Causes

What causes neurotransmitter dysfunction?

•    Prolonged periods of stress can deplete neurotransmitters levels. Our fast paced, fast food society greatly contributes to those imbalances.
•    Poor Diet. Neurotransmitters are made within the body from proteins. Additionally, we need vitamins and minerals. If your nutrition is poor and you are  not absorbing enough protein, vitamins, or minerals to build the neurotransmitters, a neurotransmitter imbalance develops.
•    Genetic factors, faulty metabolism, and digestive issues will impair absorption and breakdown of our food which reduces are ability to make neurotransmitters.
•    Toxic substances like significant metals, pesticides, drug use, and a few pharmaceuticals can cause permanent harm to the nerves that build neurotransmitters.
•    Medicine and substances like caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, NutraSweet, antidepressants, and some cholesterol lowering medications deplete neurotransmitter levels resulting in neurotransmitter imbalances.
•    Hormone  changes can also cause neurotransmitter imbalances.

Testing

Testing is currently accessible to detect Neurotransmitter Imbalances.
Basing a treatment on symptoms alone (traditional medication) will not provide the data needed to handle the underlying imbalance. A visit to a doctor or practitioners office for depression involves telling them how you have been feeling emotionally. The everyday depressed person leaves the office with a prescription for an antidepressant without ever having any conclusive laboratory evidence of what is inflicting their symptoms. New subtle equipment and tests are now accessible to gauge neurotransmitter imbalances using a urine or blood sample. This provides a neurotransmitter baseline assessment and is helpful in determining the root causes for diseases and sicknesses such as those mentioned above. Laboratory analysis will now give precise info on neurotransmitter deficiencies or overloads, plus detect hormonal and nutrient co-factor imbalances that influence neurotransmitter production. We all require individual solutions. Testing helps to work out precisely IF neurotransmitters are out of balance and what helps to work out which therapies for an individualized treatment plan.  It also helps in monitoring the effectiveness of  treatment.

Treatment

Nutrient therapies can help recognize which neurotransmitters an individual might be deficient in. Studies have shown that  these therapies are safe and effective.

Prescription drugs like antidepressants do not increase the general range of neurotransmitter molecules in your brain, they just move them around or stop the breakdown. If your levels are too low to start out with, medication could work initially, then “poop out” or not work from the beginning. There are additional side-effects and more importantly the FDA is warning that certain antidepressants could cause suicidal thoughts in some youngsters, teens and adults.
There are specialized nutrient formulas which help antidepressant medications work more effectively if under  the supervision of a trained practitioner. Several antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications just target one neurotransmitter, however, many mental health disorders involve multiple neurotransmitters.

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I hate to admit this, but I was way beyond my teen years when I discovered the connection between the mind (my thoughts) and the body (getting sick). I am happy to say I have not been sick for twenty (20) years and have had NO medication (other than an occasional aspirin) in my body.

In my blog I talk about the need for a PMA or positive mental attitude, but today I want to talk about the basics for teens to develop great “emotional health”.

Teens with good emotional health are aware of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. They have learned healthy ways to cope with the stress and problems that are a normal part of life. They feel good about themselves and have healthy relationships.

However, many things that happen in our lives that can disrupt our emotional health and lead to strong feelings of sadness, stress or anxiety. Like coping with divorce in the family, grades, not being popular, not having friends, not happy with your body image, not knowing where you are headed in life.

Your body responds to the way you think, feel and act. This is often called the “mind/body connection.” When you are stressed, anxious or upset, your body tries to tell you that something isn’t right. For example, high blood pressure or a stomach ulcer might develop after a particularly stressful event, such as the death of a family member.

Poor emotional health can weaken your body’s immune system, making you more likely to get colds and other infections during emotionally difficult times. Also, when you are feeling stressed, anxious or upset, you may not take care of your health as well as you should. You may not feel like exercising, eating nutritious foods or taking medicine that your doctor prescribes. Abuse of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs may also be a sign of poor emotional health.

If you’re negative feelings don’t go away and are so strong that they keep you from enjoying life, it’s especially important for you to talk to your doctor. You may have what doctors call “major depression.” Depression is a medical illness that can be treated with individualized counseling, medicine or with both.

Some Solutions

First, try to recognize your emotions and understand why you are having them. Sorting out the causes of sadness, stress and anxiety in your life can help you manage your emotional health. The following are some other helpful tips.

Express your feelings in appropriate ways. If feelings of stress, sadness or anxiety are causing physical problems, keeping these feelings inside can make you feel worse. It’s OK to let your loved ones know when something is bothering you. However, keep in mind that your family and friends may not be able to help you deal with your feelings appropriately. At these times, ask someone outside the situation–such as your family doctor, a counselor or a religious advisor–for advice and support to help you improve your emotional health.

Live a balanced life. Try not to obsess about the problems at school or home that lead to negative feelings. This doesn’t mean you have to pretend to be happy when you feel stressed, anxious or upset. It’s important to deal with these negative feelings, but try to focus on the positive things in your life too. You may want to use a journal to keep track of things that make you feel happy or peaceful. Some research has shown that having a positive outlook can improve your quality of life and give your health a boost. You may also need to find ways to let go of some things in your life that make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. Make time for things you enjoy.

Develop resilience. People with resilience are able to cope with stress in a healthy way. Resilience can be learned and strengthened with different strategies. These include having social support, keeping a positive view of yourself, accepting change, and keeping things in perspective.

Calm your mind and body. Relaxation methods, such as meditation, are useful ways to bring your emotions into balance. Meditation is a form of guided thought. It can take many forms. For example, you may do it by exercising, stretching or breathing deeply.

Take care of yourself. To have good emotional health, it’s important to take care of your body by having a regular routine for eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep and exercising to relieve pent-up tension. Avoid overeating and don’t abuse drugs or alcohol. Using drugs or alcohol just causes other problems, such as family and health problems.