World Mental Health Day!

World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10th to raise awareness about mental health issues around the globe and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, share knowledge, and advocate for mental health care as a global priority. This year the theme is “Mental health is a universal human right” emphasizing the importance of mental health for everyone and advocating for equitable access to mental health services, support, and treatment for all individuals, regardless of their background, location, or circumstances (1). 

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community” (2). This definition emphasizes that mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness, but a holistic concept that encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Factors such as stress, trauma, chronic illness, and socio-economic conditions can significantly affect mental health, making it essential to prioritize mental health care and support as part of overall health promotion. 

Access to mental health services in South Africa is a critical issue, reflecting broader challenges in the healthcare system, particularly for under-resourced populations. Although South Africa has policies in place to address mental health needs, the practical implementation of these services faces significant barriers. Resource shortages, such as a lack of trained mental health professionals and insufficient infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, severely limit service availability. Financial barriers further exacerbate the situation, with private care often being unaffordable and public services overstretched. The stigma surrounding mental illness, coupled with cultural perceptions, deters many from seeking help. The integration of mental health into primary healthcare shows promise but requires better training and resources for healthcare workers (3). 

There is a well-established connection between high blood glucose, diabetes, and mental health. Diabetes, particularly when poorly managed, can significantly affect mental well-being. High blood glucose levels, common in both Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D), can contribute to a range of psychological challenges, including mood swings, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Moreover, the stress of managing a chronic condition, adhering to medication regimens, and controlling blood sugar levels can lead to emotional strain and burnout, which are linked to anxiety and depression (4). A study on 36 patients with T1D using insulin pumps over a 48.8-hour period found that higher glucose levels had a negative impact on mood (5). Similarly, another study involving 23 women with T2D monitored blood sugar fluctuations over 72 hours, revealing that those with co-morbid depression experienced higher levels of anxiety and anger, along with a lower quality of life compared to women without depression (6). Greater glycemic variability was also associated with more negative moods and poorer quality of life. Both studies demonstrate a strong link between blood sugar levels and mental health, showing that elevated glucose and greater glycemic variability contribute to negative mood states and diminished well-being in individuals with diabetes (5,6). These findings emphasize the need for effective blood sugar management not only for physical health but also for supporting mental well-being.

Even in healthy individuals, a sharp rise in blood sugar can lead to mood swings and fatigue, while a drop in blood sugar can similarly cause fatigue and sudden irritability. These fluctuations in blood sugar levels directly affect mood and overall mental well-being, highlighting the importance of maintaining stable blood sugar levels. A low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) or ketogenic diet can help regulate blood sugar by reducing carbohydrate intake, which lowers the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream. With less glucose available, the body needs less insulin, improving insulin sensitivity. This dietary approach also shifts the body to using fat as a primary energy source, leading to more stable blood sugar levels and better control, particularly beneficial for individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes (7,8). A recent study found that an LCHF/Keto diet can significantly improve psychiatric symptoms and metabolic health in patients with serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (9). The study observed 21 adult participants who followed the diet for four months and most experienced substantial improvements in mental health. Notably, none of the participants met the criteria for metabolic syndrome after the intervention, suggesting that the ketogenic diet could serve as an effective complement to standard medications for managing both mental health and metabolic conditions (9). 

Given the growing body of evidence supporting the use of LCHF/Keto diets in the treatment of certain mental health disorders the potential for dietary interventions to complement traditional therapies has become increasingly recognized. In light of these findings, the Nutrition Network has developed a professional training program, “Resilience Mental Health and Stress Management” specifically designed for individuals working in high-stress professions (10). This course integrates nutritional approaches, such as LCHF strategies, with mental health support techniques to build resilience and improve well-being. By offering practical tools to manage stress, it empowers professionals to enhance their mental and physical health, while also improving their capacity to care for others.

 

 

About the Author: Eline Bezemer

We’re excited to introduce Eline Bezemer, our newest intern from The Netherlands! Eline is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, and she brings with her a deep passion for health and nutrition. During her time at The Noakes Foundation, she’ll be involved in various research projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field of nutrition science.

Eline’s enthusiasm for promoting healthier lifestyles is contagious, and we’re thrilled to have her on board. Aside from her work, she’s eager to explore the vibrant city of Cape Town, and we’re looking forward to helping her discover all that it has to offer.

We’re confident that Eline will make a meaningful impact during her time with us, and we can’t wait to see all the great things she’ll achieve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

  1. World Health Organization. World Mental Health Day. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day
  2. World Health Organization. Mental health: Strengthening our response. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
  3. Craig, A., Rochat, T., Naicker, S. N., Mapanga, W., Mtintsilana, A., Dlamini, S. N., Du Toit, J., Draper, C. E., & Norris, S. A. (2022). The prevalence of probable depression and probable anxiety, and associations with adverse childhood experiences and socio-demographics: A national survey in South Africa. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 986531. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.986531
  4. Anderson, R. J., Freedland, K. E., Clouse, R. E., & Lustman, P. J. (2001). The prevalence of comorbid depression in adults with diabetes: A meta-analysis. Diabetes Care, 24(6), 1069-1078. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.24.6.1069
  5. Hermanns, N., Scheff, C., Kulzer, B., Kubiak, T., & Haak, T. (2007). Association of glucose levels and glycemic variability with mood in Type 1 diabetes patients using insulin pumps. Diabetes Care, 30(4), 796-800. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc06-2359
  6. Penckofer, S., Quinn, L., Byrn, M., Ferrans, C. E., Miller, M., & Strange, P. (2012). Does glycemic variability impact mood and quality of life?. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, 14(4), 303-310. https://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2011.0169
  7. Dietch, D. M., Kerr-Gaffney, J., Hockey, M., et al. (2023). Efficacy of low carbohydrate and ketogenic diets in treating mood and anxiety disorders: systematic review and implications for clinical practice. BJPsych Open, 9(3), e70. Published 2023 Apr 17. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2023.36
  8. Burrows, T., Teasdale, S., Rocks, T., Whatnall, M., Schindlmayr, J., Plain, J., Latimer, G., Roberton, M., Harris, D., & Forsyth, A. (2022). Effectiveness of dietary interventions in mental health treatment: A rapid review of reviews. Nutrition & Dietetics: The Journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia, 79(3), 279–290. https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12754
  9. Sethi, S., Wakeham, D., Ketter, T., Hooshmand, F., Bjornstad, J., Richards, B., Westman, E., Krauss, R. M., & Saslow, L. (2024). Ketogenic Diet Intervention on Metabolic and Psychiatric Health in Bipolar and Schizophrenia: A Pilot Trial. Psychiatry Research, 335, 115866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115866
  10. Nutrition Network. Resilience Mental Health and Stress Management. Retrieved from https://nutrition-network.org/online-training/resilience-mental-health-and-stress-management/
  11. South African Depression and Anxiety group
    https://www.sadag.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1897&Itemid=101
  12. October health
    https://october.health/product
  13. Anxiety Canada, mindshift app https://www.anxietycanada.com/resources/mindshift-cbt/

 

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