Did you know that depression is one of the symptoms of gluten intolerance? When I learned that in 2008 and changed my diet, everything changed. I had never felt depressed, such as overwhelmingly sad, or lacking motivation, but simply tired and out of sorts, besides stomach symptoms. And now that I think back, as well as check in with myself regularly, it’s all been about one thing: Getting my needs met.

Nobody can be on top all the time, but we can find a pretty awesome middle ground that is rested and peaceful, from where it’s easy to elevate our mood, or to return to, after someone or something has made us upset.

Our body speaks louder than our mind. Everything can be related to how we feel in our body. Getting a headache, might make us feel irritable. Imagine how weird to seek psychiatric medicines for that, which might even produce more headache as a side-effect, instead of taking a glass water, a regular painkiller, and rest for a while. So, whenever you feel the need for a mental health day, use the Hierarchy of Needs by Maslow with scrutiny for yourself:

Are you eating, and drinking water, properly?

Are you sleeping enough in a safe place you can call home?

Do you feel supported and a sense of belonging to a group of people?

Are you able to work ( or study) to enrich yourself intellectually as well as make a living?

Can you express yourself freely and feel pulled towards being your best self?

Often, it seems like many in society use their energy to fight off “low” feelings, instead of seeking fulfilment. Don’t wallow in sadness, but seek gladness, after you have given yourself time to let the emotion roll through you, and showed yourself compassion. For us to have balance, it’s natural to have experienced both sides of the spectrum. In fact, it makes for a fuller life-experience. The deeper you’ve been, the longer the runway you have, to take off from. And the more pro-active you are, the more empowered and in control you’ll feel. Add thereto faith, and you have something to guide you.