Beyond SSRIs: A Functional Medicine Approach to Depression
Millions of Americans struggle with depression, and feeling down can significantly impact your daily life. (1) Traditional medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – a commonly used type of antidepressant – can be helpful for some, but they’re not a magic bullet.
They may not work for everyone and often come with unwanted side effects. (2) Plus, they don’t always get to the bottom of why you’re feeling down in the first place.
Thankfully, there’s another path to relief!
Functional medicine offers a different approach to treating depression.
It focuses on uncovering the root cause of your individual situation. That means treatment is focused on addressing the reason for your depression in the first place. That could be anything from gut imbalances to hidden nutrient deficiencies to chronic stress or another of the possible causes we’ll talk about.
So remember, if you’re struggling, you’re not alone.
But, you should not stop taking any prescribed medications without the support and guidance from your medical team.
Instead, keep reading for more details on what might be causing your depression and how a functional medicine-based approach can help you find long-lasting relief and a happier life.
Conventional Treatment Options for Depression
Depression can feel like a heavy weight dragging you down. It zaps your energy, makes it hard to enjoy things, and can even mess with your sleep and appetite. (3)
Sound familiar?
The most common conventional treatment for depression is medication, specifically antidepressants.
In fact, an estimated one in eight Americans over the age of 12 have used them. (4)
But here’s the thing – research suggests that antidepressants aren’t as powerful as they might seem. They may only help about half of the people initially, and in milder cases, they might not be much better than a placebo. (5, 6, 7)
On top of that, they come with unwanted side effects, including: (8)
Anxiety
Nausea
Weight gain
Decreased libido
Constipation
Dizziness
Tiredness and/or insomnia
Neurological issues
Sweating
Dry mouth
Blunted emotions
Psychosis
Violent behavior including homocide
Suicide
This doesn’t mean there’s no hope for relief!
A small fraction of people on SSRIs benefit from them (especially those who have MTHFR mutations which downregulates methylation activity), while others (particularly those who have excessive methylation or poor liver metabolism of SSRIs) tend to have the worst reactions (e.g., violent psychosis).
While antidepressants can be helpful for some, they still don’t address the root cause of depression. This is where functional medicine offers a different approach – one that focuses on finding the root causes of your depression, not just masking the symptoms.
5 Root Causes of Depression
The truth is depression is far more complex than simply feeling down. It turns out that numerous hidden culprits are lurking beneath the surface, impacting your mood and overall well-being.
These hidden culprits are what I call the “root causes” of depression. They’re the underlying issues that can contribute to those feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low energy.
The good news?
By addressing these root causes, I can help you find lasting relief and improve your mood naturally.
So, let’s take a look at the top 5 root causes of depression.
These might surprise you, and they might just help you understand what’s been holding you back.
1. Chronic Stress and HPA Dysfunction
Ever feel like you’re constantly running on empty?
Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your body and mind. When stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone meant to help you cope. But with chronic stress, cortisol levels can stay elevated and then eventually drop, leading to burnout, fatigue, lack of motivation, and even depression. (9)
2. Compromised Gut Health – Leaky Gut and Gut Dysbiosis
Your gut might seem far removed from your brain, but research suggests a strong gut-brain connection.
When the delicate balance of bacteria in your gut gets disrupted (known as gut dysbiosis), or the intestinal lining becomes leaky (leaky gut), it can trigger inflammation throughout your body and impact the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, influencing mood and happiness. (10)
3. Nutrient Deficiencies
Sometimes, a lack of essential vitamins and minerals can contribute to depression.
Deficiencies in B vitamins, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium are all linked to mood disorders. These nutrients play key roles in brain function and neurotransmitter production, so lacking them can leave you feeling depleted and low.
4. Environmental Factors
From toxins to hidden food sensitivities, the world around us can have a surprising impact on mood.
Exposure to mold, heavy metals, or certain chemicals can trigger a complex inflammatory response, disrupting your body’s natural balance and contributing to depression. (11) Additionally, hidden food sensitivities can trigger inflammation and impact your gut health, further influencing your mood.
5. Genetics
Scientists have identified specific genetic variants that may increase your risk of depression. These include variations in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) gene. (12,13)
MTHFR variations can impact your body’s ability to process certain compounds essential for mood regulation, while GAD variations can affect the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Here’s the important caveat: Our understanding of genetics and depression is evolving. So, even though genetics might nudge you toward a higher risk, it’s not a fixed sentence. By addressing the other root causes I’ve discussed and adopting healthy habits, you can influence how your genes are expressed and potentially reduce your risk of depression. (14)
Functional Medicine Treatment Options for Depression
Traditional treatments like antidepressants can be helpful, but they don’t address the root cause of your depression.
Functional medicine offers a different approach, focusing on diet, lifestyle changes, and natural solutions to support your body’s inherent ability to heal.
Here’s how functional medicine can empower you to manage depression and reclaim your well-being, along with some immediate action items you can try today:
Food is Fuel to Your Mood
The saying “you are what you eat” holds significant weight when it comes to depression. I believe a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet is key.
This means ditching processed foods, refined sugars, and hidden seed oils, which contribute to inflammation and disrupt gut health. Focusing on whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats like those found in fish and avocado provides your body with the essential nutrients it needs to function optimally and support a healthy brain.
For some, there may be hidden food sensitivities that could trigger low-grade inflammation and impact your mood.
Try This: Swap your sugary afternoon snack for a handful of almonds and berries. Almonds provide healthy fats and protein, while berries are packed with antioxidants that support brain health.
Healthy Habits for a Healthier Mind
Chronic stress is a major contributor to depression. That’s why I emphasize the importance of stress management techniques to combat this imbalance.
Techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and spending time in nature can help regulate your stress hormones and promote feelings of calm and relaxation.
Ensuring quality sleep is also crucial. Aiming for 7-8 hours of restful sleep per night allows your body and mind to recharge, improving your mood and overall well-being.
Try This: Take a 5-minute deep breathing break. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on slow, deep breaths for 5 minutes. This simple technique can help calm your nervous system and promote relaxation.
Acupuncture: A Natural Approach to Restoring Balance
Acupuncture has been practiced for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and I like to integrate this approach to help manage depression.
The insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body helps regulate the nervous system, promote deep relaxation, improve sleep and gut function, and enhance blood flow, effectively reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Try This: If you’re curious about acupuncture, check out this page and our FAQs or request a free consultation to learn more.
Targeted Supplementation to Fill Nutritional Gaps
Nutrient deficiencies are common and can be a major contributor to generalized mood disorders (GAD) like depression. One of the functional lab tests I use regularly is micronutrient testing, which can identify deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
Once identified, targeted supplementation can help address these deficiencies and support optimal brain function and neurotransmitter production.
Remember, supplements are not a magic bullet, but when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and dietary changes, they can play a supportive role in improving GADs like depression and anxiety.
Try This: Skip the multivitamin (for now)! Most aren’t well-absorbed or contain fillers. Instead, request a consultation to explore targeted supplementation with high-quality nutraceuticals that address your root cause.
Take Charge of Your Mood
Feeling empowered to take control of your mental health is a crucial step towards healing!
By implementing these functional medicine strategies and addressing the root cause of your depression, you can unlock lasting relief and experience a brighter outlook.
Ready to explore functional medicine solutions for depression?
Request a free 15-minute consultation with me, Dr. Martina Sturm.
I will listen to your unique concerns, assess your needs, and work with you to develop a comprehensive and personalized plan that addresses the root causes of your depression.
Together, we can create a plan to support your well-being and empower you to reclaim your life!
P.S. Stay tuned for a follow-up blog where I’ll take a deeper dive into the functional medicine approach to depression.
Resources
1. “Major Depression - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression. Accessed 11 March 2024.
2. Lin, Cheng, and Christina Athanasopoulou. “Understanding Side Effects of Antidepressants: Large-scale Longitudinal Study on Social Media Data.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8077932/. Accessed 11 March 2024.
3.“Depression - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression. Accessed 11 March 2024.
4. “Products - Data Briefs - Number 283 - August 2017.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 August 2017, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db283.htm. Accessed 11 March 2024.
5. Fournier, Jay C. “Antidepressant Drug effects and Depression Severity: A Patient-Level Meta-Analysis.” NCBI, 16 July 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3712503/. Accessed 11 March 2024.
6. “Initial Severity and Antidepressant Benefits: A Meta-Analysis of Data Submitted to the Food and Drug Administration.” NCBI, 26 February 2008, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2253608/. Accessed 11 March 2024.
7. “Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors versus placebo in patients with major depressive disorder. A systematic review with meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis.” NCBI, 8 February 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5299662/. Accessed 11 March 2024.
8. Barbui, C. “Side-effect profile of fluoxetine in comparison with other SSRIs, tricyclic and newer antidepressants: a meta-analysis of clinical trial data.” PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15744630/. Accessed 11 March 2024.
9. Kresser, Chris. “Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic State: Stress and Health.” Chris Kresser, 17 May 2019, https://chriskresser.com/sympathetic-vs-parasympathetic-state-how-stress-affects-your-health/. Accessed 11 March 2024.
10. Wikipedia, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2249.2010.04124.x. Accessed 11 March 2024.
11. “Effects of Mycotoxins on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Immune Processes.” PubMed, 5 June 2018, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29880330/. Accessed 11 March 2024.
12. “Association between variants of MTHFR genes and psychiatric disorders: A meta-analysis.” NCBI, 18 August 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9433753/. Accessed 11 March 2024.
13. “Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and psychiatric diseases - PMC.” NCBI, 5 November 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6218441/. Accessed 11 March 2024.
14. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dirty+genes+by+dr.+ben+lynch&crid=3C96NIU1973XZ&sprefix=dirty+genes%2Caps%2C243&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_11. Accessed 1 April 2024.