Tim Talks: Mental Health

As I write, over 8 million people in Great Britain are struggling with their mental health. A staggering 1 in 3 of us will experience a panic attack in our lifetime, 1 in 4 of us will need professional help to combat an anxiety disorder and 1 in 10 of our children will require regular specialist support to aid and improve their mental health. In addition, those presenting with mental health issues during childhood have been shown to have a far greater risk of symptoms continuing and worsening as they move into adulthood.

Worldwide, depression now affects some 322 million of us, while an estimated 264 million cope with anxiety. The prime contributory factor is recognized as stress. This data, based solely on those actively seeking help from a medical professional, is considered conservative at best, and is why our world leaders now readily acknowledge that we have a global mental health crisis on our hands. Yes, these statistics are depressing in themselves, but let’s explore some potential solutions.

‘Our body can slip into stress mode when we are dehydrated and have skipped lunch.’

Stress causes a chemical imbalance which directly affects our mood. Fluctuating levels of serotonin and cortisol cause major disruption to our brain chemistry and to the nervous system. We tend to think of stress only being a factor when we are overwhelmed by a heavy workload or pressing deadline, or if we witness or undergo severe trauma. However, equally, our body can slip into stress mode just as quickly when we are dehydrated and have skipped lunch; something that many of us do with regularity in order to meet those pressing deadlines.

Drinking sufficient water is naturally calming and keeps levels of serotonin and cortisol balanced, as demonstrated in a recent nationwide study of our primary school children. Children who brought a refillable water bottle to school and who were encouraged to drink approximately 100ml every hour were found to ‘prosper’. Not only were concentration levels up, they were more able to problem solve, more focused, motivated and productive, and the classrooms were calmer and ‘more conducive to good conduct’. Basically, stress levels were lowered simply by ensuring the children were properly hydrated during their working day. The same applies to us as adults. So take a break to rehydrate. It’s good for your mental health!

‘In my opinion, CBD is proving to be a game-changer.’

In the 1980’s, scientists discovered that we have cannabinoid receptors in every organ system of our body and that we make our own ‘endocannabinoids’. These help us respond to stress by modulating endocrine function, regulating the fight or flight response and mounting our immune response. Our endocannabinoid system also regulates mood, and supplementing with Cannabidiol (CBD) supports the cannabinoid receptors as they modulate the production of serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine. CBD also increases levels of glutamate, the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain and central nervous system, essential for brain function and for shaping learning and memory.

Studies regarding the efficacy of CBD reveal consistent results in alleviating the symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, including enhancing quality of sleep, a common issue. In a recent large scale clinical study of psychiatric patients with primary concerns of anxiety and insomnia, 79% saw their anxiety scores decrease and 66% saw their sleep scores improve when prescribed CBD. No side effects were recorded. The study concluded that CBD holds numerous advantages for anxiety-related disorders; improving sleep, reducing anxiety levels and effectively managing pain and inflammation.

To enable you to make a safe and well informed choice when purchasing a CBD product, FSA (The Food Standards Agency) provide a list of all registered and regulated CBD products from reputable manufacturers. Ongoing CBD trials include the treatment of PTSD, the treatment of sleep apnoea and REM sleep disorder, and the treatment of both epilepsy and schizophrenia. In my opinion, CBD is proving to be a game-changer.

Sowing seeds of Happiness ...

Nutrient-rich Griffonia simplicifolia seeds contain a high concentration of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a natural anti-depressant and serotonin booster, valuable in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbances and insomnia. Interestingly, a small scale study of women with major depressive disorder (MDD) who did not respond to conventional treatment were prescribed a blend of 5g creatine monohydrate daily, important in energy production in the brain, and 100mg 5-HTP twice daily over an 8 week period. All women displayed moderate to severe symptoms and all had a score of 16 or over on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. By the end of the trial, each score had dropped by 60%, with no side effects noted. Large scale, randomised, placebo-controlled studies are now taking place as a result.

Multi award-winning UnBEElievable Health Ltd have blended griffonia simplicifolia with propolis, royal jelly and other choice ingredients, all added for their synergistic and soothing properties. ‘Bee Rested’, with griffonia seed, and ‘Bee Calm’, a gentle, passiflora-rich formulation, were specifically developed to address the needs of those seeking help with sleep and anxiety issues.

Talking of passiflora, an intensive study of nine clinical trials investigating the potential of its health-promoting properties, has highlighted positive results when treating generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), mild to moderate depression and the associated symptom of insomnia. Passiflora contains the phytochemical, chrysin, known for its neuroprotective properties. One of the trials, a side by side comparison study to assess the performance and efficacy of passiflora versus oxazepam, was monitored over 28 days and was evaluated as safe for long term use with no side effects recorded. Passiflora performed as well as oxazepam but did not cause drowsiness during the working day or any impairment of job performance. It was concluded that passiflora was both safe and effective in relieving stress reactivity, insomnia, anxiety and depression-like behaviours. Further trials investigating passiflora’s potential to support those with dementia and degenerative brain disorders are now ongoing.

To Wort, or Not to Wort? That is the question ...

St John’s Wort has been prescribed in Europe for decades but here, in Britain, the jury still seems to be out. However, that may be about to change. The results of a major long term study monitoring 3126 patients with mild to moderate depression found that not only did St John’s Wort consistently perform well against traditional anti-depressant medication, it was also the most cost effective treatment. Less side effects were noted and the only draw back seems to be that St John’s Wort can adversely interact with other prescribed medications. In my opinion, St John’s Wort is very effective but, as always, check the patient information leaflet for contra-indications, and purchase a licenced product with the THR (Traditional Herbal Registration) certification mark.

Finally, although it is always great to be proactive as regards your health, if you are reading this and have recognized that you need support with your mental health, then the best bet is to reach out to a medical professional.

Tim Gaunt

About the Author

Tim Gaunt is a biochemist and nutritionist and an advocate for the promotion of better health and wellbeing. His expert opinion has been sought on a wide and diverse range of subjects over a period spanning four decades. Please read and share in his expertise as he freely debates health issues via his LinkedIn page.

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