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Today, more than 37 million Americans take antidepressants every day—about 1 in 8 adults. Yet many people struggling with depression are never evaluated for deeper physiological, emotional, or environmental causes that may be contributing to their symptoms. Depression is rarely the result of a single chemical imbalance. Increasing research suggests it often arises from multiple interacting factors in the body and life environment. Below are ten root contributors frequently overlooked in conventional symptom-focused care. 1. Chronic Inflammation A growing body of research links depression with systemic inflammation in the body. Elevated inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and inflammatory cytokines are often found in individuals with depression. Inflammation can alter brain signaling and reduce the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters. Common contributors to inflammation include: - Poor diet - Chronic infections - Autoimmune conditions - Environmental toxins - Chronic stress 2. Gut Microbiome Imbalance The gut and brain are deeply connected through the gut–brain axis. Approximately 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, not the brain. Disruptions in gut bacteria—known as dysbiosis—can influence mood, anxiety, and emotional resilience. Potential contributors include: - Antibiotic overuse - Processed foods - Gut infections - Poor digestion 3. Hormonal Imbalances Hormones strongly influence brain chemistry and emotional regulation. Depression can be linked to imbalances in: - Thyroid hormones - Cortisol (stress hormone) - Estrogen and progesterone - Testosterone Many individuals—especially women—experience depressive symptoms during perimenopause, menopause, postpartum periods, or thyroid dysfunction. 4. Nutrient Deficiencies The brain depends on key nutrients to produce neurotransmitters. Deficiencies associated with depression include: - Vitamin B12 - Folate - Vitamin D - Magnesium - Omega-3 fatty acids - Iron - Zinc

In recent years, ketamine therapy has gained significant attention as a fast-acting treatment for depression, PTSD, chronic pain, and other mental health conditions. Clinics offering ketamine infusions have rapidly expanded across the United States, promising relief for people who have not responded to traditional antidepressants. While ketamine can provide short-term symptom relief for some individuals, the growing enthusiasm surrounding this treatment often overlooks important risks, long-term concerns, and unresolved questions about safety. Before pursuing ketamine therapy, patients should understand the full picture. What Is Ketamine? Ketamine was originally developed in the 1960s as a surgical anesthetic. It is still widely used in hospitals and veterinary medicine because of its powerful sedative and dissociative effects. In recent years, doctors began using low-dose ketamine infusions “off-label” to treat severe depression and suicidal thoughts. A related drug called esketamine (Spravato) later received FDA approval as a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine works primarily by affecting NMDA receptors in the brain, altering glutamate signaling. This temporarily increases neural plasticity and can produce rapid mood changes. However, the very mechanisms that create these rapid shifts also raise concerns about neurological and psychological stability over time. 1. Risk of Psychological Dependence Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance because it has a known potential for abuse and addiction. Repeated exposure can lead to psychological dependence. Some individuals begin to rely on ketamine treatments to maintain emotional stability, requiring repeated infusions to maintain the perceived benefit. Over time, tolerance can develop, leading to: - Increased dosing - More frequent treatments - Difficulty functioning without the drug In recreational settings, ketamine addiction is well documented and can lead to severe psychological impairment.

Chena Anderson ND is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: True Medicine Herbal Tea Time: Feb 7, 2026 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86115496034?pwd=1MWG2oLR3mklWv7XIBk0iij8P2RrXt.1 Meeting ID: 861 1549 6034 Passcode: TeaTime@9 Join instructions https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/86115496034/invitations?signature=j57eN_24pgMYlUsiOMNhnOzoAfbt9kKHBxdQ9tl0DY4