Mental illness remains a sensitive topic, however, the prevalence of mental health challenges is rising across all age groups.
While mental illness encompasses a wide range of conditions, the most common include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is a natural response to unfamiliar or stressful situations. However, when typical anxiety becomes excessive and persistent, disrupting daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. Individuals suffering from clinical anxiety may also experience panic attacks, which can leave them feeling overwhelmed and out of control. The causes of anxiety disorders are varied and can include factors such as medication side effects, phobias, and separation anxiety.
Symptoms and Types of Anxiety Disorders
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Difficulty controlling worry
- Feelings of weakness or fatigue
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Elevated heart rate
- Nervousness, restlessness, or tension
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Impaired concentration
- Sleep disturbances due to worry
The various types of anxiety disorders include:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterised by chronic and excessive worry about a wide range of daily activities. The anxiety experienced is disproportionate to the actual situation and is often difficult to manage, leading to physical symptoms.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A persistent condition marked by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) aimed at alleviating distress or preventing perceived harm.
- Panic Disorder: Defined by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks—sudden surges of intense fear that peak within minutes. People living with panic disorder often fear future attacks, leading to behavioural avoidance.
- Phobias: Involve intense fear and avoidance of specific objects or situations, which may induce panic attacks.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Arises from exposure to a traumatic event and is characterised by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, heightened anxiety, and intrusive thoughts.
- Selective Mutism: A condition that typically affects children, wherein they are unable to speak in specific social situations, despite being able to speak freely in more familiar settings.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Involves extreme discomfort and fear in social situations, driven by concerns about judgment, embarrassment, or ridicule.
- Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder: Occurs due to drug misuse, medication side effects, exposure to toxic substances, or withdrawal symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a severe psychiatric condition marked by alternating episodes of depression, mania, and mixed states. Bipolar disorder is a leading cause of disability, particularly among younger individuals. The condition is linked to cognitive and functional impairments and an elevated risk of mortality, particularly from suicide.
Early diagnosis is challenging, especially in young people, as the symptoms can often resemble depression or emotional volatility. This lack of recognition can delay treatment, exacerbating the disorder over time.
Symptoms and Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder includes a combination of depressive episodes, mania, and hypomania, with mood swings that can be sudden and unpredictable, impairing daily life.
- Bipolar I Disorder: Characterised by manic episodes lasting at least one week or requiring immediate medical attention, often accompanied by depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks. In some cases, both manic and depressive symptoms may occur simultaneously.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Involves alternating episodes of depression and hypomania. While less severe than Bipolar I, Bipolar II still significantly impairs day-to-day functioning, with individuals often resorting to self-medication to manage their symptoms.
- Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): Involves periods of hypomania and depression lasting for at least two years (one year for children). Although the symptoms tend to be less severe than those seen in Bipolar I or II, they are disruptive and often misdiagnosed due to their complexity.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating mood disorder characterised by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities once found enjoyable. While it is normal to experience occasional sadness, clinical depression is characterised by a prolonged state of low mood that resists resolution.
Despite being common, clinical depression remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. It is most prevalent among adults aged 25–44,although it can affect older individuals, particularly those who experience bereavement, chronic illness, or cognitive decline.
Symptoms of Major Depression
- Anxiety
- Changes in appetite
- Preoccupation with death
- Fatigue
- Impaired concentration
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Persistent sadness
- Guilt
- Hopelessness
- Indecisiveness
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Sleep disturbances
- Suicidal thoughts
- Weight fluctuations
Environmental and Biological Contributors to Mental Illness
Toxins
Environmental toxins are often overlooked as contributors to psychiatric symptoms. Exposure to toxic substances—whether in the workplace, at home, or through secondary contact—can have both short-term and long-term effects on mental health.
Children are particularly vulnerable, as they are more sensitive to environmental toxins. Additionally, harmful substances can be inadvertently carried into the home through clothing, tools, and even the skin.
Common toxins associated with mental health issues include:
Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs): The increased use of wireless technologies, such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi, has been linked to an uptick in chronic illnesses, including mental health disorders. (Please check out my previous newsletter/blog for further information.)
Heavy Metals: Substances like aluminium, lead, and mercury are known to contribute to a variety of cognitive and mood disorders. The common source of these metals are: non-filtered water, non-stick pans, aluminium kettles, fish (tuna), GM food.
Symptoms of toxic exposure may include:
- Academic difficulties
- ADHD
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Antisocial behaviour
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Delusions
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Mania
- Paranoia
- Suicidal ideation
Lyme Disease and its co-infections
Although Lyme disease is most commonly associated with physical symptoms such as joint pain, it can also manifest as a wide range of mental health issues, often years after the initial infection. Psychiatric symptoms associated with Lyme disease include:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bipolar disorder
- Dementia
- Major depression
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic attacks
- Schizophrenia
Mold Exposure
Mold exposure can result in a build-up of mycotoxins that significantly impact mental health. In addition to the well-known physical symptoms, prolonged exposure to mould can trigger mental health disorders, which often persist even after the mould is eradicated. Symptoms related to mould exposure include:
- Anxiety
- Cognitive deficits
- Depression
- Lack of focus
Parasitic Infections
Certain parasites can cause inflammation in the brain and alter neurotransmitter function, leading to mental health issues. Additionally, symptoms may worsen during the die-off phase of a parasite cleanse. This connection should be considered during diagnosis and treatment planning.
Lifestyle Modifications and Natural Coping Mechanisms
Research suggests that even low levels of physical activity—such as walking or gardening for 30 minutes daily—can significantly reduce symptoms of depression. Lifestyle and dietary changes can also play a crucial role in managing mental health.
Diet and Nutrition
Nutritional deficiencies are often linked to both physical and mental health problems. Mental health conditions are sometimes exacerbated by deficiencies in key nutrients such as amino acids, magnesium and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins. Incorporating these nutrients into the diet may reduce the severity of symptoms.
Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage may be beneficial for mental health by:
- Increasing healthy level of serotonin and dopamine
- Reducing cortisol
- Promoting the release of oxytocin, which improves feelings of contentment and reduces anxiety
Meditation
Meditation has been shown to enhance cognitive function and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is a valuable tool that can complement other therapeutic approaches.
Yoga
Yoga offers both physical and mental health benefits. Meditation-based yoga, in particular, has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. It should be incorporated into treatment plans on an individual basis, with appropriate guidance to ensure safety.
Natural Treatment Strategies
Toxin Binders
High-quality toxin binders can assist the body in removing harmful substances by binding to them and facilitating excretion. Some binders are particularly effective as they can cross Blood brain barrier (BBB) and circulate throughout the bloodstream, reaching toxins stored in tissues and cells.
Common binders include:
- BioToxin Binder (Cellcore) – for biotoxin and ammonia build up
- Carboxy (Cellcore) – for mycotoxin and mould
- HM-ET Binder (Cellcore) – for heavy metals
- ViRadChem Binder (Cellcore) – for radiation and chemicals
- Takesumi (Cellcore) – heavy metals, mycotoxin, endotoxin
Note: These binders should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
Drainage and Gut Health Support
Effective detoxification requires functional elimination pathways. If the liver, colon, or lymphatic system is congested, the body may reabsorb toxins, worsening symptoms.
The gut microbiome plays a vital role in mental health. Proper gut function supports the absorption of nutrients and the production of neurotransmitters, both of which are crucial for emotional and cognitive well-being. Disruptions in gut health have been linked to anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric conditions.
Herbal and Nutritional Support
Natural remedies have gained global acceptance for managing mental illness, especially when conventional treatments are ineffective, poorly tolerated or potentially harmful for long time use. Evidence supports the following herbs and nutrients:
- Ginkgo biloba: May enhance cognitive function and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, and dementia.
- Kava: Known for its calming and cognitive-enhancing properties. It may be beneficial for mild to moderate anxiety.
- Licorice: Supports adrenal function, improves gut health, and helps balance the brain-gut axis.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Effective in managing ADD, bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia.
- St. John’s Wort: Addresses depressive symptoms, including hopelessness, guilt, and suicidal ideation.
- Valerian: Used to alleviate anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, menopausal symptoms, and more.
- CBD oil: A non-psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant that may help ease anxiety, support mood balance, and improve sleep by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Conclusion
Wide range of natural yet effective strategies are available for managing mental illness. By identifying root causes, implementing nutritional and lifestyle changes, and incorporating foundational natural therapies, individuals may experience meaningful improvement or even full resolution of symptoms. You may find Steps to Rewire the Brain and Build Resilience in my previous newsletter/blog helpful for further strategies.
Here’s to your health and peace of mind.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider.
