Depression Uncovered: Science, Solutions, and Common Myths

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FALSE BELIEF #1: DEPRESSION IS A GENETIC DISEASE!

It is true that some people are more predisposed to depression, but depression is not a genetic disease. A "depression gene" has never been identified! If a mother is depressed and her child is also depressed, it is not due to genetics, but because the child learns from what they live, see, and hear. They absorb and imitate the behavior, attitude, and habits of their mother!

FALSE BELIEF #2: DEPRESSION IS CAUSED BY A CHEMICAL IMBALANCE IN THE BRAIN (E.G., A DEFICIENCY OF SEROTONIN OR AN EXCESS OF NORADRENALINE).

Scientists have recently stated that this theory cannot be disproven—because it has never been confirmed or proven in the first place! More and more university professors and researchers are distancing themselves from the chemical imbalance theory.

Dr. Pies stated in an article: "The chemical imbalance theory as the cause of depression remains unfounded, yet it is still widely cited." According to Pies, modern psychiatric theories are more sophisticated, considering biochemical and social factors. There are brain events and biochemical reactions that occur when someone feels depressed—just as there are continuously—but no research has ever established a cause-effect relationship (or even a correlation) between a specific brain condition and depression.

In "The Serotonin Theory of Depression: A Systematic Umbrella Review of the Evidence", Professor Joanna Moncrieff from University College London, along with five other leading European researchers, found that "there is no evidence of a connection between reduced serotonin levels or its activity and depression." Dr. Moncrieff emphasized the importance of not telling patients that depression is caused by low serotonin or a chemical imbalance, as this misinformation prevents them from making an informed decision about whether or not to take antidepressants. "It is time to inform the public that this belief is not grounded in science."

FALSE BELIEF #3: SEROTONIN (THE "HAPPY HORMONE") IS PRODUCED IN THE BRAIN!

It has actually been proven for years that 90% of our serotonin is produced in the gut! Intestinal bacteria—both beneficial and harmful—can influence our behavior in various ways, including interactions with the vagus nerve, changes in central and enteric nervous system function, brain plasticity, dietary factors, and the immune system. Many vitamins, hormones, neurotransmitters, and pro- or anti-inflammatory substances are synthesized in the gut and can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), affecting brain function. This is why gut health is crucial in depression!

FALSE BELIEF #4: DEPRESSION ONLY AFFECTS THE INDIVIDUAL!

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that mental disorders are social diseases! Depression is not just an individual issue—it concerns all of us: family, community, and society as a whole.

Just look at the superficial values that modern society (especially through television, the internet, and social media) promotes as worth pursuing: seeking happiness in the wrong things such as money, shopping, fame, material possessions, food, sex, etc. If a new outfit, a car, or any object could truly make you happy, why would you always need to buy more? If we have all the comfort, technology, and luxuries that our grandparents could never have dreamed of, why are we more unhappy than ever?

Because we try to fill the inner emptiness we feel with external things that distract us from our pain—but only for a few minutes or hours.

We live in a world designed to make us forget important values such as family, respect, inner peace, helping others, and contributing to the well-being of all. The famous psychiatrist Gabor Maté calls modern society toxic, especially when compared to ancient communities.

FALSE BELIEF #5: TREATING SYMPTOMS SOLVES THE CAUSE!

We make this mistake with both physical and psychological illnesses! But if we truly want to overcome depression, we must treat its cause—which could be:

A traumatic event

Past abuse

Negative beliefs formed in childhood

An unmet emotional need (such as feeling celebrated, heard, safe, or important)

FALSE BELIEF #6: YOU CAN NEVER FULLY RECOVER FROM DEPRESSION—YOU CAN IMPROVE, BUT NOT CURE IT.

Patients often hold beliefs such as:

"There is no cure for my disorder. Even if there were, it wouldn’t work. Even if it worked, it wouldn’t work for me. Even if there is a cure, I don’t deserve to be cured. There is no hope, no way out for me. I see no future."

These are the thoughts I often hear from people suffering from depression.

THE 3 PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES OF DEPRESSION:

CAUSE #1: You have not followed the true desires of your heart. For various reasons, life has pulled you away from your purpose, mission, or true passions. And after years, looking back, you realize that you actually wanted to do, be, or desire something else. But now you think it’s too late, and everything is lost—just like you feel lost…

CAUSE #2: You have a constant inner dialogue filled with negative, harsh, and critical words toward yourself! You say things to yourself that you would never say to a friend, family member, or colleague:

"I’m stupid. I’m so ugly. I’m an idiot. I always mess up. I never do anything right. I don’t deserve love. There’s nothing special about me."

Epigenetics studies have proven that repeating affirmations for at least 21 days affects our DNA and brain, influencing the synthesis of hormones and biochemical substances.

And you… how many years have you been speaking badly to yourself? How many years have you been thinking negatively about yourself? How long have you carried the emotional baggage of guilt, shame, anger, disappointment, and resentment?

CAUSE #3: Lack of human connection—feeling lonely, abandoned, isolated, unwanted, or invisible.

A 2021 study concluded that depression and loneliness are directly linked. This is striking, considering that modern society has reached unprecedented levels of loneliness, isolation, and lack of physical and emotional connection.

Humans evolved in communities—we survived because we lived in groups. We need our tribe!

WHAT CAN WE DO TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION?

PRACTICAL TIP #1: Heal the cause—seek help for childhood trauma, losses, or abuse (physical or emotional). Correct your mindset. Identify your unmet emotional needs. Recognize and change thought patterns that drive behavior.

PRACTICAL TIP #2: Seek physical and social connection. Humans are social animals—we need connection just as we need food, water, and oxygen! Look for supportive relationships where you feel seen, celebrated, and valued. Find communities where you can contribute—volunteering, helping others, or simply being part of something meaningful.

PRACTICAL TIP #3: Hug someone (or yourself) for at least 20 seconds. This increases oxytocin (the bonding hormone) and other well-being chemicals.

PRACTICAL TIP #4: Take care of your brain health. Eliminate toxins, increase omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, olive oil, nuts, avocados, and seeds), and drink filtered water free from fluoride, bacteria, and microplastics. Science has shown that diet quality is inversely correlated with depression risk and that improving diet positively impacts depression symptoms.

PRACTICAL TIP #5: Follow your heart’s desires. Can you integrate your childhood passions into your life? Maybe it's too late to become a vet at 50, but if you love animals, could you work in a related field? Explore new passions and talents—try different activities until you find what brings you joy!

PRACTICAL TIP #6: Change your inner dialogue! Stop saying "my depression." It’s not yours—it’s just depression. Speak kindly to yourself, use positive affirmations, and choose words that give you hope and power.