Low Serotonin

A couple of years before I started University, I lived a completely different life. I ate cheap food of questionable nutritional value. I had poor mental habits and exercised little to nothing. I felt anxious in social situations. Today I can recognize the symptoms of a dysfunctional serotonin system, something I could not back then.

Low Serotonin Causes

We have more material things than ever before, but happiness seems to slip through our fingers. In our relentless pursuit of happiness we do the things that destroy it.

We wreck our health, both mentally and physically. The results are low levels of the chemicals that put smiles on our faces.

The number of americans on SSRI antidepressants nearly doubled between 1999 to 2012, from 7% to 13%. SSRI’s are a special class of drugs that block reuptake of serotonin. This leads to increased concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft.

Related reading: How Your Spiritual Awakening Is Helped by This Chemical in Your Brain

Low Serotonin Symptoms:

Low serotonin can lead to feelings of [1,2]:

• Sadness

• Anxiety

• Pessimism

• Irritability

• Guilt

• Worthlessness

• Helplessness

Feeling negative thoughts is a part of the human experience and is not to be avoided at all costs. They are what makes the good experiences of life stand out – the black background to the colorful paintings of life. You are worthy of a fantastic life. You are worthy of a life where these bad feelings are natural reactions and only sporadic. None of these feelings should be chronic.

Other Symptoms of Low Serotonin:

Low serotonin levels can also lead to [3,4,5]:

• Feeling empty

• Low interest in hobbies and activities

• Low energy levels

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions

• Sleep problems

• Unexplained changes in weight and appetite

• Physical aches and pains

• Thoughts of suicide

• Impulsive aggression

• Difficulty regulating emotions

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Gut inflammation

Increase Serotonin

If you have some or many of these symptoms, you’re not alone. There is also some light at the end of the tunnel. If low serotonin is the cause of your symptoms of depression, you have an angle of attack. If you increase your serotonin level, many or most of these symptoms will be reduced or even disappear. This can be done naturally in addition to, or without, medical drugs.

Read about how to increase your serotonin levels: 14 Simple Ways to Increase Your Serotonin Naturally

About Vegard:

Vegard Gjerde is one of the two founders of Global Harmony Crew.

Subscribe to Global Harmony Crew to learn more about brain chemistry and ecstatic states. When you subscribe you get their 20$ inner peace course for free.

Learn more about brain chemistry from their Udemy course.

References:
[1] Young, S. N. “How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs”. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 2007.
[2] Sathyanarayana Rao, T. S., et al “Understanding nutrition, depression and mental illnesses“. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2008.
[3] Kling, A., et al. “Decreased density of serotonin 5?HT2A receptors in rheumatoid arthritis”. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2006.
[4]Spiller, R. “Serotonin, inflammation, and IBS: fitting the jigsaw together?”. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 2007.
[5] Seo, D., Patrick, C. J. “Role of Serotonin and Dopamine System Interactions in the Neurobiology of Impulsive Aggression and its Comorbidity with other Clinical Disorders”. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 2009.