kids); or magnesium glycinate, citrate, or malate, 100–500 mg with 30 mg of vitamin B6.
  8. Consume probiotics daily.
  9. Try morning bright light therapy with a therapeutic therapy lamp of 10,000 lux for 20–30 minutes.

TRY THESE DEPRESSION SOLUTIONS BEFORE MEDICATION

If someone comes to me with depression, I order screening labs, teach them not to believe every negative thought they have, give them basic supplements (saffron, zinc, curcumins, and omega-3s), and encourage them to exercise. Many people never need medication if they follow through with the program. If the above interventions are ineffective, I’ll try other nutraceuticals or medications targeted to their specific type of depression (take the test at brainhealthassessment.com). Today’s Practice: Get treated for any depressive symptoms. Early treatment can be key in preventing long-term health issues for your brain. In Change Your Brain Every Day, psychiatrist and clinical neuroscientist Daniel Amen, MD, draws on over 40 years of clinical practice with tens of thousands of patients to give you the most effective daily habits he has seen that can help you improve your brain, master your mind, boost your memory, and make you feel happier, healthier, and more connected to those you love. If you want to join the tens of thousands of patients at Amen Clinics who have already learned how to change their brain every day and have a better life, speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.   Content updated from previous publish date. Are you struggling with low moods? Do you feel fatigued all the time? Are you trying to lose weight but can’t seem to drop the pounds despite eating a healthy diet? It could be due to a thyroid problem. Normal and healthy thyroid hormone levels are essential for optimal brain and body health. Low thyroid function, called hypothyroidism, can cause many physical and mental problems including depression, fatigue, poor memory, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and more.   Low thyroid function, called hypothyroidism, can cause many physical and mental problems including depression, fatigue, poor memory, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and more.
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WHAT IS THE THYROID GLAND?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your lower neck. Although it is small, it has a big impact on the health of your brain and body. This gland produces three main thyroid hormones—thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, and T4. They are among the most important neurohormones in the human body. Thyroid hormones are involved in regulating how your body uses energy. It also has a strong impact on the brain because it controls the production of many neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. For optimal brain and body function, these three thyroid hormones must be produced in the proper balance. Problems develop when thyroid dysfunction causes hormonal imbalances in which the gland to produce too little hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much hormone (hyperthyroidism).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Patients with low thyroid function, even if it’s not severe, can have problems with mood, cognitive function, and memory loss. Patients with depression tend to have higher rates of hypothyroidism than those of the general population. Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

HYPOTHYROIDISM IS HIGHLY UNDERDIAGNOSED

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common diseases in the world. It is more prevalent than hyperthyroidism and more widespread than people—including many in the medical field—think it is. Current research shows that nearly 5 out of every 100 people ages 12 and up in the U.S. suffer from hypothyroidism. According to the American Thyroid Association, thyroid problems are 5-8 times more likely to occur in women than in men, and 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder during their lifetime. Even more alarming is the fact that up to 7% of the United States population has undiagnosed hypothyroidism, according to a 2021 study. There are several reasons for the high level of underdiagnosis. Low awareness of the disorder is one issue, which results in many people mistakenly attributing their symptoms to some other condition. The biggest problem, however, is the fact that there are inconsistencies in how thyroid levels are tested. Three are 5 blood tests that may be used in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism: The American Thyroid Association offers a more comprehensive look at each of these tests. Many physicians, however, use just one or two tests, which may not provide an accurate picture of thyroid health.

WHY IS HYPOTHYROIDISM SO COMMON?

There are many factors contributing to the prevalence of hypothyroidism, many of which are environmental. Of the three main types of thyroid hormones, T-3 is by far the most important active thyroid hormone in the body. However, in order to make active T-3 the body has to convert inactive T-4 via an enzyme process, and therein lies the problem. It turns out that this enzyme process is highly susceptible to interference from a variety of things. Factors that inhibit thyroid production include but are not limited to:

EFFECTIVE, NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM

Strategies that promote healthy neurohormone function include: If you’re coping with depression, mood issues, fatigue, or unexplained weight gain, it may be time to check your thyroid levels. Even if your doctor has told you your thyroid tests are “normal,” your signs and symptoms may still point to low thyroid function and need to be evaluated more closely. Depression, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Whether sticking to a diet, saving for retirement, or remaining faithful in your marriage, willpower can help you have a beautiful brain, or the lack of it can completely ruin your life.

Here are 5 strategies to boost your willpower and self-control:

  Whether sticking to a diet, saving for retirement, or remaining faithful in your marriage, willpower can help you have a beautiful brain, or the lack of it can completely ruin your life.
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1. Do not let your blood sugar get too low.

Low blood sugar levels are associated with poor impulse control. If you want better willpower, have frequent smaller meals that each have at least some protein and healthy fat.

2. Get enough sleep.

Less than 7 hours of sleep at night has been associated with lower overall brain activity and less willpower.

3. On one piece of paper write down the specific goals you have for your life, relationships, work, money, and health.

Then every day ask yourself, Is my behavior getting me what I want? Focus and meditate on what you want. Your mind is powerful and it makes happen what it sees.

4. You have to practice willpower.

Willpower is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. This is why good parenting is essential to helping children develop self-control. If I had given in to my kids every time they wanted something, I would have raised spoiled, demanding adults. By saying no, I taught them to be able to say no to themselves. To develop willpower, you need to do the same thing for yourself. Practice saying no to the things that are not good for you, and over time you will find it gets easier

5. Balance your brain chemistry.

Issues such as ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and past concussions decrease willpower. Getting help for these problems is essential to being in control of your life. Today’s Practice: Where are you struggling with willpower in relation to your health? Practice strategy number 3 above in relation to it today. In Change Your Brain Every Day [ADD LINK TO PRE-ORDER PAGE], psychiatrist and clinical neuroscientist Daniel Amen, MD, draws on over 40 years of clinical practice with tens of thousands of patients to give you the most effective daily habits he has seen that can help you improve your brain, master your mind, boost your memory, and make you feel happier, healthier, and more connected to those you love. If you want to join the tens of thousands of patients at Amen Clinics who have already learned how to change their brain every day and have a better life, speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.