Why Getting Your Labs Checked Matters for Mental Health
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When people think about mental health treatment, they often focus on therapy and medication—and both are incredibly important. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked: lab work.
At Open Mind Wellness, we take a whole-person approach to mental health care. That means understanding not just how you’re feeling emotionally, but what’s happening in your body, too.
The Mind–Body Connection Is Real
Your brain doesn’t operate in isolation. Hormones, vitamins, minerals, inflammation, and overall physical health all influence mood, anxiety, energy, focus, and sleep.
When labs are abnormal, mental health symptoms can worsen—or even mimic psychiatric conditions.
Common examples include:
Low iron contributing to fatigue, brain fog, or restless legs
Vitamin D deficiency linked to low mood and seasonal depression
Thyroid imbalances causing anxiety, depression, irritability, or sleep problems
Vitamin B12 deficiency affecting memory, focus, and mood
Without lab testing, these contributors can easily be missed.
Why Labs Matter Even If You’re on Medication
Psychiatric medications can be life-changing, but they work best when your body is supported.
Lab work helps us:
Understand why symptoms aren’t fully improving
Distinguish medication side effects from medical causes
Avoid unnecessary medication changes
Create safer, more personalized treatment plans
Identify concerns early—before symptoms escalate
Sometimes the next best step isn’t a medication adjustment—it’s correcting an imbalance.
Personalized Mental Health Care Starts with Data
Mental health treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Two people with the same diagnosis can have very different biological contributors to their symptoms.
Checking labs allows for:
More precise psychiatric medication management
Integration of nutrition and lifestyle interventions
Evidence-based decision-making rather than trial and error
This approach often leads to better outcomes and greater confidence in treatment.
Common Labs We May Recommend
Based on symptoms and history, lab work may include:
Thyroid panel
Vitamin D
Iron studies
Vitamin B12
Metabolic or inflammatory markers
Not everyone needs the same labs. Recommendations are always individualized.
A Whole-Person Approach at Open Mind Wellness
At Open Mind Wellness, we believe effective mental health care looks at the full picture—mind and body. Lab testing is one of the tools we use, alongside medication management, therapy, lifestyle guidance, and education, to support long-term wellness.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, exhausted, or “off,” lab work may provide important insight.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re interested in psychiatric care that considers your whole health, you can schedule an appointment here:
