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The Truth About Depression
Last week, in honor of #WorldMentalHealthDay, we launched into some sobering truths about depression and the myth we have been sold that depression may be caused by a chemical imbalance.
Here are a few general stats:
- Depression is the #1 leading cause of disability (lost work) in the US among adults age 25-44
- 2/3 of people reporting depression do not actively seek or receive adequate treatment
- In 2011–2014, 12.7% of persons aged 12 and over reported antidepressant medication use in the past month.
- 25% of people who took antidepressant medication in the past month had been doing so for 10 years or more.
Click here are some other interesting stats.
Symptoms of Depression
According to current diagnostic criteria, major depression is characterized by five or more of the following symptoms being present concurrently for at least two weeks:
- depressed mood
- loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities
- feelings of inappropriate guilt or worthlessness
- recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
- psychomotor slowing or agitation
- disturbance of appetite
- disturbance of sleep
- disturbance of energy
- impaired concentration
One of the five symptoms must include depressed mood or diminished interest in previously pleasurable activities. A diagnosis of major depression may be further categorized as mild, moderate or severe, based on the level of functional impairment.
The Serotonin Theory of Depression
The “Serotonin Theory of Depression” states that if the bodymind has difficulty generating the neurotransmitter, serotonin, then one may be more inclined to experience depression.
However, the scientific community has yet to establish a level of “Normal Brain Chemistry”.
As psychiatrist Dr. Kelly Brogan says:
“There is no standardized medical test to ascertain brain chemical levels that cause depression, nor is there a defined state of normal. As such, there is no prescription that can restore us to normal, no matter how much we wish it were so.”
Watch today’s short video to learn:
- Types of Depression: Situational Depression, Chemical, Chronic Disorder
- Common symptoms of depression
- What “Normal Brain Chemistry” is according to neuroscience
- What is The Serotonin Theory of Depression?
- You’ve heard that a “chemical imbalance” may be the root cause of #depression…but, there’s more to the story!
- The bi-directional relationship between the gut and the brain…and how it affects mood
Top 3 Lifestyle Changes to Alleviate Depression
Plus, get my Top 3 Tips to alleviate depression naturally!
The good news is that yoga helps. See the scientific study referenced below.
Enjoy and please comment below on your best tips to help lift your mood and alleviate depression!
Love,
Ashley
Scientific Studies on Yoga for Depression
Some scientific studies to check out:
- Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Yoga and Its Ability to Increase Quality of Life
- Treating Major Depression with Yoga
- The Impact of Anti-Depressant Medication on Population Health
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Why would you advise people to remove animal products – particularly eggs which are the very best brain food you can get, and meat and eggs are the best sources of B12?