It wasn’t until later that I discovered the root cause of my distress, I came to understand that my depressive state stemmed from various life events that had transpired in my life.
I also came to the realisation that my brain simply needed to process these events for me to recover naturally, and I was able to find the assistance that I required by finding natural alternatives, talking to friends and family, exercising, and articles I found on the internet.
So years later I was ruminating over the idea of a “chemical imbalance,” and it hit me like a ton of bricks.
Despite being informed of their own supposed chemical imbalances, I could still assist my clients in attaining joy and living gratifying lives.
This realisation piqued my curiosity, and I started questioning how I overcame my very own supposed chemical imbalance, as well as my clients.
It was a thought-provoking experience that sparked my investigation into depression and chemical imbalances- quite intriguing, I must say, and so my investigation began!
Did you know that depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, as per the World Health Organization?
However, despite the availability of various antidepressant treatments, a staggering 30 to 60 percent of patients remain unresponsive to them, as revealed by Krishnan & Nestler (2008). Shockingly enough, this means that a significant 40 to 70 percent of patients do not find relief through the existing treatments.
WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?
Did you know that experiences of abuse, whether physical, sexual, or emotional, could increase your chances of developing depression later in life?
Similarly, as we age, we become more susceptible to depression, with elderly individuals being at a higher risk. This risk can be compounded by various factors such as living alone and lacking social support.
Surprisingly, some medications we take, including isotretinoin (prescribed for acne), antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids, may also increase the likelihood of experiencing depression.
Depression may run in families due to genes However, it’s not as simple as a single gene causing the disorder. Instead, research suggests that there are likely multiple genes involved, each with a small impact on depression risk.
Additionally, personal problems like social isolation or being ostracised from a social group can also cause depression.
Did you know that depression can often accompany serious illnesses? That’s right! It can either occur alongside a major illness or be triggered by another medical condition.
Almost 30% of individuals with substance misuse issues also experience major or clinical depression. It’s a fact! While drugs or alcohol may temporarily relieve, they can worsen depression.
It’s essential to seek help and adopt healthy coping mechanisms to overcome these challenges. which contributes to the development of clinical depression.
So, while genes play a role, other factors can also influence our mental health.
Did you know that your mood, perceptions, and overall experience of life are regulated by millions, even billions, of chemical reactions that occur both inside and outside your nerve cells? It’s not just a simple matter of one chemical being too low and another too high. Rather, a multitude of chemicals is at play, creating a dynamic system that is nothing short of fascinating!
It’s also interesting to observe how even though two individuals may display similar indications of depression, the underlying cause and the most effective treatment may vary considerably due to the complexity of the situation.
NOT A SEROTONIN IMBALANCE
A new study is shaking up the medical world’s long-standing beliefs about depression!
The neurotransmitter serotonin, which is known to regulate mood, sleep, and digestion, among other things, has been thought to be the prime factor behind depression for years now, but according to researchers from University College London, who conducted a massive umbrella review of countless meta-studies and systematic analyses, the previous notion that depression stems from a serotonin imbalance in the brain may not be entirely accurate.
With tens of thousands of participants included in their study, these findings are sure to turn some heads! You can read more here ..
Jonathan Leo, Ph.D., a professor of anatomy at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee, believes that the widely accepted “chemical imbalance” theory of depression is nothing more than a metaphor and lacks scientific evidence.
Leo’s analysis is thought-provoking and highlights the importance of understanding the facts about one’s mental health condition Leo says. “Depression is very complicated and to simplify it and just say it was due to a low amount of serotonin is not doing it justice,”
Did you know that the idea of a “chemical imbalance” in the brain isn’t as straightforward as we once thought?
While some believe that antidepressants should work for everyone to balance out brain chemistry, studies have shown that only about a third of patients see significant improvement with SSRIs. And get this: even those who don’t have depression see a rise in serotonin levels when taking the medication.
By focusing solely on this “chemical imbalance” theory, we might be ignoring other effective treatment options like therapy and lifestyle changes that can be game-changers for many individuals.
A study published in the journal Molecular “It is always difficult to prove a negative, but I think we can safely say that after a vast amount of research conducted over several decades, there is no convincing evidence that depression is caused by serotonin abnormalities, particularly by lower levels or reduced activity of serotonin,” Professor Joanna Moncrieff, the study’s lead author, said in a statement You could read more here…. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-022-01661-0
INTO THE BRAIN
Have you heard about the latest findings presented by Jonathan Repple and his team at a recent conference? They conducted brain scans of volunteers experiencing acute depression and compared them with a non-depressed control group. The results were fascinating!
There were noticeable structural differences between the two groups, such as a reduced number of connections within the “white matter” of the nerve fibres in the brains of those with depression. Interestingly, there isn’t a specific white-matter threshold that can determine poor mental health.
According to Repple, a diagnosis of depression cannot be made merely by scanning an individual’s brain
Following a six-week treatment period for the depressed group, Repple’s team conducted another set of brain scans that yielded fascinating results.
As the patient’s symptoms continued to improve, the research team discovered that there was a significant increase in the overall neural connectivity within their brains. It was interesting to learn that the type of treatment received didn’t seem to impact this increase – as long as the patient’s mood was lifted, the neural connectivity appeared to have improved,
It’s intriguing to consider the reason behind the change, which could be attributed to the incredible concept of neuroplasticity. According to Repple, “The brain is capable of forging new connections and rewiring itself through neuroplasticity.”
Could it be that depression arises when the brain loses or lacks sufficient interconnections? If so, leveraging the power of neuroplasticity to boost connectedness might offer a solution to uplift one’s spirits.
Repple put forth a cautionary statement, suggesting that there could be another explanation for the effects his team observed. In his view, inflammation may have impaired the brain connections of depressed patients.
Chronic inflammation, which prevents the body from healing itself, can gradually degrade synaptic connections in neural tissue. This, in turn, is believed to play a role in the development of mood disorders.
BRAIN INFLAMMATION
Inflammation is a natural response from our immune system to protect us from harmful pathogens, injuries, and toxins. Pretty cool, right?
However, if that inflammation becomes chronic due to stress, an unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet, or autoimmune diseases, it can do some serious damage to our cells and organs, putting us at risk for a host of health problems.
Did you know that chronic inflammation can have a negative impact on our mental and physical health?
Studies have found a strong correlation between inflammation and depression, suggesting that prolonged inflammation can lead to serious illnesses.
Recent research has even shown that individuals suffering from depression tend to have higher levels of inflammatory markers compared to those who are not depressed (Happakoski et al., 2015). These findings are worth exploring further!
It’s fascinating because research shows that people who have experienced a major depressive episode have higher levels of translocator proteins. These proteins are associated with brain inflammation, and studies have also found that the levels are significantly higher in individuals who have had the untreated major depressive disorder for 10 or more years.
But, here’s the real kicker – uncontrolled brain inflammation can have some serious consequences. Not only can it cause thinking problems, but it also has the potential to hurt or kill brain cells, prevent new brain cells from growing, and even speed up brain ageing! So, it’s essential to take care of both our physical and mental health to prevent such complications.
No one should take anti-inflammatories without consulting their healthcare provider first. Experts in the medical field suggest seeking advice before taking any medication.
Not only that but did you know that your doctor can conduct a C-reactive protein blood test to gauge your level of inflammation? This fascinating test can provide valuable insights into your overall health. Read more here about depression and the brain .. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/neuroscience-in-everyday-life/201810/the-brain-fire-depression-and-inflammation
So all these studies have us questioning the very foundation of our understanding of depression. It seems like we need to delve deeper into the complexities of this mental health condition. Who knows what other groundbreaking revelations lie in store for us in the future?
Depression is a complex condition that cannot be attributed solely to a chemical imbalance, and it’s not your fault if you’re struggling with it.
There are numerous ways to treat depression, from antidepressants and psychotherapy to meditation practices, dietary changes, exercise, complementary medicine, and support from your loved ones.
Recognizing the intricate nature of depression highlights the severity of mental illness and the necessity of seeking assistance. Your experiences are significant, and you don’t need to have a single chemical imbalance to validate them.
Here are some additional things a person can do to help with depression and the benefits of doing so:
Practice self-care: Engage in activities that make you feel good, such as taking a walk, reading a book, or listening to music. Self-care can help improve self-esteem and reduce stress.
Challenge negative thoughts: Recognize and challenge negative thoughts, such as self-criticism or pessimism, and replace them with more positive and realistic thoughts. This can help improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Volunteer: Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and improve self-esteem. It can also increase social support and reduce isolation.
Set achievable goals: Setting small, achievable goals can help improve motivation and provide a sense of accomplishment, which can improve mood.
Spend time in nature: Spending time in nature, such as going for a walk in a park or hiking, can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of well-being.
Connect with others: Building and maintaining social connections can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and increase feelings of support and belonging.
Consider therapy or medication: Professional treatment, such as therapy or medication, can help reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall mental health.
There are several natural alternative treatments for depression that people can try in addition to traditional treatment options. Some of these natural remedies include:
St. John’s Wort: This herb has been shown to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression in some studies.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and other sources, have been shown to improve symptoms of depression in some people.
Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture may help relieve symptoms of depression by stimulating certain points on the body that are believed to improve mental and physical well-being.
Meditation: Mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress and improve mood by focusing on the present moment and letting go of negative thoughts.
Light Therapy: Light therapy involves exposure to bright light, which can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythms and improve mood in some people.
Aromatherapy: Certain scents, such as lavender and chamomile, may help reduce stress and improve mood when used in aromatherapy.
- Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy is a type of therapy that uses hypnosis to create a state of relaxation and focus in order to explore and address underlying issues that may be contributing to depression.
It’s important to note that these natural remedies are not a substitute for professional treatment and should be used in conjunction with therapy or medication, as prescribed by a mental health provider.
Some natural remedies can also have potential side effects or interact with medications, so it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before trying any new treatment.
The benefits of engaging in these activities can vary from person to person, but in general, they can help improve mood, increase social support, reduce stress, and improve overall mental health and well-being.
If you are struggling with depression, please remember you have options. Whether it’s confiding in a trusted friend or family member, booking an appointment with your Doctor, or trying out alternative therapies, there is always a solution.
Don’t be fooled by the seemingly inescapable grip of depression. With perseverance and support, you can overcome it.
Believe it or not, there is an abundance of resources available to you. Plus, there’s no limit to the possibilities that await you once you take control of your mental well-being. So get ready to experience a magnificent and joyful existence.