Over the next couple of weeks I thought that I would blog about some of the toxins that can cause depression, anxiety and other mental illness.

Toxins as a cause of depression and anxiety should not be disregarded!

In fact the involvement of toxins and chemicals in psychiatric disorders has been recently highlighted in the journal NeuroToxicology by Dr. Genuis. The scientific paper was entitled “Toxic causes of mental illness are overlooked.”

I think the title is a very good one, because even though its been known for over 300 years that toxins like mercury can lead to mental health problems- today it is still disregarded.

Today Let’s Look at the heavy metal Manganese

Most people know manganese as a mineral (like iron, iodine or selenium). This is true, and the body needs it in small amounts- it’s essential. It is an antioxidant, helps healthy digestion and formation of bones.

In large amounts however, manganese is toxic and is known as a heavy metal. That’s what we’re going to talk about today.

Manganese is Toxic and can cause Depression & Anxiety

Manganese is a heavy metal that can cause health concerns including irritability, mood changes, compulsive behaviors, and Parkinson Disease like tremors. A recent study investigating mood disorders and manganese exposure through welding showed alarming results. Those that had the highest past exposure to manganese were seven and a  half times more likely to be hostile, 2.6 times more likely to suffer from depression, and three times more likely to have anxiety. These symptoms were experienced even fourteen years after the workers last exposure to manganese.

Exposure to Manganese

You may be exposed to manganese through different occupations including mining, ore-processing, ferroalloy production, dry-cell battery factories, smelters, welders, and gas station attendants. In addition, you can be exposed through gasoline, contaminated soil and water, and living in close proximity to mining and other industries involving manganese.

If your depression or anxiety is caused by toxins, you can be healed by removing exposure to that chemical, and just as importantly detoxifying your body properly.

Join me next time to find out what types of toxins (and other occupations), can contribute to depression.

Toxins aren’t the only physical cause for depression and anxiety. To find out what hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies and food allergies contribute to mental health disorders download a copy of my free depression report.

Talk to you again soon.

Dr Janelle Sinclair

Did you know that the oral contraceptive pill can be a cause of depression?

It’s not commonly known, but its really important, especially when you consider so many women are on it, and often for decades! Are you one of them?

I think the most insidious thing about the “Pill” and depression, is that the affect of the pill is slow. There may not be a clear relationship between the time you ‘went on’ the pill, and the onset of your depression or depressive symptoms. Why you may ask?

How The Oral Contraceptive Pill Can Cause Depression

If I first explain how the pill can cause depression, it’ll be easier for me to show you how it can ‘creep up on you’ and cause depression.

I should firstly say that I’m talking about the pill that contains estrogen specifically.

Here’s an excerpt from my book which explains it:

When copper is too high in the body it can lead to depression, lethargy, and a lack of energy. High levels of the estrogen hormone, which occurs during pregnancy and while taking the contraceptive pill, can lead to the build up of copper. That’s why many women experience depression during or after pregnancy, as well as when they’re on the oral contraceptive pill.

If you have postnatal depression, see the suggestions below about getting tested for copper.

If you take the oral contraceptive pill ask yourself “When did I start taking this medication in relation to the depression?” “Did the depressive symptoms begin after taking it?” (Note: Depression can begin months or years after starting the medication as it can take that long for your copper levels to build up.)

So did you get that? The estrogen in the pill increases copper in your body, and high copper is one of the causes for depression.

Note that it can take years for your copper levels to get so high that it causes problems for you. No wonder it’s often hard to figure out the causes of depression, ah?!

Are you looking at what could be causing your depression differently now? I hope so.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the other 20 physical causes for depression check out my free report at www.breakingfreefromdepression.com/free-report. I know that there will be other things in it that will surprise you! And if you’re a male reading this (good on you for getting this far), there’s heaps in the report that will be of interest to you to.

Best regards

Dr Janelle Sinclair (PhD Biochemistry)

PS It might take more than just stopping your pill to stop your depression. I don’t have time right now to explain how to lower your copper levels, but there are natural supplements that can do it.