Fatigue And Exhaustion

Burnout

Burnout, anxiety, panic attacks, exhaustion, and overload syndrome

burnout

The Story

For many years, I was plagued by troubling symptoms - palpitations, sleep disturbances due to an elevated pulse and even panic attacks. Sometimes the symptoms hit me with such force that I ended up in hospital. I went to one doctor after the other, but it was a long time until I was diagnosed with overload syndrome (“burnout”), or overload depression. My condition got progressively worse, so that for a short period I even took anti-depressants, but I never really "wanted" to. The side effects bothered me, and I certainly didn't want to have to take these medicines in the long term, so I started looking for a natural alternative.

The Journey

My internist, Dr. Alexander Deimel, who examined my heart in detail, referred me to Dr. Doris Eller-Berndl. She had my stress hormones tested. The lab diagnostics showed a serotonin deficit and very low cortisone levels. For me, the most important thing was to get rid of the panic attacks. I was in constant fear that I would suffer another one. I was re-commended the products 5-Hy-droxytryptophan 100 with B vitamins and then later the combination product Griffonia 50 Serolution®. I also gave up my leadership position because I knew that nothing would change in my situation if I continued to expose myself to this enormous professional pressure.

The Success

Just 2-3 months after starting my micronutrient therapy, my panic attacks were a thing of the past. Considering how many years my anxiety affectet my life, I feel the success of the therapy came very quickly. I always found both 5-hydroxytryptophan 100 as well as Griffonia50 Serolution® very easy on my body, even at initially high doses, and furthermore, taking the amino acid 5-HTP for my states of panic was also completely comprehensible and logical, which was a very important point for me. To this day, Dr. Eller-Berndl regularly checks my stress hormones, and if the values are excessive I take Griffonia50 Serolution® - I feel great about it.

Lifestyle Changes

The most important recommendation for increasing your serotonin levels is exposure to daylight in the early and late morning. Sunlight releases a signal in the eyes that boosts serotonin production. Glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses can reduce this signal. Due to indoor work and lack of sunlight in winter, many people at our latitudes suffer from serotonin deficits. A serotonin deficiency additionally disturbs sleep as serotonin serves as a precursor of the sleep hormone melatonin. ​Sport and movement help to keep the head clear. It is best to take your exercise in nature, because trees give off natural substances that have a calming effect.

Health Management Plan

The Scientific Assessment

By Dr. Doris Eller-Berndl

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a key substance in the body’s serotonin production. By increasing 5-HTP intake, it is possible to improve serotonin deficits. 80% of serotonin synthesis takes place in the intestine. The production of the substance in the brain cannot, unfortunately, be measured directly, but only peripherally. Nevertheless, an improvement in peripheral scores often correlates with an improvement in mental well-being. If you are already taking antidepressants, however, you should not supplement with 5-HTP as this could lead to serotonin syndrome. The decision whether antidepressants are necessary or whether they are to be replaced by 5-HTP is for doctors to decide. Further control analyses can then determine whether the dose is appropriate, given the current seasonal length and intensity of daylight, and whether the patient’s problems can be favourably influenced together with other measures.

Recommended Action

  • Check-ups

    www.maisonsante.ae
  • Cortisol Measurement

    Measurement of the stress hormone cortisol in saliva

  • Serotonin Measurement

    Serotonin from frozen serum or stabilized 2nd morning urine

Micronutrients

  • B-Complex

    All vitamins of the B-complex

  • Amino Acid

    L-phenylalanine

  • Herbal Extract

    Griffonia extract

  • Phospholipids

    Phosphatidylcholine