How Does Mercury Affect Anxiety and Depression?

To comprehend how mercury might induce sadness and anxiety, we must first comprehend how mercury interacts in the body following the placement of amalgam fillings. Mercury is unique in that it can change state from liquid to solid to vapour. When amalgam fillings are inserted in the mouth, this is what happens. The fillings are put as a liquid, which solidifies afterwards. Friction from biting and tooth grinding, as well as consuming hot liquids, erodes the amalgam over time, releasing mercury as a vapour.

Mercury is absorbed by mucosal tissue in the mouth, lungs, and stomach once it is in vapour form. Mercury enters the circulation after being absorbed by mucosal tissue. Mercury enters the circulation and goes to important organs.

Mercury is especially hazardous because it is bioaccumulative, meaning it accumulates in the body quicker than it can be eliminated. This is why so many people have mercury poisoning symptoms long after amalgam removal. A 1989 research on sheep and monkeys explains how mercury is accumulated in numerous regions of the body, as mentioned in our earlier article on safe amalgam removal.

Mercury, like many other pollutants, causes an excess of free radicals and a depletion of antioxidants, resulting in oxidative stress. When there is an overabundance of free radicals compared to antioxidant capacity, uncontrolled oxidation ensues, destroying cell components and destabilising good cell function. "The brain, with its high oxygen consumption and lipid-rich composition, is especially sensitive to oxidative stress," according to this study.

Mercury also inhibits mitochondrial function, resulting in decreased energy and lethargy, aggravating mental health issues. Mercury also causes inflammation, which suppresses the central nervous system and contributes to sadness and anxiety.

If mercury poisoning is the source of sadness and anxiety, traditional therapy and drugs can merely alleviate the symptoms at best. This is due to the fact that treatments are unable to counteract the effects of oxidative stress on the brain, and traditional drugs are not intended to eliminate mercury from the body. Depression and anxiety are likely to linger as long as the body is still contaminated with mercury. Thus, it is preferable to take a holistic approach and inquire as to "why the person feels depressed and anxious." If they have or have had mercury amalgams, mercury poisoning is likely to be a factor in their sadness and anxiety