Are your physical symptoms hiding poor mental health? How often do you feel tired, irritable, or overwhelmed but don’t know why? When did you last have a migraine, crave food in the afternoon to get through your day, or have trouble sleeping? When was the last time you woke up with your mind racing because of deadlines or life circumstances?

Many people assume these symptoms and emotions show up as a normal consequence of living in a fast-paced, Western culture that values success, personal responsibility, civic duty, and keeping up with the Joneses. Or that poor mental health only looks like a clinical diagnosis such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

Maybe you’d be surprised to know that it looks like pushing through in survival mode because if you don’t get it done, no one else will. Or running 24/7 to succeed at work, keep the lights on at home and a roof over your head, put meals on the table, enrich the kids, and engage with family. Or letting that quote “I can rest when I’m dead” slip off your tongue because you have no idea what it means to stop.

Before you know it, tired is your new state of normal, and frazzled is your new identity.

But what if these symptoms are actually signs of a deeper issue: physical and emotional stress?

Who, Me? I’m Not sick!

If I had a nickel for each time I’ve encountered people who insist they don’t have a problem, I’d be rich.

“Oh, I don’t have any trouble with my sleep, I sleep like a baby. As soon as I take my prescription sleeping med, I’m out like a light.”

“Yeah, I have a demanding job, but I don’t have high blood pressure; I take a diuretic.”

“I don’t have any trouble relaxing; a glass or two of red wine does the trick.”

“Pain, no, I don’t have any pain, I just take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or this prescription the doctor gave me …. .”

“Me? I’m driven and motivated all day long! It only takes a pot of coffee in the morning and a couple of energy drinks and I’m good to go ALL day long.”

Taking medication (although sometimes necessary) and leaning into substances does not help us get to the root of the reason why we can’t sleep, our blood pressure and blood sugar are up, we’re stressed out, hurt all over, or struggle with our motivation.

We often push through the subtle (and not so subtle) ways our body is trying to tell us that something isn’t quite right. We don’t always listen well. It’s the stuff that we ignore every day

• when we have a migraine and go to work anyway
• when we feel socially anxious at the function, but tell ourselves that we have to go because that’s the “right” or “courageous” thing to do
• numbing the emotional hurts with chocolate, wine, cookies, candy, and unhealthy relationships
• making up for the childhood neglect by working 60, 70, and 80 hours a week

The truth is, mental health issues, or more correctly, neurotransmitter issues, can present in so many ways that you might not even realize you’re struggling. It could be perfectionism, irritability, fibromyalgia, headaches, food and substance cravings, problems sleeping, a history of chronic pain, crying over every little Hallmark commercial, having stiff, tense, and painful muscles, or feeling overwhelmed.

The good news is that your body is telling you that something isn’t quite right and that there is hope for positive change.

Measuring Mental Fitness

You can’t change what you can’t measure. That’s where understanding the four major neurotransmitter pathways comes in. Serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and GABA have a significant impact on our mood, emotions, and physical symptoms. Each pathway influences our well-being in different ways.

About 80% of the time, mental health issues are not solely a “brain” issue. They are often rooted in physical problems. Things like a starving brain, food allergies, poor gut health, thyroid issues, or adrenal dysfunction. It’s crucial to understand the interplay between our body systems and neurotransmitters. It’s what gets us to the underlying cause of our mental health struggles.

At Abundant Hope Nutrition, we offer two assessments that can help you determine which of your neurotransmitter pathways needs support and which body system may be driving the dysfunction.

By gaining this insight, you can personalize your approach to improving your mental health and well-being.

One of my clients recently said to me:

“I can’t believe how much my mood has improved in the last two weeks of dietary changes. I’ve been seeing my doctor about all the things I’ve been dealing with for ages and he just kept giving me more medication. I’m done with all that. They aren’t getting to the root of the problem. I just needed someone to have a hard conversation with me and tell me to get my act together and then show me how.”

Do you need someone to show you how to get your act together and then help you do it?
If you do, we have some exciting news! For the entire month of August, we’re offering a special discount on our highly sought-after mental health and nutritional assessment. Usually priced at $247, you can now save $50 by going to bit.ly/AMINOTEST and using the code “BRAINFOOD”.

We understand that prioritizing your mental health is crucial. That’s why we’re making this offer to help you take that first step toward a happier, healthier you. By taking advantage of this limited-time discount, you’ll gain valuable insights into how nutrition can positively impact your mental well-being.

But don’t wait too long to make your move! We have a limited number of 8 appointments available for this special offer. So don’t hesitate, secure your spot today and embark on your journey to better mental health.

Improve Your Mental Health

You’re working hard to build knowledge, careers, and families. You have goals and dreams that you want to accomplish in life, whether it’s traveling, increasing your income, writing that book, getting physically fit, or enjoying retirement. And wouldn’t it make sense to pursue these aspirations with energy, joy, enthusiasm, and a sense of well-being?

That’s why it’s essential to take the time to figure out what’s going on with your mental health today. Do it before it’s too late. By exploring the connection between nutrition, neurotransmitters, and your overall well-being, you can make informed dietary and nutrient choices that support your mental health and help you thrive.

You’re Not Alone

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re here to provide valuable insights, rooted in research, that empower you to take control of your well-being. Together, we can bring about positive change and pave the way for a brighter future filled with abundant hope. We can’t wait to join you on your transformational journey. If you need help, contact us here today.