Understanding Depression: More Than Just a Chemical Imbalance
— By Brian Mears, DNAP, APRN, CRNA, PMHNP-BC
Depression is one of the most widespread and misunderstood conditions in the world. Affecting over 280 million people globally, it is far more than just sadness or a passing mood. Depression is a real, measurable condition rooted in both brain physiology and whole-body health.
At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we understand that depression is often the symptom of deeper root causes—not simply a deficiency of neurotransmitters. Through advanced brain mapping, Objective Psychiatry, and holistic treatment strategies, we are committed to helping patients heal fully—not just manage symptoms.
What Is Depression?
Depression, or major depressive disorder (MDD), is a complex medical condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It also frequently affects sleep, appetite, energy levels, concentration, and relationships.
Symptoms may vary from person to person, but commonly include:
Persistent low mood
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
Fatigue or low energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of death or suicide
However, what many people don’t realize is that depression is not solely “in the brain”—it often reflects problems occurring throughout the body.
Physical Causes of Depression: It’s Not Just Emotional
Depression frequently arises when the body’s complex systems are out of balance. Common physical contributors include:
| Root Cause | How It Contributes to Depression |
|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal Dysfunction | The gut is often called the “second brain.” Over 90% of serotonin (a mood-regulating neurotransmitter) is made in the gut. Dysbiosis, leaky gut, and chronic inflammation can directly impact mood [1]. |
| Thyroid Dysfunction | Hypothyroidism can mimic or worsen depression symptoms—fatigue, low mood, slowed thinking, and weight gain [2]. |
| Adrenal Fatigue / HPA Axis Dysregulation | Chronic stress overwhelms the adrenal glands and dysregulates cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, leading to emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and depression [3]. |
| Inflammation | Systemic inflammation disrupts neurotransmitter signaling and can physically damage neurons over time [4]. |
| Nutrient Deficiencies | Low levels of Vitamin D, B12, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron are strongly linked to depressive symptoms [5]. |
| Hormonal Imbalances | Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone can significantly affect mood, energy, and cognition. |
At Alleviant, we emphasize whole-person assessments to uncover these root causes rather than masking symptoms with medications alone.
Depression and the Brain: Out of Shape, Out of Sync
When depression persists, the brain itself undergoes physical changes:
Neuronal Atrophy: Neurons can shrink, weaken, and even atrophy (die) due to chronic stress, inflammation, and dysregulation [6].
Reduced Brain Volume: Research shows that individuals with long-standing depression often have smaller volumes in critical areas like the hippocampus (memory) and prefrontal cortex (decision-making, planning).
Brainwave Dysregulation: Depression often features excessive slow-wave activity (theta and alpha waves) and underactive fast-wave activity (beta waves) on spectral EEG (sEEG) scans.
Think of a “depressed brain” like an under-exercised muscle—out of shape, sluggish, and inefficient.
This is why we offer NeuroSync™ at Alleviant—to help retrain and rehabilitate the brain back to healthy, synchronized functioning.
Traditional Treatments for Depression
Conventional medical approaches to depression typically include:
Medications:
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like Prozac, Zoloft
SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) like Cymbalta
Atypical Antidepressants like Wellbutrin or Remeron
These medications may be effective in some cases, but they primarily modulate neurotransmitter levels without addressing underlying causes. Many patients report side effects such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, emotional numbing, or incomplete symptom relief.
Psychotherapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and trauma-informed therapy are evidence-based approaches that help patients reframe thoughts and heal emotional wounds.
A New Way Forward: Objective Psychiatry and NeuroSync™
At Alleviant, we practice Objective Psychiatry—meaning we don’t guess about your brain health; we measure it.
Our approach includes:
Spectral EEG (sEEG) Brain Mapping:
A fast, painless 4-minute scan to assess brainwave patterns, identify areas of dysfunction, and create an objective baseline.
NeuroSync™ Brainwave Optimization:
NeuroSync™ uses personalized transcranial magnetic stimulation (not a one-size-fits-all protocol) to retrain and re-synchronize brain networks. Patients often report improvements in mood, energy, sleep, and cognitive clarity within weeks.
Whole-Body Assessments:
We investigate gut health, inflammation markers, thyroid function, hormonal balance, and nutrient levels—correcting them naturally whenever possible.
Integrated Care Plans:
Combining psychiatric expertise, nutritional optimization, targeted supplementation, brain stimulation, therapy, and lifestyle coaching.
Rather than masking symptoms, we aim to heal the brain and body at the root cause level.
How Alleviant Can Help You or a Loved One
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, you are not alone—and there is real, measurable hope.
Our depression recovery program includes:
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
Spectral EEG mapping and personalized NeuroSync™ plans
Integrated lab testing (thyroid, gut health, inflammation markers)
Lifestyle and nutritional interventions
Holistic medication management when needed
Most importantly, we believe that healing is possible. Depression is not a permanent identity—it’s a condition that can be reversed by treating the brain and body together.
If you’re ready to move from surviving to thriving, schedule a consultation with us today.
References
Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(10), 701-712. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3346
Hage, M. P., & Azar, S. T. (2012). The Link between Thyroid Function and Depression. Journal of Thyroid Research, 2012, 590648. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/590648
Silverman, M. N., & Sternberg, E. M. (2012). Glucocorticoid regulation of inflammation and its functional correlates: from HPA axis to glucocorticoid receptor dysfunction. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1261(1), 55-63. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06633.x
Miller, A. H., Maletic, V., & Raison, C. L. (2009). Inflammation and its discontents: the role of cytokines in the pathophysiology of major depression. Biological Psychiatry, 65(9), 732-741. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2008.11.029
Sarris, J., et al. (2015). Nutritional medicine as mainstream in psychiatry. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(3), 271-274. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(14)00051-0
McEwen, B. S. (2005). Glucocorticoids, depression, and mood disorders: structural remodeling in the brain. Metabolism, 54(5 Suppl 1), 20-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2005.01.008