Low Thyroid and Depression

Low thyroid and depression are two conditions that have wrecked havoc to the lives of numerous people. If the signs are sighted and proper diagnosis made early enough, the situation can be remedied with few or no obstacles.

The thyroid gland is positioned in the front area of the neck and below the voice box. It secretes two vitally important hormones called thyroid hormones. These are responsible for setting the body’s metabolism. That is, they set the pace of virtually all processes in the body. Low thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, occurs when the gland is not producing sufficient levels of these hormones. The consequences are that the patient’s body systems are slowed. Symptoms include; tiredness, constipation, slowed speech, weight gain, general body weakness, depression and misery. These may lead to a poor quality of life even amidst all the good things of life.

Depression is a widespread condition which can affect practically everyone, even kids. It is characterized by feelings of melancholy, despair and frustration among others. All people feel depressed at one time or another, though it mostly happens for short periods of time. Clinical depression is considered if such feelings persist for a few weeks or more. In its more advanced stages, the sufferer becomes more agitated, seeing things only from a negative perspective. If left unchecked, it can progress to induce feelings of guilt or the thought of death. Suicide might be as a result of depression.

Depression has many causes. Some may not be biological but rather physical. Perhaps the most common cause of depression among the physical ones is loss. This may be the loss of a loved one, a job, property or amputation. Other illnesses may also trigger depression. Whatever the cause of the condition, there are two major causes of action that may be used to tackle it. One is fighting the condition itself and its symptoms and the other is getting to the root cause. The symptomatic approach usually yields faster results. However, this treatment is not bound to have a lasting effect. If the main cause is isolated and gotten rid of, depression will fade away, though at a slow speed. The solution must involve both approaches.

In the case of depression that is set off by hypothyroidism, treating the latter condition should be given the first priority. The draw back is that for depression to cease, the patient will have to recover from the low thyroid, whatever time it may take, and then wait for depression to grow fainter until diminished. This can be an excruciatingly long wait because low thyroid takes time to treat. Such a patient will lose much in terms of time and happiness. That is why doctors will prefer treating the depression as well. This type of approach mostly involves anti-depressants and counseling.

Hypothyroidism and depression are both serious and progressive conditions, meaning that they continue advancing further if proper diagnosis and treatment thereof are not executed. Knowing the symptoms is vital, but listening to your body and mind is the first and most important cause of action.