Case study: Mental health
Client: 34-year-old female
Initial presentation: A 34-year-old female came in for support with managing her mood and emotional well-being. She reported experiencing significant emotional fluctuations over the past several months, with periods of feeling down, irritable, and overwhelmed, followed by moments of anxiety and restlessness. She was seeking a more holistic, natural approach to address these mood disturbances and regain her emotional balance.
The client described feeling emotionally drained, with low moods in the mornings that often worsened throughout the day. She was easily irritated by minor stresses, which led to conflict in her personal relationships and work. The client also experienced moments of anxiety. These emotional swings were interfering with her ability to focus and engage in daily activities, and she was increasingly wanting to withdraw from social situations. Sleep disturbances were a recurring issue, as she would often lie awake at night feeling restless or caught up in emotional thoughts.
In addition to her emotional symptoms, the client reported physical manifestations of stress, such as muscle tension, headaches, and digestive issues (bloating and irregular bowel movements). She was not currently on any medication and had no significant medical history other than occasional seasonal allergies. She had been referred to see a mental health professional to discuss her emotional state. The clients stress came from high levels of pressure and workload at her job as well conflicting work relationships.
Naturopathic assessment: 34-year-old female presenting with mood instability, irritability, anxiety, and poor sleep quality. Likely caused by chronic stress, HPA-axis dysregulation, poor sleep hygiene, dietary imbalances, and potential nutrient deficiencies affecting emotional regulation.
Key factors considered:
Mood instability: The client’s fluctuating moods were the primary concern. Emotional instability can result from prolonged stress, poor sleep, and nutrient deficiencies, all of which can impact neurotransmitter levels and the body’s ability to regulate emotions effectively.
Stress and anxiety: The client’s emotional challenges were aggravated by stress at work and personal pressures. The constant “high alert” feeling she experienced made it difficult for her to manage her emotions, leading to irritability and anxiety.
Sleep quality: Her poor sleep was both a cause and effect of her emotional difficulties. Lack of sleep can exacerbate mood disturbances, leading to more irritability, anxiety, and low moods.
Nutritional support: The client’s nutritional habits were inconsistent, and her diet lacked key nutrients necessary for mood stabilisation, such as magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins. These deficiencies could be contributing to her emotional instability.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): 100 mL
St. John’s Wort is a well-known herb for mood stabilisation. It supports emotional balance by increasing serotonin levels, making it effective for managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritability.
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum): 80 mL
Holy Basil is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to stress. It promotes emotional clarity and resilience by balancing cortisol levels and calming the nervous system.
Kava (Piper methysticum) 80mL
Kava contains kavalactones, which are believed to modulate GABA activity in the brain, leading to reduced anxiety and a calming effect. Due to this action Kava improves sleep quality by decreasing sleep latency and promoting deeper, more restful sleep.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): 60 mL
Skullcap is a calming herb, often used for its mild sedative effects. It helps reduce anxiety and tension and promotes restful sleep, supporting emotional balance during periods of high stress.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): 80 mL
Lemon balm provides a calming effect, reducing feelings of anxiety and restlessness. It also aids in improving sleep and digestion, which is important for managing emotional and physical stress.
Total: 400 mL
Dosage: 5mL 3x daily
Mood and emotional management: The client was encouraged to implement daily emotional regulation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises, to help her manage her emotions and stay grounded. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or journaling were also suggested as tools for processing and managing negative thoughts that may contribute to her mood swings.
Sleep hygiene: To support better sleep, the was advised to establish a consistent bedtime routine. She was also encouraged to sleep and wake up at the same times each day to regulate her circadian rhythm and create a calming environment for sleep (eg aromatherapy, dim lighting and calming music).
Nutritional support: The client was guided to eat regular meals through the day around the same time each day. She was also recommended to eat more protein rich foods to increase essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. It was suggested that she also increase magnesium-rich foods, such as almonds, spinach, and dark chocolate, as magnesium plays a role in mood stabilisation.
Physical activity: Regular physical activity was recommended to help alleviate stress and improve mood. Exercise, such as yoga or walking, can stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood boosters.
Follow-up: Four weeks later, the client returned for a follow-up consultation. She reported feeling much more emotionally stable, with fewer mood swings and a greater sense of emotional resilience. Her anxiety had reduced, and she was able to manage stress more effectively at work. The client mentioned that she had been following the herbal regimen and incorporating stress management techniques into her routine. Her sleep quality had improved, and she was experiencing fewer digestive issues. The client also stated she had started therapy 3 weeks prior to this appointment.
Adjusted treatment: The client was advised to continue her herbal formula and prescribed magnesium glycinate for added stress support.