May
9
4 Reasons for Depression and Tinnitus
If you have chronic tinnitus, then you probably also struggle with depression. Health experts have noted strong correlations between severe depression and tinnitus that lasts for months, even years. Read more for some explanations for depression with tinnitus, and what you can do about it.
You need more B vitamins.
Tinnitus and depression are both common symptoms of a vitamin B deficiency.
Your body requires nutrients like vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and other B vitamins to protect the nerve cells from damage, enhance communication between the brain and the nervous system, produce hemoglobin needed for oxygen, and to keep making healthy DNA.
Side effects of vitamin B deficiency include depression and tinnitus, in addition to tiredness, anxiety, memory loss, muscle spasms, and painful numbness in the arms and legs.
Also read: 4 Healthy Vitamins for Tinnitus- Food Sources!
You’re taking too many medications.
Depression and tinnitus may result from medication overuse, or as a drug interaction. Also, antidepressants that treat depression can, over time, have a toxic effect on your ears that causes tinnitus.
If you take medications for headaches, anxiety, hypertension, or epilepsy, then ask your doctor about possible harmful side effects, and ways to prevent them from happening.
Read more about Toxic Medications that Cause Tinnitus: Ototoxicity
You’re going through a change.
Situational factors such as going through a divorce, losing a job, or suffering a chronic illness can often lead to depression.
So if you just discovered you have tinnitus, or have been trying to cope with constant ear ringing for many years, you may experience periods of frustration, anger, and despair that cause severe depression.
In fact, studies show that tinnitus sufferers are a significantly high risk category for suicide, compared to the general population.
Coping with tinnitus requires a mourning process. While it’s healthy to grieve for the quiet you used to have, persistent feelings of sadness and fatigue that last for months or years is a sign of clinical depression.
To ease depression and tinnitus at the same time, visit a social worker for counseling, practice relaxation techniques and acceptance, and include exercise and stretching into your daily routine.
Also, it helps to take vitamins, minerals and herbs that support the nervous system, sustain healthy blood circulation, and promote an overall sense of wellbeing.
You’re stressed.
Stress is one of the largest triggers of many health problems, and depression and tinnitus are no exceptions. You may notice that tinnitus symptoms get louder when you’re feeling stressed, suffering a headache, or overwhelmed with fatigue.
Likewise, stress often magnifies feelings of sadness and despair in people already struggling with depression and tinnitus.
Indeed, many health problems involving depression, tinnitus, headaches, back pain, anxiety, eating disorders, and chronic fatigue would be reduced significantly with proper stress management.
Also read:
Understanding Tinnitus- What does it All Mean?
Sources:
Psychiatric Disorders in Tinnitus Patients without Severe Hearing Impairment
Facts about Depression that Everyone Should Know
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