Feelings of loneliness, sadness, and depression, a life seemingly devoid of happiness, suffering to the point of insomnia—this may sound like a normal emotional phase that anyone can experience. However, if these emotions persist chronically, continuing to cause distress and sadness long after the triggering events have passed, this may not be as normal as you think. “Neurotransmitter testing” is another method that can help identify the root cause in depth, leading to a true solution.
Opening the door to understanding… What are neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters function to transmit nerve signals between cells and play a role in regulating bodily functions such as concentration, memory, appetite, and insomnia. Our brain contains many types of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, the happiness chemical; serotonin, which controls mood, feelings, hunger, and sleep; and endorphins, which make us feel relaxed and satisfied. Therefore, whenever there is an imbalance in any type of neurotransmitter, it can result in symptoms such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, mood swings, and insomnia.
Sadness, loneliness, and depression can happen… but don’t let them persist until happiness is lost
Feelings of sadness, depression, loneliness, and not wanting to interact with others are certainly feelings anyone can experience because life naturally involves occasional disappointments that occur over short periods. However, if those events have ended and you still feel devoid of happiness, different from how life used to be, to the point where you or those around you feel that the balance of happiness in your life is gone, it is time to seek answers for the emotional changes you are experiencing.
Neurotransmitter testing helps identify the missing elements
Those experiencing sadness, lack of happiness, suffering to the point of insomnia, social withdrawal, and an inability to find joy in anything can come for neurotransmitter testing at Premier Life Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital, by providing the first urine of the day for laboratory analysis. Additionally, these symptoms in some people may be caused by deficiencies in amino acids, acid, vitamin B, low vitamin D, or imbalanced gut bacteria, adrenal fatigue, or hormone-related issues. Therefore, diagnosis requires multiple tests as appropriate to obtain a clear answer.
Replace what is lacking… to restore balance to the body
Once the cause of your emotional problems and changes affecting your life is identified, the doctor will consider treatment based on the detected cause. For example, if the problem is due to a specific neurotransmitter, the doctor will provide precursors of that neurotransmitter from vitamins or food, such as melatonin, a hormone produced from serotonin, synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. Therefore, foods high in tryptophan should be emphasized, which can be found in meat, milk, soy protein, peanuts, brown rice, mackerel, snapper, salmon, seaweed, and eggs.
However, in some cases where the problem is linked to the gut, probiotics or foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics should be given to restore gut balance.
Nevertheless, comprehensive care is important. Beyond restoring balance in deficient areas as appropriate by the doctor, lifestyle changes for good health—such as exercising, eating nutritious food, maintaining mental relaxation, avoiding stress, learning to let go, thinking positively, and creating a balanced happiness for oneself—are ways to help you achieve lasting happiness free from depression and loneliness.
