On Being Grouchy
Grouchiness or irritability as it may be called, is often expected of elderly people. They apparently become self-centered and object to any changes in routine or their lives. The antics of younger more active people (especially children) just rub them the wrong way.
But there are a lot of people who are younger than “old age” who experiences stages of grouchiness. And some of them worry about such a disagreeable attitude following them into old age, becoming more intense. Lots of people don’t want to grow old to become their father or mother.
Irritability is classified as a symptom of many diseases and psychiatric conditions, from depression to meningitis. Maybe your body clock is out of wack? Some just figure it is a natural experience of getting older.
Psychiatrists want you to believe it’s all in your mind. Then they give you drugs, which have such awful side effects that the cure becomes worse than the disease. Psychiatrists and drug companies benefit though - they make a lot of money.
Other cures for grouchiness might do a bit of good if you can do them. Keep your mind on the positive. Think good thoughts. Get lots of exercise. Reconnect with your divine essence. Get more sleep. There are many more remedies.
However, there are actual physical situations that can result in a “grouchy old man” (or woman). A dwindling supply of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which gets less as a person gets older, can be a cause. The level of serotonin in the brain controls mood.
Serotonin is a chemical and a lack of it can make one feel depressed. It is naturally produced by the body, but since production decreases as one ages, it needs to be replenished. St. John’s wort, SAMe and 5-HIP are natural supplements which can increase the body’s production of serotonin. As a bonus, since serotonin relates to perception of pain, pain will decrease as serotonin increases.
There are other things that happen to a body as it ages, which can cause grouchiness. A lot of people have food allergies that do not begin until they are middle aged or past, and these allergies cause grouchiness and other negative symptoms. A doctor trained in alternative medicine would be able to determine if you have such allergies. Refined foods and foods high in saturated fats can bring on a gloomy mood even if you aren’t allergic. And contrarily slow burning carbohydrates will alleviate it, ad well as alleviate pain and increase energy.
A doctor trained in natural medicine can determine allergies and also test for serotonin levels and prescribe a natural remedy. Get help, not side effects. You can be the cheerful person you were when you were 23.
