Depression Culprits: Lifestyle & Medications You Need to Know About

Clinical depression is a severe medical disorder caused by changes in brain chemistry. Clinical depression patients lose interest in activities that they were once passionate about and often stay sad and hopeless for prolonged periods of time.

This type of mental illness has the potential to affect your body, behavior, thoughts, mood, negatively changing the way you feel, act, eat, drink, work, think, and interact with others. Individuals suffering from clinical depression are often found complaining that they miss something badly and don’t feel like themselves any longer. Such patients cannot pull themselves together, with the mental disorder often affecting their ability to ask for help. In some serious cases of depression, the patient may even entertain suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide.

Here is an excerpt from this  2014 study by BMC Psychiatry:

Regression analyses showed that poor diet, low levels of exercise, obesity, smoking, marked social isolation and taking interferon were associated with greater depression risk. Participants who supplemented with omega 3s, particularly flaxseed oil, had frequent fish consumption, supplemented with Vitamin D (This is what I supplement with), meditated, and had moderate alcohol consumption had significantly reduced depression risk.

Additionally, the graph below is part of this study-publication.  It clearly shows the connection between poor life style and nutrition and depression:

Must read: You may be malnourished without even knowing it. This article on nutritional deficiencies will definitely shed some light.

Preventing and Treating Depression:

While therapy and medication are effective in “controlling” not ending the depression, it is important to make lifestyle changes to fight the psychological disorder naturally. A healthy and active routine along with healthy eating habits can go a long way in helping you cope with depression.

Nutrition is, in fact, a key element in treating depression. This 2013 study associates diet quality and dietary patterns with depression in adults.

If you have tried every medication suggested by your doctor, and other treatments without success then you owe it to yourself to try and figure out if you are suffering from nutritional deficiencies, find a support group or if a medication(s) can be making you feel this way.

Finally, I would suggest for you to try managing and even reversing depression naturally without the never ending cycle of prescription medications that make you feel “OK” for a bit, then back to square one.   Have you ever tried EFT therapy? Below you I am sharing a great video by David Childerley –EFT Tapping: Depression 30-Day Challenge

What Causes Depression

Understanding the Connection Between Depression, the Microbiome, Neurotoxicity, the Gut-Brain Axis, and Lifestyle

The Role of the Microbiome

The microbiome refers to the vast community of microorganisms living within our bodies, particularly in the gut. Research has shown that a healthy microbiome is crucial for overall health, including mental health. These microbes play a significant role in synthesizing neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which are essential for mood regulation. Studies suggest that an imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, may contribute to the onset of depression.

Neurotoxicity and Mental Health

Neurotoxicity occurs when harmful substances adversely affect the brain’s functionality, leading to cognitive impairment and emotional disturbances. Many factors can contribute to neurotoxicity, including exposure to environmental toxins, poor diet, and chronic stress. The interplay between these toxins and gut health is critical, as a compromised gut can lead to increased permeability, allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream and potentially disrupt neurological processes. This disruption can manifest as mood disorders, including depression.

The Gut-Brain Axis Connection

The gut-brain axis is the bidirectional communication system linking the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. It involves complex signaling pathways, including hormonal, immunological, and neural pathways. The state of our gut health directly influences our mental health through this axis. For instance, inflammation within the gut can lead to inflammatory markers in the brain, exacerbating feelings of depression. Conversely, a flourishing microbiome can promote mental wellness by influencing mood-regulating pathways. If you are interested in healing your gut holistically, you can learn more about my holistic course, Healing GERD, GI Disorders Holistically Academy

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle choices significantly impact our gut health and, consequently, our mental well-being. Diet, physical activity, sleep, and stress management all play fundamental roles in shaping the microbiome and supporting the gut-brain axis. A diet rich in whole foods, fiber, and fermented products can promote a diverse and healthy microbiome. Regular physical activity helps reduce stress and can lead to improved mood and cognitive function. Likewise, prioritizing quality sleep is essential for mental health, as sleep deprivation is linked to increased symptoms of depression.

A Holistic Approach

​Understanding the connections among the microbiome, neurotoxicity, the gut-brain axis, and lifestyle is key to adopting a holistic approach to managing depression. Strategies focused on nourishing the gut, minimizing exposure to neurotoxins, and making informed lifestyle choices can serve as powerful tools in enhancing mental health. 

Numerous factors can contribute to the onset of clinical depression. It is often a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, and as of recent studies, your diet, multiple sclerosis medication, and lifestyle risk factors play a substantial role.

• Certain medical conditions. This study explains the connection between multiple sclerosis medications and depression.
• Difficult life circumstances; failure in an exam, death of a close relative
• Genetics: family history of depression
• Changes in hormone levels
• Stress; marital or relationship problems; unemployment
• Grief
• Lack of social support
• Substance abuse
• Financial strain

Several studies claim that depression is linked to changes in the functioning of neurotransmitters or brain chemicals. Moreover, your lifestyle choices, coping behavior, and relationships may also contribute to distressing situations, which, if combined, can lead to depression. According to the American Psychiatric Association, each year, clinical depression affects more than 17 million Americans”.

No doubt, depression is quite common these days and affects people of all ages, cultures, ethnicities, genders, and religions, it often goes undetected and thus untreated. However, there are some common symptoms that cause distress and impairment in the individual, impacting their ability to function.

Common Symptoms of Clinical Depression

An individual suffering from depression does not behave in their usual self. In fact, they tend to exhibit a considerable change from their normal level of functioning.

Physical Depression Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances, which may be in the form of oversleeping or insomnia
• Change in appetite
• Digestive problems
• Recurrent headaches, stomach aches

Behavioral symptoms

• Difficulty concentrating
• Problem remembering
• Difficulty in making decisions
• Loss of interest in fun activities
• Carelessness about responsibilities
• Neglect of personal appearance

Emotional symptoms

• Abrupt crying for no reason
• Persistent sad mood
• Feeling guilty or helpless
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling irritable
• Feeling aggressive than usual
• Exhibiting anxious, agitated behavior
• Suicidal thoughts
• Unexplained pain
• Reckless behavior, reckless driving, substance abuse

Depression may start unexpectedly or build up in severity over a period of few days, weeks, months, or years. Symptoms of depression may vary from one individual to another in severity, number, and duration.
In conclusion, while depression is a complex condition influenced by various factors, recognizing the significance of gut health and its relationship with the brain paves the way for more effective interventions. By embracing a holistic lifestyle, we can foster a healthier microbiome, support the gut-brain axis, and ultimately improve our mental well-being.

Do you or someone that you know has or is currently battling with Depression? If so, what has been your experience?

More information on treating depression with alternative methods

Sleep Therapy Seen as an Aid for Depression

How Nutritional and Alternative Treatments Can Help You Avoid Using Drugs for Depression