In addition to taking away our energy to carry out our usual activities, anaemia can also take away our desire to interact with people and make us more apathetic.
It is true that when we are sick, the symptoms affect our mood and how we relate to those around us. For this reason, with this article, we want to tell you how related anaemia and emotions are.
What is anaemia, and how does it occur?
The medical definition is: “a low concentration of haemoglobin in the blood”. That is, it is a lack of iron in our bodies. However, it is incorrect to say that anaemia is a disease; instead, it is a deficiency.
A blood test is required to access it. In addition, this test may show other changes in blood flow, such as fewer red blood cells or decreased hematocrit.
A lack of iron can cause iron deficiency anaemia, which can be caused by gastrointestinal pathologies or excessive blood loss.
Anaemia and lack of energy
That is one of the ways to realise our lack of iron in the blood. The reluctance goes beyond wanting to stay in bed one day. It is the feeling that we do not have enough strength to carry out daily tasks.
Other signs of anaemia perceptible to the naked eye are
- Paleness in the face
- Excessive hair loss
- The brittleness of the nails.
Some also rely on a technique to determine if red blood cells are low: look at the lower inner part of the eyes. If they are very white, it would mean that there is anaemia. Among the consequences of having anaemia, it is worth highlighting neurological disorders such as vision disorders, headaches, vertigo, insomnia and irregular menstruation.
Anaemia and emotions
Beyond the consequences for physical health, a crucial aspect is a relationship between anaemia and emotions. Discomfort can lead to feeling bad about ourselves and those around us. It can also lead to a lack of decision-making and insecurities.
Anaemic people suffer from what is called “great nonspecific fatigue .” It is called that because it cannot be attributed to any specific disease or situation.
In summary: discouragement and reluctance are two direct consequences of anaemia. This, without a doubt, affects all areas of life since not even they can determine the reason for that reaction.
It is clear, therefore, that anaemia and negative emotions go hand in hand.
Anaemia and work problems
Although sometimes it becomes difficult for us to fulfil our obligations, this is notably accentuated in the case of people with iron deficiency.
Some of the most typical symptoms in people with this condition are
- Irritability for things that did not matter before
- concentration difficulties,
- Communication problems.
How anaemia affects personal life,
This discomfort does not end when the workday ends. In many cases, it is at home where situations where we don’t feel like doing anything increase.
Cleaning, dinner, exercise, family gatherings, and college. Everything seems to work against us.
As relatives of a person experiencing these symptoms, we must, as a first step, urge them to undergo medical tests that can determine their condition.
In the meantime, we can help you start with small things that give you energy: a light walk in the park, some music, and a dessert.
In short: this deficiency not only directly affects our organic health. Anaemia and the negative emotions that it brings have a significant impact on our daily tasks. Therefore, do not forget to visit your doctor regularly to regain vitality. Do not wait more!
What is the relationship between anaemia and emotions?
- When we have anaemia, we don’t feel like doing anything.
- Fatigue, discouragement, and lack of motivation can make us easily overwhelmed.
- Emotions and feelings can influence the appearance of anaemia.
- Iron absorption needs a high level of gastric secretion.
According to a study, “Iron deficiency anaemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing the unipolar depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, developmental delay and mental retardation in children and adolescents“.
What else should we know about the relationship between anaemia and emotions?
Although anaemia can impair our performance and make it more difficult for us to cope with different day-to-day activities, it is possible to reverse it with the treatment prescribed by the doctor and good lifestyle habits.
As we progress with the treatment, we will see how little by little we begin to recover strength and that various day-to-day activities become lighter again.