Can Thyroid Cause Anxiety?

The other day my Mom’s friend, who is quite young and nowhere near her menopause, approached me to learn what her discomforting symptoms indicate. She explained to me that she was suffering from palpitation, dizziness, sense of fear, major mood swings, and difficulty in sleeping. She was experiencing all symptoms of anxiety. She was scared and wanted to know if she was in depression or suffering from any of the other mental disorders. On inquiring further regarding some more symptoms whether she might have had, such as being fatigued out and forgetful, she agreed to experience these symptoms too. So, she was told that she might be suffering from thyroid malfunctioning and not depression or any mental illness.

Many women who complain about anxiety, panic attacks, nervousness, and palpitations end up being misdiagnosed to suffer from depression, panic disorder, or bipolar disease. And, then, they are given a long list of drugs, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. However, there prevails a lack of awareness that these symptoms can be associated with misdiagnosed or improperly treated thyroid disorder.

Thyroid and Anxiety

The thyroid gland has a major impact on your overall health, including psychological well-being. This is why thyroid gland’s relationship with anxiety is a noteworthy significant fact.

Thyroid hormone plays a role in the regulation and creation of neurotransmitters. When the thyroid doesn’t function properly, its hormones are produced abnormally. And, this disturbs neurotransmitters responsible for the mood and behaviour adversely, thereby can cause anxiety.

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Helpful Tips To Manage Anxiety

There is no need to ignore the anxiety and wait for it to go away on its own when there’s a lot you can do to feel better and calmer. Some easy tips and tricks to manage anxiety and obtain relief from it are mentioned below.

1. Take Deep Breaths

Anxiety can lead to panic attacks and cause shortness of breaths. Breathlessness can make your anxiety even worse. So, when you are in a stressful situation or feel anxious, stop doing whatever you are doing and take deep long breaths.

2. Meditate

Meditation is one of the best ways to improve your psychological health and well-being in general. So, meditate regularly for some time of the day.

3. Follow A Well-balanced Diet

What you eat reflects on your health. This isn’t just about your physical health but also relates to your mental well-being. So, instead of junk food, opt for healthier alternatives. Follow a well-balanced, nutritious diet.

4. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is a crucial activity to ensure your good physical as well as psychological health. Performing physical exercise is a wonderful way to relieve your frustrations and feel better instantly! Regular exercises boost your energy levels, help you regulate your weight, and direct your emotions to something productive.

The word anxiety is frequently used nowadays, however, most often it is misunderstood. While most people think anxiety is just nervousness or it’s a single disease, in reality, it is a term which refers to multiple disorders. Individuals suffering from an overactive or underactive thyroid are at a higher risk of suffering from anxiety. So, thyroid disorder can cause anxiety. Following all above-mentioned tips will help you manage thyroid disorders and anxiety.

Also Read: Top 5 Homeopathic Medicines for Anxiety

I hope this blog helps bring about a positive change in those who are suffering from an underactive thyroid and also helps those who are misdiagnosed or are experiencing the symptoms of anxiety in improving their physical and psychological well-being.

-Written by Dr. Krutika, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah