The Common Causes of Depression

High levels of psychological stress, especially work & family pressures, genetic susceptibility, hormone imbalances, toxins, nutritional deficiencies, medical illness, food and chemical sensitivities all create demands on the body, leading to depression.

Hormones & Emotional Wellbeing

Hormone balance is our body's natural, healthy state. Hormones are powerful messengers, providing a communication network linking the central control centre to the trillion of cells found within the body. Hormones influence metabolism, appetite, sleep, blood glucose control and most importantly our sense of wellbeing.

An underlying hormonal imbalance is often underestimated in depression by standard medical treatment. Even though women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression as men, indicating a gender influence. Some attribute the differences to women experiencing higher rates of stress, role conflicts and a greater tendency toward low self esteem. Others argue it is due to hormonal differences.

Menopausal Mood Swings

Mood swings are often encountered along with fluctuating hormone levels leading up to and during menopause. At this time the main female hormones, estrogen and progesterone are in decline. This can alter serotonin levels, amplifying established mood disturbances.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), containing chemicalised hormone substitutes not natural to the body, further disrupt hormone balance.

Long Term Stress

Chronic stress leads to mood swings, anxiety and depression. Relationship breakdown (divorce and separation) correlates strongly with feelings of loss of control. Women often find family responsibilities the biggest cause of stress, while men tend to cite work as their biggest stress.

Stress causes the body to pump out huge amounts of cortisol, the major stress hormone. A rush of cortisol is accompanied by a surge in serotonin. This is nature’s way of helping you deal with stress. Unfortunately, shifts in serotonin levels causes irritability, mood changes and carbohydrate cravings.

If you desire sugary foods, especially mid afternoon you may be on a cortisol-serotonin rollercoaster. Dealing more effectively with stress can smooth out serotonin production during the day.

Cortisol & Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

High circulating cortisol lowers DHEA, the most abundant hormone in the body. DHEA is produced in the adrenals to enhance vitality, mood, libido (sex drive) and memory. It also protects the body from the negative effects of stress. DHEA levels naturally decline after age twenty five with the body demanding more, but producing less in times of stress.

With advancing age women’s estrogen and progesterone production is directly influenced by the adrenals, with over production of cortisol causing further disruption. Again unrelenting stress is implicated as a strong factor in mood disturbances. The good news is that by reducing stress it is possible to re-establish DHEA over time.

Low Thyroid Gland Function

The brain is very sensitive to low levels of thyroid hormones. Depression along with weight gain and fatigue are usually the first symptoms of hypothyroidism (low thyroid gland function). Individuals often experience a tremendous shift in their energy levels and mental focus after treatment for this condition.

The diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on symptoms and laboratory testing of total T4, T3 and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels. A high TSH result indicates low thyroid function, while low levels can indicate an overactive thyroid.

T3 is the most biologically active thyroid hormone in the body and is converted from T4 with the help of zinc and selenium. Iodine is also important to enhance thyroid activity. Kelp and other sea vegetables are rich sources of this trace mineral.

In contrast, cortisol inhibits activity of the thyroid hormones, particular conversion of T4 to T3. Low thyroid function is a common finding in post natal depression.

Food & Chemical Sensitivities

Food sensitivities or allergies can alter behaviour and emotional balance. Testing for possible food allergies is recommended if this is suspected and the offending foods should be eliminated from the diet. A leaky gut may also contribute by allowing partially digested food particles to cross into the blood, initiating an allergic or chemically sensitive reaction within the brain.

Phenolic compounds found in sprayed fruit & vegetables, food additives, perfumes, cigarette smoke, air pollution (benzene), pesticides and herbicides potentiate the effect of adrenalin and noradrenalin. This gives rise to symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks and moodiness.

Reducing chemical exposure and supplementing with the trace minerals selenium and molybdenum assists detoxification in the chemically sensitive.

Heavy Metal Contamination

Emerging evidence shows that the accumulation of toxins can wreak havoc on normal metabolic processes. Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and aluminium can severely affect your mood and appetite. These toxins are damaging to the brain and can affect neurological function and mood control. Heavy metals also block the appetite signals, with exposure leading to changes in appetite and eating behaviour.

Note:This information should not be used as a substitute for the advice provided by your health practitioner. If you suspect you are experiencing depression, promptly seek professional advice. Do not cease taking your prescribed medication without the consent of your doctor.

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