Depression: It's Not Just a Chemical Imbalance (w/Dr. Rachel Zoffness) [CLIP]

We've been sold a lie that depression is solely a matter of brain chemistry. The truth is, it's a complex interplay of biopsychosocial factors. Dr. Rachel Zoffness explains why this means there are more treatment options than you might think. Clip from a longer interview: • Omicron, Depression, I...
All our episodes together: zdoggmd.com/ta...
Find Dr. Zoffness here:
Website: www.zoffness.com/
Instagram: / therealdoczoff
Twitter: / drzoffness
Video archive, audio podcast, music parodies, Supporter Tribe membership, merch, social media, and email: lnk.bio/zdoggmd
Support us with a 1-time donation and get a personal email thank you from me: paypal.me/zdoggmd
More about Dr. Z: zdoggmd.com/ab...

[@Pryanychek]

Person with diagnosed major depression here. Meds has been an enormous help to getting out of the house and start doing things. Yes, I knew that I have to do sports, meet up with friends, and do hobbies (behavioural activation) but it has been almost IMPOSSIBLE when all I had energy for was to lay in bed and occasionally go out to get groceries. I am getting to feeling normal again, and sometimes I feel so happy I could cry.

[@snoozedoctor]

I'm a physician. My first major depressive episode occurred at age 40. I think it was precipitated by night call with sleep deprivation as well as co-worker difficulties that were significant psychic drains. In retrospect, I recognize that it was a gradual ramp down in mood. But, in the space of a few hours I went from feeling very depressed to very euphoric. That lasted for 5 days, needing very little sleep, 4 hours per night, and feeling refreshed and confident and relaxed at work. Then the bottom fell out and the next year can only be described as a nightmare. I could only manage 2 hours of sleep per night for months on end. I lost 50 pounds because I couldn't eat. I was so anxious that when the phone rang I would jump out of my seat. When you are in the throes of such a episode, and as a physician that handled many emergent situations calmly and unaffected, you realize very quickly that some biochemical or neural pathways are not operating as they should. In group therapy I felt completely out of place, not having experienced the tragic experiences of my fellow patients. When asked, I would say, "I have a great job, beautiful wife, wonderful children, work is stressful, but I have NO IDEA why I feel this way. Maybe it has something to do with the fact my grandfather committed suicide and almost all my aunts and uncles on that side of the family, including my mother, have had similar episodes." l don't think it's helpful to minimize the genetic component, something that undoubtedly involves biochemical process and predispositions that interact with the environment and result in much suffering. My hypomanic episode makes my diagnosis Bipolar Disorder type II. So it's not unipolar depression, but depression nevertheless and it is very much genetic and therefore involving neuronal processes. Subsequently, I've had several more episodes but I've been very much better on mood stabilizers. However, I do agree that a regimen of exercise, outdoor activity, healthy sleep habits and diet are more effective than SSRIs. I agree that the journey to depression is not just chemical imbalance, but once you're there, for me, it was obvious it was. Just my experience.

[@DonaldAMisc]

"It's okay to be sad. That doesn't mean you're depressed. It's okay to be worried. That doesn't mean you're anxious. It's okay to experience trauma. That doesn't mean you have PTSD. Not everything is a diagnosable issue." 🙌

[@beckidahmer1620]

You are right that it is ok to be sad, and not everyone that is sad has depression. However, those that have depression need help and when someone says something like this it can be very hurtful and make those with true clinical depression feel like you are minimizing their pain

[@hed2410]

​@@beckidahmer1620oh please! It's merely a statement of a truth. FGS, allow facets of reality to exist without the need for EVERYTHING to be construed as "taken personally" or " minimizing" other's experience.

[@heidi32500]

Retired RN here. I am taking responsibility for my bio social sphere as much as am able while living with treatment resistant depression. MDD. Ketamine kept me alive and got me out of my isolation. Still deeply depressed. I get outside, garden, picked up oil painting. There are several unresolved traumatic issues that I hope a new med will help me get through (Vraylar). I just need to get through this trying time. I meditate every day to keep my sanity. I think retiring from nursing was a trigger, a loss, an identity which now I am having to redefine. Depression is very very real and we are doing our best with the tools we have. No blame. No shame.

[@realrobh]

Here is a digital hug 🤗

[@nvisblfist1]

Have you tried Expressive Writing? If you have, are you still doing it?

[@Duelweb]

I would love for you to have a monthly slot with this amazing guest, Dr. Rachel Zofness! You guys make a great team!

[@thomaslopez6518]

Weekly guest

[@theladymirage]

100 agrees.

[@Syncere20]

Agree

[@casino9240]

Are they related? It is uncanny, the looks and the mannerisms.

[@techguy651]

People get mad at me when I tell them about having years long depression and that I fixed it by doing a lot of introspection, figuring out that I needed to be a father, and then shifting my entire life around that goal. It’s taboo in our culture to want to help other people fix the thing that’s causing their depression. We’re just supposed to accept that we have shitty, worthless lives and indefinitely take drugs to cope with it. We’re living in Brave New World.

[@arthursfist7090]

How did you start doing introperspection?

[@Sharon-fc2jt]

I am with you. The psychosocial profession completely failed in helping me. NO meds…No psychotherapy touched my pain. I figured out how to heal myself. Taking ownership of one’s life is fundamentally necessary for healing. Everyone is individual and you need to trust that you can figure out what is needed and then practice what is needed. Life is painful! For those most in pain, there is a reason for that pain. Learn from the pain. Empathy for others is one thing I learned. Resilience is another. Helping others helped me. Distracting myself with starting and running a business was most helpful. Feel, breathe, learn, act…this is life…it is normal.

[@beckidahmer1620]

while I agree that often people do not want to address an issue that is causing symptoms of depression, or triggering symptoms, sometimes there is no "fix" or even "cause" of their depression. There may be factors that affect it, like losing someone close, failing at something important, losing a job or hope, but not all of the people who suffer from depression have a "root cause" and just have depression. I am one of these people. I have been in multiple different kinds of therapy for over 20 years, been in and out of a toxic marriage, had good and bad relationships with my family and friends. Regardless of this, I have ALWAYS had depression. I have always suffered from it. I am glad that you were able to find purpose in your life and adjust to meet those goals, but think about this. what if you shifted your entire life to become a father. You now have 3 or 4 kids. all 4 of them die in a car accident and you were driving. Now, because your entire life revolved around being a father, you will likely have self esteem issues, identity crisis "am I still a father", and your relationships with others will likely be affected by their thoughts and opinions on your childrens deaths and how you react to them. Dont get me wrong, I wish no parent ever had to lose a child, and I supremely hope this doesnt happen to you, just remember that we dont always know what is going on for someone else, so we cant assume that because we are in a good place now, that they could (or should) be there too

[@arleensantos3397]

My mom was a smart woman with very little education but lots of common sense. She refused to take meds to numb her brain (her words, not mine), she was a go-getter and always tried to overcome her depression. She was also extremely positive and always pushing her brain to be positive. She overcame depression and depressive thoughts every day. She is my motivation.

[@beckidahmer1620]

thats great for some people. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that have this opinion about psych meds, and its unfortunate because if you need medication, you need medication,. Yes, some people can overcome depression without meds, just as some people with diabetes can change their dietary habits and lose weight and manage their diabetes that way, but other will need medication and/ or insulin as their bodies are not able to function appropriately regardless of weight, diet, exercise. So, while I dont think you mean to minimize patients who need medications, I just think its important to remember that all 3 factors play a role, some of the 3 factors are more critical for some patients, and while some can overcome the bio by doing great with the psycho and social, this is not always the case, and there is no shame in needing help, with ANY of the 3 aspects, meaning counseling, meds, or social supports

[@jeanninecanino9452]

I was diagnosed with GAD years ago, and my psychiatrist told me from the beginning that I would have to “do the work”. Yes, I’m on meds, BUT, I’m also in therapy, I do the effing work! I need both.

[@katherineknowles5069]

Love it when the 2 Dr. Zs get together for discussions! ❤Always insightful and informative 😊

[@AlvaroGilFernandez]

Handling emotions is the key and very complex.

[@LS-jr1wv]

I agree with this 💯. However, there is one very important component that wasn't discussed, diet. Diet is key to mental health. My personal observation is that depression has increased significantly in the last 30 years, and in that time frame our diet has turned to shit. We now, for the most part, consume food like substances rather than actual food. Far too many chemicals, preservatives and additives. Greed is the culprit.

[@johnpray8334]

Truth. They’ll gladly make us sick for a buck, especially if you’re already financially struggling.

[@mariettamullin322]

So glad I tuned in. Thankyou!!!

[@dond668]

22.45 patients participating in their own wellness. So important but so many, even highly educated, are completely clueless and unable to understand this simple concept let alone take steps to heal themselves. They might take a pill on their own but somebody else needs to hold their hand and guide them through every step alone the way.

[@susanbizeau9936]

This is very strange. I learned all of this in nursing school in the 1970's. I guess medical school has finally caught up

[@venagunches4045]

Me too! I can't figure out wth they do in 12 yrs that has them less functional than us with 2 or 4 yr college? I often tell things to docs I learned in the 70's. New info to the docs huh?

[@bishop51807]

Lool😂

[@HWolfe]

😂😅

[@realrobh]

Interesting Did you go to school i, the US or outside?

[@JJNow-gg9so]

I'm a RN too from the 1970's. I relate.

[@christopherhall1656]

So happy to see Dr. Zoffness back on the show! She has been one of my favorites and as an aspiring therapist, I always love what she has to say.

[@mancient]

It is important to remember that to depress (yes, I think it should be a verb) has many causes. Yes, activity can be very helpful. But for some, especially people who are HSP, rest and sleep is necessary. The synaptic pruning happening during sleep can be helpful. I am antimeds and have no faith in antipsychotics and antidepressants. I believe that a better approach is to give a low-dose benzo - which should always come with a plan to quit short-term - to help people relax. Therapist since 1983 here...

[@karenjohannessen8987]

DrZ1 & DrZ2 = You Both get Many Many Gold Stars for today's conversation! TY

[@Logotic]

It is always such a great brain-firing joy to listen to Dr. Zoffness, I've missed her insights and am really delighted to see her turn up in my feed!

[@mikewhitaker2244]

Thank you, Dr. Zs. I enjoyed this session. I retired from the fire/ems service on ptsd and what Dr. Rachel said is what helped me work my way through the problems. It would be nice to talk to you guys in person sometime, but I'm on the wrong coast.

[@thebobthebobanite6287]

Jim Carrey said it best, depression is your self telling you it’s done with the avatar you created. You can easily torture yourself without your awareness, and that true self will do anything to escape.

[@adelepartridge9484]

Gold stars don't stop for Rachel. She is a role model for her country. We need this sort of explanation in my country. Especially after this pandemic. I will buy her book. X

[@christinepadua593]

Very insightful! The both of you are on point!

[@sarahmarie5464]

I would like to visit on trauma. I think thats another area that needs another update. I see so many interviews where the questions or responses by the interviewer are very confused. I understand that many claim ptsd, but as in the beginning of this video i quote "theres a spectrum"

[@nvisblfist1]

Thoughts lead to Actions that become Behaviors that turn into Habits which make up You and You control Your thoughts.

[@montyollie]

I would LOVE to hear the two of you talk about the difference between "anxiety" and "anxious feelings". I scream everytime someone talks about how they can't do xyz "because of their anxiety". I think they think they have an anxiety disorder, vs simple anxious feelings. Lots of people do things despite anxious feelings.

[@maryhackney3545]

Dr. Zoffness is amazing! More of this, please.

[@reneeharkness1337]

One of my best friends killed herself last April. She was caught in this loop for so many years. She had huge familial mental health issues and was sexually assaulted by her mothers’ boyfriends. She cut out most of her good friends in the November before she killed herself last year. She had so many doctors but lived in a very toxic relationship. I would like to think if she had seen this talk, she would still be alive. However, that is something we will never know.

[@JenniferAguiartampa]

You both WIN the internet today!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@theladymirage]

I'm pretty sure this is repeat clip, not complaining about that.. but you need another interview with her, I LOVE the discussions between you two.

[@AlvaroGilFernandez]

We have advanced a lot, but in all fields we are still in pampers. There will always come times that finds new and better explanations , scientific advances, science changes. Remember physicalogy is a work in progress.

[@hcellix]

My 22 year old Son has finally come to me about his depression. He says it's a feeling of thoughts that won't stop. I have no idea how to help. We have had him at therapy. His mother has a severe anti-social disorder mixed with other disorders, the doctor told me, and all I can tell you is that it could be a movie. His 6 year older sister lived with her mother until 3 when my wife and I removed her from her mothers home. It was just a week ago when he told me these details about his problems and we accepted his as he is and he seems better because of that with a loaf lifted off of him. This will probably fade, but it's still a step forward.

[@r.c.obrien4595]

He sounds a bit traumatised. Can happen when a parent, in this case his mother, has a major mental health disorder and there is neglect toward younger siblings etc. My approach to thoughts that won't stop is this; it's my mind and I get to decide what goes on in there. If they won't stop I replace them with a better one. Sometimes I repeat the same thought for hours on end until 'bad' ones just get pissed off and leave. A prayer, a mantra, or an affirmation, it doesn't matter. ' I'm a good person' that will do. Anything you want. He needs to understand that his mind is like a chainsaw. A very useful, powerful and potentiality dangerous tool. He needs to learn how to control it. You tell IT what to cut, not the other way round. I would recommend counselling for trauma, cognitive behavioural therapy. Prayer, meditation, mindfulness also brilliant. If he can't afford the treatment like most people, buy him 'The power of now' by eckhart tolle. Be the best 20 bucks you ever spent and save him 20 years of therapy. Best of luck to you, him and the rest of your family. I'll say a prayer for you both

[@kl-ue6zl]

With respect, you two seem like wonderfully functional people. I agree depression is definitely multi-faceted, and we each bear responsibility for how we respond to things and choose to grow in life, and CBT is really effective! But as a person not experiencing abuse, have shed toxic relationships as a young adult, have a meaningful career interacting closely with many patients, I gave birth years ago naturally- using the same cognitive awareness about pain that you shared during your dental treatment (some pain is helpful, indeed necessary, for things to come about- like a body giving birth). I also have no perplexing issues ongoing, I love nature and believe it is definitely a form of medicine for me to be out hiking and exploring, I have been a runner all my life and belive sports were and still are a key component for me mentally and physically, so I continue to train/cross train, having rich experiences of injuries and illnesses. I play piano and enjoy my grown kids and grandkids, I love my rescue dogs and find great stress relief just hanging out with them after work. I have challenging goals still, eat organically, stay properly hydrated since all that helps me achieve my half marathon goals and handle long shifts at work, etc. I have no trouble sleeping- it's actually something I'm better than most at. I try to maintain balance in my life so I don't go downhill again, I've had counseling, am doing "everything right" and I don't have negative self talk going on. My self talk is more like a level headed coach. The pandemic was great for me since I'm an introvert, already was a germaphobe, and none of my patients died. The major depression that I've dealt with since being a young adult actually improved during the pandemic. But I have ADHD and constantly have to "act normal" when around any other people so I don't come off as crazy or weird. Acting constantly is hard, exhausting and frustrating. I had to finally try medications about 10 years ago (my bloodwork is good, etc) so after just wanting to die because I'm sick of being here and seeing the horrible atrocities on the news (I've been limiting my exposure to it and basically dumped social media except for educational videos like this, since I believe we should never stop learning.) I do think you both may really not grasp what major depression does to a person even doing as much as they can to help themselves. It's super limiting and hard to function like I want to or like "everybody else". Medications have saved my life at least twice, and I still hate taking them. I don't want to have to need pills to be normal. (I also never drank smoked or did drugs since those things never appealed to me.) Yet I struggle ALL THE TIME with anxiety for no reason. I practice breathing techniques, tell myself I'm fine, etc. And still some days it's debilitating. I wish people without mental illnesses could realize how nice it is to have a well functioning brain.

[@christianhorvath791]

Medication doesn’t fix anything, it Helps you cope so you can do the work to get better. But people don’t. They think it’s actually the fix.

[@oolala53]

We always feel better around other people? I don’t feel like I do. Some social situations make me feel better and some make me feel a lot worse. I was actually relieved for a lot of the shut down because I felt like I was off the hook, having to go and try to socialize with people. I did get involved with people online and read in groups, and it actually took me a few months to realize that I have not had a personal conversation live with anybody for all that time besides, just getting some groceries. BTW, David Brown, who wrote Feeling Good, had a mentor, Aaron Beck, who was the original force behind CBT.

[@thesandravshow]

So my understanding was there are two different types of depression. There is the chemical side where an individual will just be depressed no matter how unproblematic their life is. Then there are individuals are depressed about what’s going on in their life or where they are in their life.

[@invisiblepinkunicorn7626]

I had years of therapy, and have had to take medication since 1982, so…I think in my case it was a combination of both. I can’t answer for anyone else, I’m no doctor. It’s really frustrating sometimes, I have no reason whatsoever some days to feel bad, but I just can’t convince myself to do anything, and it’s like being in a fog, and some days I’m pretty much ok. I have a family history, as well….so…

[@MaxandMe]

Most people want an easy fix. Taking a pill seems easy. Feeling better with a pill could very well be placebo, thinking it will fix you makes you feel better. So very complex. Good discussion.

[@mommasoto]

"depression lives in the middle of a bio/psycho/social recipe" perfect! it is multilayered and every layer, they ALL need love, care and attention.

[@MBEG89]

Ive spent 11 to 25 in a state of depression. Its been almost a decade and Ive been doing much better, almost normal.

[@spaight711]

1:30 Re definitions etc and how we label. I distinctly remember during my psych rotations in school working in a crisis clinic and being given a scoring tool worksheet to fill out while observing an interview with a patient. I filled it out. It was a simple tool. Not a lot was up for debate on it. I was told I should change some of my answers because the patient didn’t meet the criteria for admission based on the score and they wanted to admit. It was at that moment that I lost most of the respect I had for the practice of acute care psychiatry. We weren’t there to genuinely help anybody. We were there to fill beds with bodies.

[@peterfreeman7369]

People who think too much have a problem with processing Serotonin so they over think to make up more. If they are emotional thoughts, that means they also have problems processing nor-epinephrine as that triggers the emotional/Limbic system.

[@alexwyoungmusic]

Love this one i get depressed about not being where i want to be career wise and in life. Im going to try this because ill often times shut down for a day or 2 and then get moving after that

[@drinkwalter9346]

I had pstd that cause depression from war , I understand your plight and you can really heal with the help of psychedelic mushroom, it is the best experience that took me from that black hole

[@drinkwalter9346]

*Formulah11*

[@drinkwalter9346]

They sell

[@jessman8597]

I can't believe it. I just taught this at the church. Although there's a spiritual component to it as well. You did touch on it when you talked about "meditation." Great conversation.

[@nirvana1221]

This was an excellent watch. You both make an amazing team!

[@ketoonkratom]

Love One Another

[@anntrope491]

Get more sunlight, get a good night's sleep, eat right, take vitamins, & minerals, exercise, listen to music, clean your home, paint your space, do art, & crafts, photography, get a pet, change jobs, avoid narcissists, avoid taking medication with side effects of suicide, & homicide !!

[@beckidahmer1620]

So, I absolutely love this video. I have significant "moderate to severe depression" per my medical diagnosis. I have been dealing with it my entire life, but was diagnosed around 22. I am now 40 and have been on and off antidepressants, and while on have tried many different kinds, and increased and decreased doses, but have always needed medication. The limited times I was off, I went downhill fast and was close to suicide. Thankfully, I was also in therapy, and have an amazing support system of family and friends, so I was able to pull out of the spiral. I also have anxiety, OCD, and about 2 years ago was also diagnosed with ADHD, hypothyroidism, and a unique form of anemia. For close 20 20 years, I was told that my depression was responsible for my fatigue, my lack of concentration, my chronic pain, and so many other things. It took me advocating for myself to get the other things diagnosed (including now sleep apnea). I think truthfully, its not neccesarily ONLY big pharma that promotes the medication issue of depression and other mental health concerns. I think our healthcare system overall is overwhelmed, and worst of all in mental and behavioral health. I did a report that there is, on average, only 1 mental health prescriber for every 9,000 patients in the US, and counselors are around 1 for every 600 to 1500, depending on the source and "definition" of "counselor". So even if only half of those people in a given area need mental or behavioral health care, thats still more than any provider can accommodate. PCPs end up taking on the slack, though most are not extremely qualified or willing to prescribe medications, and do not have the resources to be a counselor for patients. I truly think that ultimately, we need to re-work the mental health system to incorporate some sort of nurse/ case manager type role that helps coordinate resources for patients, not just providing a list of counselors in the are or support groups, because lets be real, how mny counselors are accepting new patients and/ or can get you in and/ or accept your insurance, but someone that takes some of that onus off of the patient and helps them with insurance coordination, scheduling, transportation to appointments, maybe even reminders, because we all know that if you miss 2 appointments, most counselors and psychiatrists will remove you from their patient list, which I understand because they are so busy. but also the patients that need the care most are the most likely to miss the appointments, possibly because they are anxious, possibly because their body is not cooperating with getting out of bed or driving to appointments, or possibly because they just plain forget with the distraction associated with depression. So, Anyway, thank you for this video, I will definitely share with many friends, who as lay persons would not understand the many reasons behind depression, and thankfully I have tons of support for myself, but yeah, if you have any ideas for alternative help solutions for patients with depression, im all ears. Knowing that the bio is not the only part does not mean everyone has the resources to form social connections and/ or the knowledge or training for things like thought stopping, building bridges, and oher cognitive therapy techniques to get them back to a good place. I know that my 8 year old's depression and OCD are in huge part because of me and my issues, and I try daily to not let that affect her bonding, social attachment, psychology, etc, but it helps knowing that she also has immense supports when I fail her. Again, thank you so much for this video!

[@drinkwalter9346]

I had pstd that cause depression from war , I understand your plight and you can really heal with the help of psychedelic mushroom, it is the best experience that took me from that black hole

[@drinkwalter9346]

*Formulah11*

[@drinkwalter9346]

They sell

[@Progressivelyyou]

Can you please someday make a video of the bio/psycho/social components of things like benign fasciculation syndrome, fibromyalgia and other types of these illnesses please? 🙏🙏🙏

[@peterfreeman7369]

You are looking at depression backwards. Endorphin processing creates the euphoria of well being. Lack of processing of endorphins created the “emptiness” of feeling like something is missing. Activity regulates endorphin release. Some people are genetically unable to process endorphins efficiently and thus are predisposed to that angsty, empty feeling called depression. Thus people have to increase the level of activity to make up for the processing inefficiency.

[@StevenLeMieux]

So I watch Angelo and Suzanne's channels but I have to say only recently have I stumbled on yours just throwing it out there dude I love your channel you are an awesome amazing guy! It's really cool to see you describe social media identities the other day and then dive directly into watching you unfold as an authentic more authentic version of yourself live so freaking cool.

[@birabentjulien609]

Sometimes forcing yourself to do stuff is what is getting you depressed in the first place. You're fighting yourself at this point which just creates self hatred even more. Connecting to others is very important for sure, but I would argue that the very fact that we are depressed, is that we can't genuinely connect with others on a deeper level on the first place, we can't even connect with ourselves because we don't know or don't remember what is feels.

[@karenkaren3189]

Please try Magnesium Glycinate ( after checking with yr physician). It’s been a game changer for me

[@nvisblfist1]

Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual = 4 Quadrants of Health

[@christinasefton4839]

How about dissociate schitzophrenic disorder? I want to know more about this.

[@PinkyBar374]

Gosh , love this , thank you Zubin and Rachel .

[@VW-su2bu]

Losing my job as a therapeutic yoga teacher during the COVID shutdown marked the beginning of a major period depression I am still working through. Still unemployed 😢

[@munkeepawify]

Sadness and clinical depression are two different animals. Sadness can be cured by changing your thinking or CBT, lifestyle changes etc. Fortunately SSRI and other meds work for both. This creates a problem of diagnosing simply by medication response. The most effective AD meds are MAOI's. SSRI's are big profit makers thus corporations have made them almost obsolete.

[@alias9025]

Read Aristotle on the relation between formal and material causes. A formal description talks about mental events; material description focuses on the physiological description. They do not describe separate things but on different ways of describing the same object of experience. Historically, the soul was the form and the body was the matter. They existed together.

[@peterfreeman7369]

Genetics is involved with Inefficiency of endorphin processing

[@mercedeswarrenash5929]

I’ve watched so many conversations between you and Rachel. I’ve recently found an artist who is the epitome of the intersections of bio..psycho…social… and spiritual aspects of what it is to be human. Please watch Hi Ren by Ren!!! Much of his work is also your work in different fields.

[@ascendantindigo271]

When the left and right hemi-spheres of the brain are in a state of sustained synchronicity, you will see, what only a 3rd eye could see. A holy Tetrahedron at the center of the Mind. I've survived 3 fluoride detox's, 1 mercury detox, 3 lead detox's and I AM ALIVE! I feel 20 and I just turned 52. You'll never truly believe in the Soul until you feel it. I'm talking an overwhelming appreciation for things that use to piss you off. The heart is the physical manifestation of the Soul. When my connection was calcified I felt hollow and dark. The true meaning of life...Never felt "hopeless". Warning I did these detox's according to each's Chelating Protocols and over a 3 year period. You must bind and expel Mercury and Lead. Mercury and Lead Detox - Nascent Iodide, Selenium,Boron and Manganese. Please research before executing any detox. I do love you all.

[@deedeewinfrey3181]

Its all in your mind.

[@marioct130]

Medicating Normal

[@DEFPIT]

I love this woman. She speaks… I listen

[@marioct130]

Depression is not caused by an absence of psych pills

[@Robqu1et]

Really enjoyed this talk but just wanted to add and ill preface this by saying i'm no scientist and could definitely be wrong here but wanted to add that I think I heard recently based off studies they have found no convincing link between serotonin levels and depression.

[@helen677]

I can’t help feeling that the way we were separated from each other during Covid was deliberate act by our Governments to make us all depressed. To make us more malleable. 😢😢

[@Kati-did]

Please make minute 2:56 a short. I want to find it and listen to it over and over when I am down and send to friends!

[@A2Zdogmd]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ I want to hug Rachel! 🤗⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@nrudy]

Master and his Emmisary is a great book. Mcgilchrist just released "The Matter with Things" which I can't wait to dig into.

[@reneebentley2804]

I love listening to the both of you! ❤

[@r.c.obrien4595]

The physical symptoms CAN actually come on long before the mental dialogue starts. This literally just happened me over the last few months. Same way if your in chronic pain for 6 months you will inevitably end up with a negative internal dialogue so its not always cut and dry. Ive just had a major bout of depression with zero negative internal dialogue or intrusive thoughts present. Granted, i have alot of practice controling my dialogue, thoughts etc. But still, physical symptoms are still present. It makes it alot easier to cope with in fairness. Its dangerous to try hold a fixed position on this topic simply because we just dont know what the underlying cause is. It may very well be spiritual and totally beyond our current level of comprehension. Is big pharma right?? Clearly not...but anyone who thinks they have this thing pegged down is delusional

[@peterfreeman7369]

No, Serotonin is only for frontal cortex processing. Activity is connected to Dopamine as this is the endorphin associated with sensory processing

[@whichwitchswitchedtheswiss]

That’s a really REALLY good video to watch it full of information that are true not the Common ones which not always true

[@wearashirt]

Loving the 'awake' topics. i wonder if you'll touch on THE 'awake' topic in modern medicine.

[@evarogalsweiss9621]

I feel like children learn negative thought patterns and poor emotional regulation strategies in homes where the parents are depressed. So depression can be learned. Does that sound crazy?

[@mlcarey1000]

I agree but would also add the education system that promotes victimhood

[@jaimealmodovar1307]

Still waiting for the benzos pt 2 discussion Dr 🙏

[@kazzey888]

Can't wait to listen. I love you both. I always wonder if Dr zoffness knows Nicole Sachs, Dr schubiner, curable app, Dr clarke. Dr dan Ratner, all the rest of the others in the mind body, Dr sarno

[@grizzlybear4]

Isn't the chemical imbalance theory being disproven these days?

[@Progressivelyyou]

Here I am, taking my antidepressant, nodding in agreement

[@jamiefields7888]

Excellent.

[@mariettamullin322]

Wait. What??? Pain? Chronic worsening pain for thirty years. It has to change.

[@lara.khatchikian]

The data I have on antidepressants is a pill most refuse to swallow; thank you

[@billhesford6098]

I never overcame it.

[@wowwowwow185]

i think depression makes your thoughts negative when your not depressed you don't have negative thoughts as much when i had depression i couldn't control my thoughts i think depression is a brake it's saying stop your pushing to hard your burned out , its very real i found anti depressants really helped me i,ve been on them twenty five years . once my mood lifts then i can do the work ,i agree it's not just a pill , but people do confuse the blues with depression there is reactive depression ,to bad life events ,but clinical depression is very real too it should be called a mood disorder if you had it comes on like a dark cloud some people end up in hospital and you can get very ill with it once the medication kicks in its like the lights coming on again or it was for me and you can't believe how you/ve been thinking sucidal etc

[@grandmazelda14]

Thanks!

[@grandmazelda14]

Thanks for the reminders. I know most of what you said and read Dr. Burns’ book. I forget these wonderful skills once I get overwhelmed.

[@ZDoggMD]

Thanks Tricia 🙏

[@malcolmjelani3588]

I wouldn't say depression is a flaw in character either.

[@Jacob-Vivimord]

@@angied1178 Dr Z clarified in less than two minutes that "in reality, nothing is your fault, because we are what we are". Hold your horses. Jumping to conclusions and judging quickly and harshly is one of said character flaws.

[@HeyYall398]

The political trend of ignoring natural remedies and treatments in favor of more expensive and invasive medical procedures. The author argues that this trend is harmful to patients, both financially and in terms of their health. They also argue that it is based on a misunderstanding of the science of natural medicine. I love the history of natural medicine. They note that natural remedies have been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments. They also note that many of these remedies have been shown to be effective in clinical trials. The current political climate in the United States. They note that there is a growing trend of distrust of science and expertise. They also note that there is a growing trend of corporatization of the healthcare system. These trends are leading to a decline in the use of natural medicine. They argue that this is a harmful trend, both financially and in terms of patients' health. They also argue that it is based on a misunderstanding of the science of natural medicine. I conclude by calling for a more balanced approach to healthcare. They argue that we should not ignore the potential benefits of natural medicine. They also argue that we should not let the corporatization of the healthcare system lead to a decline in the quality of care that patients receive. Here are some of the key points from the article: * Natural remedies have been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments. * Many natural remedies have been shown to be effective in clinical trials. * There is a growing trend of distrust of science and expertise in the United States. * There is a growing trend of corporatization of the healthcare system. * The decline in the use of natural medicine is a harmful trend, both financially and in terms of patients' health. * We should not ignore the potential benefits of natural medicine. * We should not let the corporatization of the healthcare system lead to a decline in the quality of care that patients receive.

[@tommym8trix]

I wouldn't change it

[@gg_rider]

@@HeyYall398 why focus on "natural" pharma instead of looking at dysfunctional thinking, associated feelings, confusion, inner fixed beliefs, and relative ability to adapt to life challenges? That would be most obvious and direct.

[@rebeccajones9757]

I agree. No one chooses misery. There are a lot of things we can do to improve, but we need help. We can't do it on our own. I have been helped by both medications and therapy and I say use whatever resources you have available.

[@kimlec3592]

The medicalisation of sorrow is the real problem. Stop demanding to be happy. A lot of life is incredibly hard. People selling you the idea you have an illness because of human response to loss is the only real problem

[@oolala53]

Emotions can contribute to depression? Depression IS emotion. That seems like circular logic.

[@spaight711]

18:45 I LOVE perverted scrabble! Our rule is dirty/bad words are double score…

[@peterfreeman7369]

You people need to learn about cortical feedback loops

[@tommym8trix]

You guys look like siblings.. Amazing talk though xxx

[@mommasoto]

right?! I was thinking the exact same thing! they could be twins even

[@karenjohannessen8987]

See Sen John Fetterman of PA for an excellent example.

[@philoshua]

"but in reality nothing is your fault because we are what we are" - I love when people move quickly from their area of expertise into total philosophical nonsense

[@haveaday1812]

You mean inference? Because that’s how we learn. By taking what we know, inferring a larger truth, and seeking to update that belief when presented with new information. You know, the yin and the yang.

[@targetfootball7807]

That's not philosophical nonsense. In the same way you can't control your bio-chemical levels, your childhood situation, how much cash you start life with, your genes, what happens to you from the outside, how your body responds to everything, or even your own thoughts or ideas, you can't be said to be responsible for anything. In the same way you don't beat your own heart, or plan your digestion, you're not really responsible or in control of anything. Science shows this, not just some kinds of philosophy.

[@philoshua]

@@targetfootball7807 But Dr. Z doesn't believe this, and neither do you. You both blame people for things all the time and you think, for example, that Hitler was morally responsible for the Holocaust in a way that a toddler is not responsible for knocking over a glass. There are a vast number of accounts of moral responsibility and fault that are consistent with the truths you mention. But a non-expert like Z doesn't know about those and so pronounces confidently as a layman without realizing it, something he hates when people do it to his area of expertise.

[@pat2562]

​@@targetfootball7807 Exactly. I have 7 siblings, all 8 of us born in 10 years. The oldest was adopted at birth and we all knew this all our lives, but then 3 years ago, we learned #6 is not my father's child. We never suspected as we all look vaguely related, but all my adult life I have joked, "#6 didn't inherit the "Smith" family depression/anxiety genes". The adopted one and #6 even joke in a way that is just different than my father (who raised us all in the same home) and the rest of us and #6, at 65, plays baseball just as his biological father did into his 60's whereas the father who raised all of us, was a klutz and no one else played in organized sports. Adopted bro had a beautiful, flowing handwriting completely different from the rest of us but very similar to his full biological sister whom he found after searching for his birth family. She was younger than he and grew up across the country but sibling #4 happened to move there and she lived in a nearby town so he got to know her. She and adopted bro connected in a fundamental way I can't quite put my finger on but sibling #4 said they were very much alike. The choices we make matter, but in reality, we control about 2% of who we are.

[@bettyfreddy8377]

What if your community isnt supportive

[@Sharon-fc2jt]

I understand…it can be a source of fuel to depression. I have accepted that family cannot be the community to support me as they cannot understand. I find and build my own “community”…which is only a few friends. That is enough for me. ❤

[@YeahNah100]

This episode was brought to you by Zubin’s Man Milk.

[@susanbizeau9936]

"Oh man"😂

[@magnumopus7199]

Swami Lahksmanjoo would have his dentist operate with no Anesthesia

[@stevemeyer2913]

Kennedy 2024. The thought of him as President makes me happy : ^ )

[@thomaslopez6518]

I think you should re name the video. The chemical imbalance myth has been repeatedly disproved. The way you title this video, Dr. Z, "Depression Is not just a chemical imbalance problem"... The fact is quite often it has absolutely NOTHING to do with chemicals on the brain at all

[@pinpingmckay8041]

Disagree, it is not only a chemical imbalance or genetics or psycho social, or nutrition, bio chemical, environment. It is all of these.

[@peterfreeman7369]

You totally missed nor-epinephrine