Can Diet Relieve Symptoms of Depression for Hypothyroid?

[connyankee]

I have had a rough year dealing with 2 deaths: the death of my husband's boss and his best friend, who also was a friend of the family. He passed unexpectedly in April. I recently, as in this past week, found out that my very dear friend, and surrogate mother, passed away five years ago. I am now mourning her loss after having lost contact with her because she came down with Alzheimers and the news of her wellbeing was kept mum from me from her little shit of a son, who is in this 50's, but has always been a little shit, in my opinion (I've known him since he was in High School.)

Since April, I cannot seem to motivate myself to do anything that I used to enjoy. I'm especially burned out on the work that I do: Event Security for most of the concert venues in and around Nashville, TN, USA. I'm tired of Pop Culture. I'm tired of today's music acts. I'm tired of the fans. I'm tired of commuting in traffic to get to the venues.

I also cannot seem to bother to clean my house except for when no one is at home. I live with my husband and my son, who is currently looking for another job, but is home when I'm at home.

I'm 66. I have Hashi's/Hypo since 13 years ago. I'm on 75 mgs of Armour (I think that I need a higher dose, but alas, the NP at the Endocrinologist's office wants me on this dose so that my TSH is not suppressed.) I just don't have any motivation and stay at home watching/reading useless content on my laptop. I don't even find comfort in going to weekly church, or reading scripture, or praying.

I've been eating comfort foods: pizza, ice cream, pastas, desserts and have put on 10 lbs. with the thinking that dying from a heart attack would come as a relief from this pit that I'm in. My brain feels like it's being squeezed between a vice. I'm on anti-depressants (the highest dose allowed) and a Benzodiazepine. I cannot bring myself to exercise as I'm sleepy all of the time.

Would a healthy diet, weight loss, and exercise bring me out of the doldrums? I've done lots of talk therapy since my 20's. It's only relieves the situation until I go into another depression. Thanks for listening.

UPDATE AS OF 10/17/2024

I believe that my body has become accustomed to the new 75 mgs of Armour as most of my symptoms from above have dissipated. I'm going to see my GP for further Thyroid care as I can talk to him about getting on a higher dose once I see my latest T3 results. I want to slowly titrate up to a higher dose where I see an upward movement in my T3 range (it's been in the lower range for awhile). I had lost a bit of weight when I was on the 90 mgs in June while I was eating flour tortilla wrapped sandwiches and my cookies, and working outside in the high heat of the summer months. Then I went for my second visit to Endocrinologist #7, and his nurse practitioner lowered me to the current dose of 75 mgs because "my TSH is suppressed."

My social interactions are much better (less reactive). This Thyroid problem really does mess with the brain chemistry. The feeling of my head being in a vice is due to the pollen problem that we are accosted with in lower, middle Tennessee. I have had swollen sinus pockets all summer, excess ear wax, and some dizziness. I'm still not exercising as I should, but when I do walk, my gait is still a good, quick pace.

I'm currently reading a book by the late Dr. Broda Barnes about Hypothyroidism. I will post more after I finish the book. Thank you to all who are members of this forum.

[greygoose]

I think what would do you most good is an increase in dose, and your doctor needs educating that taking T3 is going to lower/suppress your TSH and it really doesn't matter. Print out these quotes and give them to him:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

If your thyroid hormone levels are low, food is not going to replace them now matter how good it is.

[connyankee in reply to greygoose]

Thank you greygoose!

[connyankee in reply to greygoose]

I did a small experiment for Sunday a.m's dose. I took a 90 mg of Armour instead of the 75, and guess what? My depression was lifted and I began doing things around the house! But, and a big but, I couldn't sleep Sunday night! I need to be somewhere between 75 and 90. A compounding pharmacy can do that right? But what is the magic number?

[greygoose in reply to connyankee]

You can only find the magic number by trial and error; nobody can tell you that.

[Flamingo60]

As well as what greygoose has recommended. A healthy diet and exercise will definitely help with your mood. Wholefoods (no UPF), good fats etc and getting outside to walk/run if you can is a good start. Wish you well x

[Hatshepsut59]

Hi Conny, I fully sympathise with your position. I've had recurring depression since I was 30 and it sounds like you have the same. The recent upsets have most likely compounded the issue and that's why you are feeling so low and numb. The feeling of no motivation is so horrible to deal with. What's going on in our world now doesn't help either. I know that it's really difficult but I would recommend that you start moving more. Maybe get one of those little devices that count your steps daily and start regular walks. Maybe review your diet and stop buying foods that are addictive such as bread and sugary treats and drinks. I also recommend that you have all your medication reviewed. I take Lexapro daily and I've noticed that it can make me tired and lethargic and unmovitated. Maybe consider tweaking the dose. Never forget that you are a good person just as deserving of love and happiness as everyone else. Xx

[connyankee in reply to Hatshepsut59]

Thank you, Hatshesut59.

[HealthStarDust]

Anything is possible since everything affects hormones.

[connyankee in reply to HealthStarDust]

Thank you HealthStarDust.