Veganism and Mental Health: What Nobody Tells You (But You Should Know)

Can veganism affect your mental health? Discover how a plant-based diet impacts your wellbeing.

Changing your lifestyle is not a decision to be taken lightly. I know this because when we decided to change our lifestyle and become vegan, we did so out of conviction, but also with many questions.

It is very common to read about the physical benefits of a plant-based diet, but very few address what happens to mental health. Today at Shlen we tell you everything we learned, researched and experienced on this topic.

Is there really a link between veganism and mental health?

Science is still studying the direct relationship between vegan diet and mental health. Some studies show that vegans may have lower levels of anxiety or stress thanks to a diet richer in antioxidants and fibre. However, there are also reports pointing to possible nutritional deficiencies that could affect mood.

That’s why it’s so important to be well informed before making the change.

Is a 100% vegan diet sufficient to maintain mental wellbeing?

That was precisely one of the first questions we asked ourselves: “Is a 100% vegan diet sufficient, or do we need other supplements to keep our minds healthy?”.

The answer is: it depends. There are nutrients that, although they are found in plant-based foods, are not always well absorbed or are not found in sufficient quantities. For example:

• Vitamin B12: essential for the nervous system and mood. It can only be obtained through supplements or fortified foods.
• Omega-3 (EPA and DHA): important for the brain. It can be obtained from algae.
• Iron, zinc and vitamin D: also key to emotional balance.

Smart supplementation: what you shouldn’t miss out on

A common mistake is to think that eating fruit and vegetables is enough. But you need to go further. Adequate supplementation is vital for maintaining not only physical health, but also emotional well-being.

• Daily or weekly B12 (depending on the format)
• Omega-3 from algae
• Vitamin D in cold months or when there is little sun exposure

Emotional connection, ethics and mindset

Emotions matter too. Many people who adopt a vegan lifestyle report feeling more at peace, more consistent with their values and more emotionally stable. Mindful eating and empathy towards other living beings has a positive effect on our minds, giving us a sense of purpose.

Can veganism cause depression?

This is a common question, and the most honest answer is: no, if you do it right.

Most cases in which someone begins to feel down after becoming vegan have more to do with a poorly planned diet. A lack of iron, B12, or essential fatty acids can lead to fatigue, irritability, or even symptoms of depression.

Veganism and mental health can go hand in hand

We firmly believe that adopting veganism can be a transformative experience, but like any change, it requires responsibility. Mental health and nutrition are deeply connected, and it’s not just about what you eat, but how you eat, how much you know, and what you’re leaving out.

At Shlen, we are committed to a lifestyle where physical and mental well-being go hand in hand with conscious plant-based nutrition.