Many know that anemia is lack of normal red blood cells and these red blood cells contain hemoglobin which is what helps bind to oxygen and carry it to your cells. What you may not realize is that when you have anemia (which can be one of the following deficiencies or a combination iron, B-12, B-6 or folate deficiency) you are starving your brain of sufficient oxygen which can hamper dopamine production. Dopamine is a key player in emotional health. This could help explain why people with anemia experience such symptoms as loss of motivation and depression.