Depression: Understanding and Treating the Hidden Drivers
Depression is not a character flaw—it is a treatable medical condition with identifiable biological causes. We investigate what's driving your depression.
If you've tried medication or therapy without full recovery, there may be underlying physiological factors that standard treatment doesn't address.
What is Depression?
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is defined as a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and inability to feel pleasure lasting at least two weeks. It involves neurotransmitter dysregulation (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine), HPA axis dysregulation, chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and structural brain changes. Depression is not simply a psychological condition—it has measurable physiological underpinnings that functional medicine can identify and treat.
Common Misconception
Depression is just being sad or weak. People should just snap out of it.
Medical Reality
Depression involves measurable changes: neurotransmitter depletion (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine), HPA axis dysregulation, elevated inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-alpha), reduced BDNF affecting neuroplasticity, hormonal imbalances (thyroid, cortisol), and gut-brain axis dysfunction. These are not weakness—they are medical conditions requiring treatment.
Common Accompanying Symptoms
- Persistent low mood lasting more than 2 weeks
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Significant appetite or weight changes
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleep)
- Fatigue and loss of energy
Depression lasting more than 2 weeks with functional impairment requires comprehensive evaluation to identify underlying causes.
What May Be Contributing to Your Depression
Depression requires investigation for these common underlying contributors.
Biological Mechanisms
Depression involves multiple interconnected mechanisms: (1) Neurotransmitter dysregulation—depleted or imbalanced serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine; (2) HPA axis dysregulation—elevated cortisol damages hippocampal neurons and affects mood; (3) Chronic inflammation—elevated cytokines interfere with neurotransmitter production and receptor function; (4) Reduced neuroplasticity—decreased BDNF impairs the brain's ability to form new connections; (5) Hormonal factors—thyroid dysfunction, estrogen fluctuations, and low testosterone contribute to depressive symptoms; (6) Gut-brain axis dysfunction—impaired gut health affects neurotransmitter production and signaling.
Contributing Factors
Neurotransmitter Depletion
Exhausted serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine stores from chronic stress or genetic factors
HPA Axis Dysregulation
Chronic stress elevates cortisol, damaging mood-regulating brain regions
Thyroid Disorders
Hypothyroidism directly causes depressive symptoms
Chronic Inflammation
Elevated cytokines interfere with neurotransmitter function and receptor sensitivity
Gut Dysbiosis
Impaired gut-brain axis reduces neurotransmitter production
How We Identify the Cause
Standard psychiatric evaluation doesn't assess physiological contributors to depression. Our testing identifies treatable underlying causes.
Our Approach
Standard psychiatry treats depression with medications targeting symptoms, often without investigating why depression developed. At Healers Clinic, we investigate the physiological underpinnings: neurotransmitter balance, hormone status, inflammation levels, and gut health. By identifying and treating root causes alongside supporting mood directly, we achieve better outcomes than medication alone.
Neurotransmitter Panel
Purpose: Assess neurotransmitter levels and precursors
Shows: Serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, glutamate
Comprehensive Hormone Panel
Purpose: Assess thyroid, sex hormones, and cortisol
Shows: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol
Inflammatory Markers
Purpose: Assess chronic inflammation affecting mood
Shows: CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha
Nutrient Status
Purpose: Identify deficiencies affecting brain function
Shows: Vitamin D, B12, folate, magnesium, zinc, omega-3
Gut Health Assessment
Purpose: Evaluate gut-brain axis function
Shows: Microbiome composition, intestinal permeability
How We Treat Depression
Multiple pathways support depression recovery while we investigate underlying causes.
IV Mood Support Therapy
Direct nutrient delivery for neurotransmitter support
Nutritional Psychiatry
Evidence-based nutritional interventions for mood
Hormone Optimization
Balance thyroid and sex hormones affecting mood
Standard vs. Investigative Care
Standard Approach
Prescribes antidepressants based on symptoms without investigating causes
- ×Does not identify underlying physiological contributors
- ×Trial-and-error medication approach
- ×Does not address inflammation, hormones, or gut health
Our Approach
Comprehensive testing to identify and treat root causes
- Personalized treatment based on individual biochemistry
- Addresses underlying causes, not just symptoms
- Often achieves results without or with less medication
Expected Healing Timeline
Phase 1: Investigation
Weeks 1-2Focus: Neurotransmitter panel, Hormone testing, Inflammation markers
Expected Outcome: Identify primary contributing factors
Phase 2: Targeted Treatment
Weeks 3-8Focus: Treat identified causes, Neurotransmitter support, Lifestyle modifications
Expected Outcome: Significant mood improvement in majority of cases
Phase 3: Optimization
Months 2-4Focus: Fine-tune treatment, Build resilience, Prevent relapse
Expected Outcome: Sustained mood stability and wellbeing
At-Home Strategies
Evidence-based strategies to support mood while undergoing treatment.
Movement
Even mild exercise (15-minute walk) releases endorphins and improves mood. Start slowly and build gradually.
Expected: Natural mood elevation through endorphins
Sleep Regularity
Maintain consistent sleep schedule; aim for 7-8 hours; avoid screens before bed
Expected: Supports neurotransmitter balance and mood regulation
Omega-3 Supplementation
EPA/DHA 1000-2000mg daily; helps reduce inflammation and support brain function
Expected: Anti-inflammatory effect supports mood
Social Connection
Push yourself gently to maintain social connections; avoid isolation
Expected: Social support is protective against depression
Common Questions Answered
Yes. Many patients achieve remission through functional medicine approaches addressing underlying causes (hormone balance, inflammation, gut health, nutrient status). For moderate to severe depression, a combination approach often works best. The goal is identifying and treating root causes so medication may not be needed long-term.