Blood testing for Mental Health
Mental Well-being
Did you know there is no physical test to diagnose mental health issues?
There are some biological markers that have been associated with poorer mental well-being (depression and anxiety for example).
Because the way we feel mentally is highly governed by our physical body - sometimes we feel 'low' due to a physical cause (hormones anyone??).
Physical illness causes us to want to withdraw, not be social and have low energy.
And some of the things going on within our body - we may not notice - but may still be contributing to how we feel.
We may not know for example that our vitamin D levels are low, our folate is low, or that we have increased overall inflammation.
We may, however, feel lethargic, anxious or otherwise unwell.
It's always my first piece of advice - rule out any physical cause for the way to feel. When you see your GP - ask for blood tests, a full physical assessment and ask them to discuss anything that is out of range or near out of range.
'Within the normal range' may not be right for you!
What blood tests to get for mental health
Poorer mental health is associated with low or borderline levels of:
Iron & ferritin (important for immune and red blood cell production)
Vitamin B12 (needed for red blood cell production)
Folate (essential for neurotransmitter production)
Zinc (an essential mineral for many important health functions)
Vitamin D (low in patients admitted with psychiatric issues)
Selenium (important for thyroid function)
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone indicative of thyroid function)
Cortisol (‘stress’ hormone - but needed in good amounts for energy)
And high or borderline high levels of:
Ferritin (Any illness can elevate ferritin levels).
GGT (and other liver function tests)
CRP (a general marker of inflammation)
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone, high levels suggest hypothyroidism)
Triglycerides
Cortisol (the ‘stress’ hormone)
Start with the basics, especially if life is otherwise pretty good - but you are feeling less than chipper.
There is no point in engaging in therapy if it’s simply a low B12 that causing your low energy and mood!
For more information on how to approach your mental health in a step-by-step way - take a look at the Changing Lives online course
For more information on blood test and specific levels - see here: Blood tests for mental health (2)
Helen is a registered nurse, specialising in mental health from a holistic perspective. She is passionate about supporting people to have optimal mental health and well-being.
Based in New Zealand, Helen is available for speaking, education sessions and one on one appointments.
