by Feeling Great | Cognitive Health, Gut Health
The Antidepressant Dilemma: Mood & Gut Connection – What Are Your Options?
Feeling Stuck? Let’s Explore Your Choices with Mood & Gut
Struggling with low mood, anxiety, or brain fog? Feeling like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster? Maybe you’ve visited your doctor and now have a prescription for antidepressants in hand. But is that your only option?
After 20 years dispensing antidepressants, I saw firsthand that while they may help in the short term, they often don’t provide lasting happiness. That’s why I stepped away from the counter and now offer natural, long-term solutions to support mental well-being from the root cause.
Your Mood & Gut: The Connection You Need to Know
Before making a decision, consider this—your gut health directly affects your mood. Ever had a “gut feeling” or butterflies in your stomach? That’s because your gut and brain are constantly communicating.
Here’s something groundbreaking: 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut—only 10% comes from the brain! Yet many antidepressants work by recycling serotonin in the brain, rather than supporting the gut where most of it is made.
It makes sense to optimize gut health first, rather than applying a quick fix that doesn’t address the root issue.
6 Natural Ways to Support Mood & Gut Health
1. Cut Down on Sugar & Processed Carbs
- Swap biscuits for an orange, or cake for veggie sticks and hummus. Studies show high sugar intake can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and mood disorders.
2. Eat More Fiber-Rich Foods
- Load up on vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole foods. A good rule of thumb? One handful of protein, three handfuls of veggies per meal.
3. Increase Healthy Fats
Your brain thrives on good fats like:
- Avocados, eggs, nuts, seeds, and coconut oil
- Omega-3-rich foods like salmon and flaxseeds
- Avoid fried foods and hydrogenated oils found in packaged snacks.
4. Move Your Body Daily
Exercise boosts brain health and energy. Try:
- 20 minutes of aerobic activity (walking, jogging, dancing)
- Keep your heart rate at 180 minus your age for optimal benefits.
5. Practice Gratitude & Stress Management
High stress damages gut bacteria and increases inflammation. Daily habits like:
- Gratitude journaling
- Meditation or deep breathing
- Forgiveness and compassion
can make a big difference in balancing emotions.
6. Minimize Gut Disruptors
Certain medications and lifestyle habits harm gut health. Reduce or avoid:
- Acid-reducing meds (Nexium, Losec, Ranitidine)
- Antibiotics unless necessary
- Processed foods and trans fats
Need Support? Let’s Create a Plan Together
If you’re looking for natural, sustainable solutions to support your mood, energy, and gut health, I can help! Book a consultation at my naturopathic clinic in Corowa or schedule an online video call.
I’ve helped thousands of clients regain their well-being, and they’ve never felt better. Supporting your body naturally beats a temporary fix every time!
Read about 4 Antidotes when Feeling Stuck, Overwhelmed, and Depress? or you can also read the Mental Health Holistic Approach and if you find this is helpful, we love to hear your thoughts!
Book now for your personalized health plan.
Wishing you a healthy, happy day!
Julie xx (Naturopath, Life Coach, Pharmacist)
PS: Did you know you absorb the microbiome of those around you just by breathing? The human body is truly fascinating!
by Feeling Great | Mind
4 Antidotes to Feeling Stuck, Overwhelmed & Depressed
Feeling Stuck? You’re Not Alone
Feeling Stuck like Emma when she sat across from me, shoulders slumped, face pale, and eyes filled with sadness. She had just turned 50 and was taking stock of her life—a process that left her feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and deeply depressed.
“I’m on my third antidepressant, and I’m not getting any better. In fact, I feel worse,” she admitted.
I’d heard this story many times. As a pharmacist, I had dispensed countless boxes of antidepressants, yet very few people experienced a miraculous shift in happiness.
Emma’s life felt like a series of never-ending struggles—her marriage was barely holding on, her energy was at an all-time low, and she had left work due to a lingering shoulder injury. On top of that, she was constantly caring for aging parents and navigating the challenges of raising two teenage boys. She was running on empty, stuck in survival mode.
She needed real solutions, not just another prescription.
Why Antidepressants Alone May Not Be the Answer
Antidepressants can be a short-term reset button for some, but they don’t work for everyone. Many women find that while medication numbs the pain, it also increases anxiety, lowers libido, and triggers emotional eating.
The truth? Long-term healing requires more than just a pill.
Your mental, physical, and emotional health are all connected. Low energy, hormonal imbalances, poor diet, unresolved trauma, and toxic relationships can all contribute to depression.
Emma was done with the medication merry-go-round and ready to make real changes. After a thorough assessment—bloodwork, hormone testing, lifestyle coaching, and habit tracking—we built a plan that worked for her.
Within two visits, she had more energy, renewed confidence, and a clear vision for her future.
If you’re feeling stuck like Emma, here are four powerful antidotes to get you moving forward again.
4 Powerful Antidotes when Feeling Stuck
1. Energy – Your Foundation for Change
Energy isn’t just about how you feel mentally—it’s about how your cells function. It fuels your brainpower, mood, and ability to take action.
When energy levels are low, everything feels harder. You retreat, avoid challenges, and struggle to stay motivated.
Boost Your Energy Today:
- Prioritize deep, restorative sleep
- Eat nutrient-dense, whole foods
- Move your body daily, even for 20 minutes
- Reduce stress by setting boundaries & saying no
When your body has energy, you’ll naturally feel more motivated, resilient, and ready to take on life.
2. Clarity – Get Clear on Your Future
One of the biggest causes of feeling stuck is lack of direction. If you don’t know where you’re going, it’s easy to feel lost.
Ask Yourself:
- What does my ideal life look like one year from now?
- Am I reacting to life’s chaos or creating a future I love?
- What small steps can I take right now to move forward?
Clarity comes from action, not just thinking. Even if you get off track, you’ll learn along the way. The key is to start moving.
3. Self-Love – Build a Strong Inner Foundation
What’s happening inside you reflects what’s happening outside you.
If you feel unworthy, unlovable, or not enough, it’s time for inner work.
How to Start Practicing Self-Love:
- Identify what makes you unique & valuable
- Speak to yourself with kindness & compassion
- Stop seeking external validation—love yourself first
When you build a strong foundation of self-worth, your confidence and happiness naturally grow.
4. Manage Your Emotional State
Your emotional state affects every decision you make. When you’re in a bad state, you’ll make poor choices.
Simple Ways to Reset Your Mood:
- Listen to uplifting music or inspiring podcasts
- Move your body—dance, walk, or stretch
- Spend time in nature & breathe fresh air
- Surround yourself with supportive people
Before making big decisions, check your emotional state. Choose to act from a place of clarity, not exhaustion.
Final Thoughts – Small Changes, Big Results
The hardest part of change isn’t knowing what to do—it’s doing it consistently.
Emma’s transformation didn’t happen overnight. But with the right tools, she broke free from feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and depressed.
If you’re having an Emma moment, I’m here to help. Book an appointment today, and let’s create a plan for you.
“We’re all walking each other home.” – Ram Dass ✨
Much love,
Julie XX
