Real Causes of Depression Revealed! (And What You Can Do To Fix it)

In this video, Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring dives into the complexities of depression, challenging the usual explanations around its causes and treatment. Instead of focusing on the typical “chemical imbalance” theory, he sheds light on how factors like metabolic health and dietary choices play a major role in managing depression. Through a review of scientific studies, Dr. Josef reveals the strong connection between obesity, metabolic risk factors, and depression, showing why a shift in diet can be one of the most powerful steps to reduce the risk of depression. By the end of this video, you’ll understand why focusing on your diet could be key to improving mental health outcomes.
Chapters:
02:49 The Role of Metabolic Health in Depression
06:04 Dietary Interventions: A Path to Mental Wellness
08:47 Conclusions and Further Resources
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[@critter4004]

I was able to taper off Effexor over a 3 year period by slowly dropping the dose, opening the capsules and weighing on a micrograms scale, doing 5% drops ONLY when I felt stabilized to proceed. I fully believe that going keto during this time helped tremendously.

[@trickcyclist1]

Dropped 5% every week?

[@kismet-o6k]

Too much stress can make you feel depressed

[@Nancy-x8r]

What's stress? We all have problems...not relevant.

[@kismet-o6k]

@ There is such a thing as burnout.

[@Nancy-x8r]

@kismet-o6k I agree. But get so tired of people saying everything is stress instead of looking at real cause. What is stress anyway?

[@kismet-o6k]

@ Another way of describing stress is burnout

[@Nancy-x8r]

@kismet-o6k it's too vague. Stress is too vague...it's the excuse doctors make to blame you when they don't know.

[@JIMMYJREVIEWS_thaiM-A-F-I-A]

You know what makes me depressed is the government taking away chronic pain patients medication to combat the war on illegal street drugs and of courseillegal fentanyl. And another thing that makes me depressed is that our lives as chronic pain patients are already bad enough but yet we follow all the rules we paid for a $1200 insurance per month and a little quality of life we have because of our pain medication , gets taken away from us. That’s what makes me really depressed and also that we don’t have a voice no one sticks up for us ! We are just collateral damage in the failed war on drugs… that’s what depressed me.

[@stevekaylor5606]

Very much so: Health Care, Mental Health, dentistry, insurance, etc. - attempt to secure financialization solvency, within an international system with $2 thousand trillion of gambled-up claims. Thus, this system must be put through a 1933-like bankruptcy reorganization - then costs will become affordable!

[@JIMMYJREVIEWS_thaiM-A-F-I-A]

@@stevekaylor5606 Indeed!!✅

[@JIMMYJREVIEWS_thaiM-A-F-I-A]

Also the CDC lies, and how do they lie? every illegal opioid death or overdose gets lumped in with PRESCRIPTION OPIOID DEATHS ! For example, if someone dies of heroin overdose, it gets lumped in with PRESCRIPTION OPIOID DEATHS… if someone dies a fentanyl ? It gets lumped in with. PRESCRIPTION OPIOID DEATHS! The CDC does not have a PRESCRIPTION OPIOID DEATH ONLY section ! Here’s another example as someone died of a heart attack, but they had a prescription for oxycodone. The coroner will put it down as” prescription opioids had a part in this person‘s death” when in fact, the person really died of a heart attack, but guess what? That person’s death gets marked as a PRESCRIPTION OPIOID DEATH!!! even though they died of a heart attack ! How do I know I called them eight times! And talked to two different supervisors. And ask them. I want to know how many overdose deaths there are from. PRESCRIPTION OPIOID DEATH ONLY.! mini the person took their prescription went home and overdosed on their prescription opioids ONLY! Nothing more! And you know what the supervisor is from the CDC told me? WE DON’T HAVE THAT INFORMATION, SIR BECAUSE THAT INFORMATION IS SO SMALL THAT WE CAN’T GRAPH IT OR NUMBER IT.! but yet here we are.. they never was a PRESCRIPTION OPIOID CRISIS! There is only a ILLEGAL DRUG AND ILLEGAL FENTANYL CRISIS! But who is paying for this? THE CHRONIC PAIN COMMUNITY.! the VETERANS! The CANCER PATIENTS! PEOPLE ON HOSPICE , PEOPLE ON PALLIATIVE CARE! The chronic pain community is paying the price for the FAILED war on drugs ! Not the drug dealers, not the cartels.. BUT THE CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS THAT’S WHO IS PAYING FOR IT ! My country and my government LYING TO ME AND THE REST OF THE PUBLIC! And this is what really DEPRESSES ME! Everything I’m saying here can be fat checked from the CDC themselves!

[@stacisrainbownursery7825]

I’m so very sorry. This is unacceptable. No one should have to suffer! 🙏

[@stevekaylor5606]

@@stacisrainbownursery7825 The suffering of patients is being procedured--up and moneyed-up by sincere operatives, until the next Quarter. Their sincerity can be tricky!

[@rosieaustin9911]

I did carnivore to lose weight but instead it healed me more than anything…. I don’t do it anymore but I do eat sugar & wheat free. I’m almost prescription free

[@katsm-wo9704]

Does that mean you eat only meat or are you also able to have other animal products or vegetables?

[@rosieaustin9911]

@@katsm-wo9704you can do it anyway u like. I did all meats (seafood, eggs, beef bacon etc) plus dairy. Then I added berries. Then nuts.

[@emmajayne2373]

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies have alot to do with health. D3&K2 Magnesium. Potassium. Pro-biotics. Zinc & vitamin B complex works wonders. Low carb and IF works.

[@jeanpaultongeren125]

I do them all :)

[@renekukard9279]

You are a brilliant doctor. Thank you.

[@ChristineSalus]

What would you suggest to a person who is metabolically healthy, exercises regularly, goes to therapy, eats healthily, has social connection but still has severe anxiety and depression?

[@kathryn7739]

You sound like you are missing something spiritual in your life. A lot of depression and anxiety stems from spiritual issues, not just metabolic or emotional ones, but the whole person.

[@stevekaylor5606]

@@kathryn7739 Yes, nutrition is a factor - yet beyond that, it's the practice of agapeic love, instead of selfishness!

[@duffman2218]

Hello Christine, I am in the same case as you and I am finally getting my life back after starting to detoxify my body. I have been suffering for 5+ years from depression and anxiety and have been hospitalized twice for severe depression. I recently discovered after trying so many different protocoles and diets (gluten and dairy free, then keto, then carnivore to name a few) that the root cause of my issues is mercury toxicity because of amalgam fillings I had removed by a poorly trained dentist. If you have those I highly recommend you get them removed but not by any dentist, choose a biological/holistic dentist that has been trained by IAOMT and who is SMART certified (safe mercury amalgam removal technique). Also hidden infections in the gum/jaw if you got your wisdom teeth removed as a teen or if you got root canals can be an issue. Imo after years of research I believe everyone should get this checked by a good dentist. I have started detoxifying my body, it is a long process but I have seen some good improvements already. It starts with cleansing the gut and liver, healing the gut, then getting rid of parasites and pathogens and then chelating heavy metals (I am not there yet). I follow the "Detox Dudes" protocol, it was created by Josh Macin he has a KZbin channel you can check. Best of luck on your journey out of depression and anxiety, I know how it feels, you are very courageous for keeping up with a healthy routine while going through this. You got this 💪

[@sonofhibbs4425]

Some nutrient is not being absorbed. Seriously there are some people where they found genetically, they aren’t absorbing a certain nutrient. You might be taking it, but it’s not getting in. There are ways around it, but you need a doctor with much know-how when it comes to something like this. Also have yourself checked for all forms of anemia.

[@LisaMarguijo]

The best thing for that is to have a relationship with Jesus. I'am serious, the presence of God in your life wipes out all the depression. But it takes a real surrender to God so that He will be able to help you. It's an awesome feeling to feel a complete peace in mind, body, and, soul.

[@kathryn7739]

Your gut is your second brain

[@JustMe-og2cb]

Thank you for all you do

[@taperclinic]

So nice of you!

[@cr7goalz]

Can you PLEASEE do a video on St. John’s wort for depression and anxiety ?? Thank you !!

[@sonomafred]

What about Sleep Apnea?

[@SimplicityForGood]

yeah, is serious, and many people die in their sleep every year due to breathing obstructions ! Doctors pretend is not happening, especially general doctors, as they do with most things today as soon as a patient have more complex symptoms! sleep apnea will change damage your whole mood and physcial funcitionality to work, think and exercise, and you get obease as well!

[@benhur5826]

many people reports good outcomes on ketogenic/animal based diets

[@cebruthius]

It's amazing to me that this study did not include sleep-breathing disorders like OSA and UARS. Also, obesity is not required. In most people it's an anatomical problem that can't be helped by diet. Some serious maxillary surgery is required.

[@emmaphilo4049]

It's so obvious metabolic health is essential in mental health. But it's hard to find against the current culture which separates the mind and the body and for which healthcare is going to a doctor that will prescribe medication. Doctors should prescribe diets and exercise with the same seriousness as they prescribe pills

[@steveborkowski4330]

Thank you.

[@erinjk123]

Watching this because taking antidepressant. Violence and Covid 2020 seemed to trigger me. Or maybe disruptive type life events.

[@SanKissJuice]

Same here 😢

[@nicolinejuliano2359]

Thank you for educating people on this. The health care system in America is ridiculous.

[@CreativeCrumbles]

I’ve been suffering from chronic depression since I was a kid and I have some tips and tricks on how to avoid it: 1) don’t be born into an abusive family 2) don’t be born into poverty 3) don’t educate yourself about how the world works 4) be sure to avoid any and all things that stress you out (like having a job, paying taxes, being productive every moment of every day, having a kid, socializing…so on) 5) be sure to not be in a marginalized group, or disabled, or a woman, or fat, or neurodivergent, or poc, or lgbtqia+, or an immigrant…So on… Basically just be born super rich, preferably into a billionaire family and keep yourself shielded from society, that should definitely help with avoiding depression. (Obviously I’m joking) but on a serious note, from personal experience (only speaking for myself) depression isn’t some brain chemical/internal/personal issue as much as it is an environmental issue.

[@theaustralianconundrum]

Depression is a "learned" method of coping with life when we face "tough times".

[@codyflasher7657]

I never experienced depression till I took antidepressants. Protracted withdrawal from paxil for 5 years then dumb phyc put me on nortriptyline without asking me about my problems and left me on it for 3 years then they ripped me off it in a month. Now I have nerve damage in my left ear with tinnitus and low mood I never had before the nortriptyline. All that runs through my head is how badly I wish I would have never of touched that poisen.

[@theaustralianconundrum]

I'd suggest Dr. Josef gets a fellow GP to prescribe him some Alprazolam and or Diazepam commencing at the generally advised starting doses and the increasing them to the max of 6mg a day (Alprazolam) and 100mg a day of Diazepam and keep the good doctor at these levels for 5 years and then see how much advice he can give to tapering regimes that won't make you feel like you'd rather be dead. Let's see him then!

[@cristinarossi7367]

Diazepam is horrible! It's impossible to get off. Also, after prolonged use ppl tend to have their light go out. Get slow and never cognizant again.

[@butchhutch]

Good video. Keep it up

[@Waves353]

Please address keto/carnivore with severe med injury, I know it will be only anecdotal at this point but any hope would be appreciated. Seem so many heal from awful mental and physical issues but not med injured

[@Filthycoffin]

I tried all kinds of diets and med injured. It didn’t matter what I ate still fkd.

[@7inchdestroyer959]

@@Filthycoffinyup

[@VirtualR]

I'm in a clinical trial at the moment for depression and bipolar and diet / exercise

[@fuzonzord9301]

Obesity and other results of sugar abuse may be an indicator that despair is so strong that someone is regularly seeking relief in mood boosters like confectionery to make life bearable. Like, obesity is one of common outcomes of high ACE score. It's not necessarily a cause but often a result.

[@gamezswinger]

I have a friend who is ADHD, gay, an atheist, and an anarcho-syndicalist. This friend values objective reality, embraces scientific humanism, and strongly dislikes being compelled to participate in the game of capitalism. Their values naturally put them at odds with systems that thrive on distortion, exploitation, and division. The labeling of people as "depressed" when they disengage from the game of capitalism often stems from societal norms and expectations, particularly in cultures where productivity, competition, and material success are highly valued. In capitalist systems, a person's value is often tied to their ability to contribute economically. If someone opts out of this framework, society may perceive them as lacking ambition, drive, or purpose. This deviation from the norm can be misunderstood as a sign of depression, even if the individual has consciously chosen to reject these values. Mainstream society tends to view nonconformity as a problem to be solved. Choosing not to participate in the capitalist system-by rejecting traditional work, consumerism, or career goals-can be seen as a failure to adapt, which gets misinterpreted as a mental health issue rather than a philosophical stance. In some cases, systems of power benefit from framing resistance to capitalism as a personal, medical issue. If disengagement is labeled as depression, it shifts attention away from systemic issues like inequality, exploitation, and burnout, and onto the individual as the "problem."

[@arinthrine4319]

@gamezswinger Trust me I’d love to participate in our capitalistic society, I’m just too fucking depressed to function. I think you and your friend have it wrong. What you are referring to are eccentric people or simply people who operate outside the box. Please recognize that some people are actually suffering.

[@gamezswinger]

@, I understand that both biological and psychological factors interact in complex ways, and recognizing this interplay is crucial in supporting someone who is struggling. I also see how, for individuals undergoing treatment like CBT, certain thoughts can feel impossible to change, as if they are permanently locked. However, I am specifically referring to those who are labeled as depressed because they don’t conform to societal norms. As for your point about loving to participate in our capitalistic society, I have to respectfully disagree. I believe there must be something more compelling to advocate for or strive toward-a system that offers a more meaningful and fulfilling alternative.

[@Dreamweaver777]

I bet at least one hundred of his patients are in love with him. How could they not be?

[@grannygoes7882]

Did he comment on "tea intake?" Does drinking tea cause depression? I drink tea all day long. I LOVE tea, hot or cold.

[@gulcan132]

Looking after your body is good but that somehow turned into disordered eating for me. Now stopping dieting has been the best decision in moving forward with my health. People with depression can be prone to disordered eating habits or eating disorders. How would you suggest we apply the dietary info into our lives? Also I don't believe in the carnivore diet, it's also a risk for many diseases. When I eat whole plant based, my health is at its best to be fair.

[@emailsph3282]

Most people want a label. They want medication to treat a condition which isn't medical ... its lifestyle.

[@beatrizvignoli4053]

Obesity is also a psychosocial stress factor (based on anechdotal evidence). And chronic stress triggers metabolic imbalance. Sadly, stress is easy to self-medicate and relieve via comfort food cravings (carb and sugar cravings), which worsen inflammation, and so on and so forth. Summing up: it's a cascade effect of unhealthy imbalance. From my experience as a childhood adversity survivor I recommend seeking therapy and improving living conditions, so as to reduce stress, so it becomes easier to improve the diet and obtain metabolic benefits from healthy food.

[@SalmaHesham-y2w]

dr,, firstly thank you for all you do,, i really have a question and iam begging you to answer me, i used quitapex 25mg for two months because of insomnia caused by the bad nights of exams and and in those days i was feeling less focused and like i have to run my brain slow and now iam out off that quitapex for about two months also and iam still suffering from brain fog and cognitive decline and iam very afraid of that,, i don't know what happened i imagined i would feel better after leaving this medicine but i wouldn't,, does it need more time?!! or this is long term 😢

[@judigrassi7820]

I’ve been eating foods that stoke pre and probiotics as well as taking Invega. I hope I can come off the invega and maintain my brain health without this med. I do have a creative mind and am aware that I have genes that takes me back to farming, pagenhood, and sea merchants. I miss working while I’ve been healing from psychotic trauma. I have grief as well, from my losses and also while working. Didn’t have much debriefing.. but diet is crucial to controlling my moods and emotions (caffeine also) I will only drink black tea with dollops of Lactaid milk. Spend a lot of time with my adult kids and unconditional love.. healthy support systems

[@AMB223]

I thought of your channel when I heard RFK jr get reamed during questioning re: antidepressants and withdrawal. I guess there is a fear that this discussion will increase stigma and block access to treatment. Interesting how there is rage against any discussion that even suggests there are other treatments for depression.

[@emineb2834]

Neden Türkçe çeviri yok??

[@BigDis4u]

Adopted kids have a 35% chance of suffering with depression as teens and young adults, regardless of being raised in a wonderful family.

[@trickcyclist1]

How can this be explained?

[@kimgary5771]

What about MTHFR or histamine intolerance?

[@CatJourney198]

Bingo

[@MsSilver41]

I have a question re a post I recently read. A man was on meds for 4 years for bipolar , never missed a day because if he was late taking them he felt mania return Then he went carnivore for 4 months, felt better than he had in years , but still felt need for meds plus couldn’t sleep without them . The two months into carnivore he started taking fembenzadole , and was forgetting to take his meds ,because that mania feeling that he needed them wasn’t there , so he stopped taking them and has been off meds for 6 months . He had no withdrawal symptoms . Would there be something in the fembenzadole that stopped any withdrawal symptoms ? Or maybe he was just lucky

[@GodsPower71]

And when that's not enough???

[@stevekaylor5606]

Join happy clapping and stomping classes, with enthusiastic bongo drum music {PBS T.V., 2006}. When happiness + physiology are played together - this is taken literally by the subconscious! (Like in Laughter Yoga.)

[@Sarahsjourneytoday]

Hormones

[@Sarahsjourneytoday]

After both my sons

[@Sarahsjourneytoday]

Overall large things that happen in life....at least for me

[@Sarahsjourneytoday]

Insipidous diabetes

[@DennisBolanos]

Everyone has hormones, so why isn’t everyone depressed? 🙃

[@Sarahsjourneytoday]

@DennisBolanos bipolar for dummies

[@halk3]

I looked at the article. Type I has "convincing evidence", while Type II has "highly suggestive" evidence, so Type II is weaker. Given this, the table is confusing, since the type-I effect sizes are no larger than the type-II effect sizes, on average.

[@TyEMW1014]

you see propaganda. 29 or 92 is wrong.