When Thea Bennett initially developed poor energy, cognitive fog, and mood swings, she thought it was only stress. She chose to check her vitamin levels, though, after months of feeling off-balance, and the findings startled her. “My vitamin D levels were seriously low,” Thea says. “I had no knowledge it could affect my mental health so greatly.”
Often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is absolutely vital for brain function as well as for bone health. Recent research has connected low levels of vitamin D to sadness, anxiety, even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). “Vitamin D helps control serotonin generation,” says holistic psychiatrist Dr. Olivia Meyers. “It’s one of the important neurotransmitter influencing mood and feeling.”
Under the direction of her doctor, Thea started adding vitamin D supplements and developed the habit of spending at least 15 to 20 minutes outside everyday in natural sunshine. “It changed the rules. I felt more invigorated and emotionally steady a few weeks later, she adds.
Studies validate Thea’s experience. According to a 2020 meta-analysis in the Journal of Affective Disorders, people with depression typically have much reduced vitamin D levels. Although it is not a magic bullet, supplements can play a significant role in a more comprehensive mental health regimen.
Interestingly, vitamin D shortage is very frequent, particularly in places with lengthy winters or little sun exposure. Dr. Meyers advises asking your doctor for a basic blood test to assess your levels. “Should you be low, a daily supplement could be advised.”
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For Thea, including vitamin D in her regimen was the starting point. “I came to see that mental health is about nutrition, sunlight, and how we treat our bodies as well as therapy or medicine.”
Though additional study is still required, the data thus far suggests a robust relationship between vitamin D and mental health. If you have been depressed or emotionally exhausted, you might want to think about a little additional sunlight—or at least a blood test.
