folate and B12

[Geodog]

I have had felt strange for a while, and my Doc said I’m depressed and have anxiety. My symptoms are fatigue, brain fog, waking too early, pins and needles, arms and legs feel like weights. My red blood cell test came back with no results due to contamination. However the past 6 years blood test said the same thing. Do you think that low b12 and folate could cause the symptoms similar to depression and anxiety?

[fauxartist]

Causes of depression vary from person to person. Some are depressed temporarily due to a loss of a loved on, or just life in general not working out....and that can eventually pass. Others are genetically pre-disposed, and when you add mental and emotional injury such as PTSD, CPTSD, child abuse and neglect, abandonment issues, trauma, etc. etc..... all these things intertwine and make up what ever form of depression you feel you may have. Only a qualified therapist can really sort this out for someone. And unfortunately each journey is taylor made. There is no cure for clinical depression....but there certainly can be management programs like therapy, diet, and doing personal growth work to put together coping mechanisms.

For me personally, I believe in what a child psych friend if mine does for her patients, she prescribes they take B12, multi-mineral, and adjust their diet as needed. I know our gut has a lot to do with our Serotonin production, more-so than the brain....so I do a prebiotic and probiotic regime now..... I eat a lot of bananas, yogurt, rice, chicken,.... fried foods kill me... But I do allow myself a junk food reward now and then like a chocolate chip cookie or chips.... you can't be miserable all the time. I don't have many vices left, I don't smoke ciggs. or pot, I don't drink booze, no pot gummies, no drugs other than what my doctor prescribes, and they are very, very aware I don't want a giant bottle of Xanax....no street drugs..... but I have my one cup of coffee, my dark chocolate once in a while, two vices I ain't given up,....and that's it.

[Geodog in reply to fauxartist]

thanks for the info.

[alphaind]

Hi Geodog

I can relate to the symptoms, pins, and needles in my left arm/legs, and also brain fog. I used to have a feeling of dizziness (?). Initially, I thought it was due to my anxiety. My doc ordered blood work, and the results showed severe deficiency in Vit-D and low B12. So I had to take a course of Vit-D (weekly once a pill) for 8 weeks and then monthly once for 6 months. I am on B12 injections (monthly once) and took Folate pills for 2 months. I had to cut down on my tea/coffee and expose myself to Sun, at least 30 min/day. Currently, I am on my anxiety med (Escitalopram 10mg) and also continuing the Doc's suggestions. The symptoms are mostly gone now, and I am feeling better. The only ordeal is taking B12 injections once a month.

However, I sincerely suggest consulting Doc before you take any decision. They are the better people who can decide what's good for you in your case.

Wishing you peace and good health...

[Geodog in reply to alphaind]

Thanks for the info, I have been going between 2 different primary care docs, neither of which have answered my questions on the red blood cell tests. I might seek out yet a third doc.