The Myth of the Chemical Imbalance: What Causes Depression? Lost Connections Summary Part 1

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Improve your mental health with the free course, courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd

[@carrieallen2047]

I was a psych RN for 23 years. I also suffered spells of depression from about 7 years old and still do at 55. I started Prozac at 23 and thought it helped a lot for a few years but, then it didn't and I went a year on zoloft, then wellbuttrin, etc. I was diagnosed In my 40's with severe anxiety PTSD and ADHD. And they kept adding the meds. I finally started just seeing a family physician I trusted a few years ago and I have stopped almost all my meds. I have spent a lot of time processing the neglect and abuse I suffered in childhood and the way it causes fear and anxiety still.

[@bchery4048]

Proud of u sis

[@Alphacentauri819]

Tim Fletcher has incredible info and has put it all together so completely, and connectedly.... most of the diagnoses he says are from CPTSD. That the DSM would be reduced to a very thin manual. If this was properly recognized...the mental health world would turn on its head. I was also an RN, critical care, but often was thinking trauma was at the core of much of what I was seeing. The ACE studies have backed this up. My heart goes out to you, having depression at 7😢 I didn't suffer from depression that early, but was definitely in a fight/flight mode much of the time, but didn't know it. I suffered anxiety, but didn't know it wasn't "normal". Depression came later. When we have not been able to have boundaries, boundaries violated, etc, couldn't have needs (or only set ones), didn't learn healthy regulation and communication...it is very hard. The key for me, in the last couple years...after years of therapy, self help books, self medication (alcohol, food, avoidance behaviors), finally learning emotional/nervous system regulation. No one taught that to me, back when. The various therapists totally missed the boat with it too. Don't know if you watch Anna Runkle, The Crappy Childhood fairy, on KZbin...but she talks about how talk therapy can be retraumatizing. It often was for me...and no direction from most of the therapists. If emotional regulation techniques were taught in school, and parents encouraged to participate too...wow, it would be amazing. I also learned to work on a healthy self relationship. So foreign, but so needed. Day by day. I wish for you peace and connection.

[@olagerta8199]

I am so sorry of your life story... and it so sad that you were "feeded" by all these meds...

[@elyaequestus1409]

@@Alphacentauri819 I appriciate you sharing your story and I relate to the core part of your message: "When we have not been able to have boundaries, boundaries violated, etc, couldn't have needs (or only set ones), didn't learn healthy regulation and communication...it is very hard" This was my life as well. I used to have a lot of anxiety, stress and instable relationships. Now at a psychological practice, specialized in autism, I am *finally* treated for (C-)PTSD and learning coping skills to actually engage with my autism in a healthy manner. I have listened to the youtube channel 'the crappy childhood fairy' and I found her work to be relatable ánd unhelpful. Especially the daily practice that she recommended regarding gratitude journaling and repeating certain phrases over and over in your head, felt like replacing 'bad thoughts' with 'good thoughts' instead of accepting all emotions and move through them. The work of Patrick Teahan is one I find incredibly helpful. He has a history of c-ptsd and knows how to move through his trauma. His work (and this channel as well) provide context and explain a lot on why certain things are the way they are. His journaling prompts that allow me to unwind and I do the suggested exersices on a regular basis. It helps.

[@eriamhsl3841]

Yea meds do nothing for trauma.

[@shawnleong3605]

I actually think that the disproving of the chemical imbalance theory makes me feel I finally have agency and control over my life.

[@cupcakestv1497]

Yes, same here!

[@Carby.J]

Same!

[@chrislewis5069]

Wow, that's shocking something like that could effect someone that much

[@kimberlyroman]

This makes me sad. When I was 17, many external factors were happening that made me feel hopeless and depressed. Looking back it makes complete sense I was experiencing these feelings. I went to the doctor and was put on a waiting list for therapy. With my young mind, I trusted the doctor when he put me on anti-depressive immediately. I was told the story about the chemical imbalance. (I even have a small tattoo of dopamine and serotine to remind me to take care of the chemicals.) This is how much I believed the story. Once I got on the medication, everything got worse and I became suicidal. When I came back a couple of times telling them the symptoms got worse, they higher my dose each time. I became terribly sick and brain-fogged so I couldn't leave my bed and barely stand up. I realized the medication was messing me up after a long time, and I stopped using it cold turkey. I do not recommend this! I was very desperate and young, and I didn't have proper help. I suffered from withdrawals for weeks. After a while, the fog cleared up and I stopped being suicidal. This is when I started to heal slowly but steady. I came out of depression at 22.

[@angelawhite2022]

This was how it went for me. Being a moody teenager ended up getting me put on pills. One after the other after the other, and now they want to add in another, and I’ve said enough. If what I’m on isn’t working, adding more and more is not the solution. I’m very very slowly weaning off of what they have me on now. I mean I’m on month 6 and I’m halved in my dose, and I feel better and better every day. Mine was definitely being caused BY the medication. Not saying that’s the case for everyone, but for me, the meds were not the cure.

[@carrieallen2047]

Kimberly I am so glad you are healing. There are good doctors out there and it sounds like you could use someone to talk to more than a pill. You just have to shop around for the right counselor . It's like anything else there are bad and good ones. God bless!

[@kimberlyroman]

@@carrieallen2047 Thank you ❤️

[@DivineLogos]

The pharmaceutical companies are also the ones financing the studies and lobbying with the politicians.

[@Amnaamjad22]

I have the same story. But its been a year since i have stopped medication and now about a week ago i got this brain fog thing again. Can u please help me in this?

[@Jocelyn_Jade]

I have depression and ADHD-never have been on medication. Instead I suffered addictions, but I cured them. And I am proud of that, for having the mental fortitude to strive forward.

[@johnnguyen385]

Thank you for the courage of tackling this subject. You are a gift.

[@mjgenualdi22]

"Some pharmaceutical companies mislead the public about the effectiveness of their medication." - I have always thought this! Anyone else see a conflict of interest btw the drugs being pushed and the drug makers? They should NEVER be allowed to advertise, publish white papers or have any influence on doctors or the general public. - I know - pipe dreams

[@HazzyWazzey]

These words need to be spoken by Government officials, representing the interests of the people!!

[@src3360]

Reminds one of when drug companies created a pain medication that you couldn't abuse or become addicted to. Oxycodone. And in reality it couldn't be further from the truth! Now the drug company and family owners were found guilty of misleading and blatantly lying to practitioners and patients and made to pay some astronomical amount of compensation

[@halcooper3070]

I'd be dead without a medication, I didn't need it long, but it was a life saver. So don't write off drugs because of the profit motive.

[@flynnzilla8796]

There is no conflict of interest! - pharmaceutical companies have only interest is money - they could not care less about misleading anyone (in fact, they are very good at it). I’ll never take medication again at anyone’s say-so

[@meagiesmuse2334]

I agree. Drugs were not advertised to the public in the USA until Bill Clinton became President and changed that. Even today, New Zealand is the only other country that allows it.

[@SPSHSP]

Brava Emma!!! 🎉❤ As a clinician who for over a decade struggled with depression, on and off of meds and all of them I started to informally take self inventory regarding the duration of my episodes only to conclude the resolution was the same on or off any class of antidepressant & the only difference was whatever random side effect from the med vs not. Eventually I switched from cbt to psychodynamic/analytical and felt a proper connection with my therapist who let me stop the poly pharmacy of my last therapist, I learned more about things such as my attachment type, hsp, & c-ptsd. This is the longest I’ve ever been depression & medication free and I did struggle with addiction that I feared I’d end up in rehab but my therapist was right; as I worked intensely with sharing my emotions (work in progress) the depression doesn’t get 1/10 of what it used to and I did replace whatever wounding that subconsciously I turned to addiction with untangling the emotional ball of yarn string by string with her. I digress, I’m elated to see and hear about this because it provides solace that I wasn’t the only one where antidepressants never worked and that it’s not that I’m a hopeless case; I just hadn’t found the right therapist for me. You’re amazing, i absolutely love your researched approach to your videos, your passion for helping others, the manner in which you articulate to ensure folks don’t have feathers ruffled. We’re all so blessed for your altruism. Excellent video! I’m going to share with some colleagues who I’ve discussed pharmacotherapy and MDD with. Thanks so much!

[@Ayesha_11122]

I also felt a lack of depth and meaning in the therapy process because it was mostly CBT. Learning about existential psychotherapy really helped me, even though i didn't do it with a therapist because that CBT framework just irritated the hell out of me, and i didn't have the bandwidth to start therapy again with a different therapist. Though i will at some point. CBT was helpful but i outgrew it's need eventually and I needed to work through far deeper stuff.

[@Kermitdafrawg9]

I remember when I first heard about this and thought I could treat myself holistically with diet & exercise, so i weaned off all my meds & took a different approach to my depression.... fast forward about 8 months, I've never felt this bad in my entire life, spent months in my pajamas literally frozen in fear on a recliner watching the sun come up & down everyday with tears streaming down my face. I've just started back on an anti depressant 2 days ago after realising this isn't going to get any better & scaring everyone around me. I'm starting to think that perhaps medications shouldn't be pushed aside, I wouldn't want anyone to experience the terrifying mental prison that I've been locked in

[@TayWithASpoon]

I too am a person who, even without meds for two days, will crash and burn. For some of us, they work, but for others it doesn't. Just like everything in life

[@shanapunua7347]

Same here! I’ve tried going off my meds 3 times along with a dr and had to go back on. Going off of meds is a whole other thing and struggle. I hope that one day I can get off of them completely🙏🏻

[@rongike]

it's bc depression doesn't have an outward cure, you have to go inward to first acknowledge and then heal everything bad that's happened in your life that you didn't properly process (bc you didn't know how) when it happened.

[@TheSouthIsHot]

How long did you spend weaning off your meds? For me, it took a year to wean off Paxil. And even then, a few days after I stopped taking the final miniscule dose, I started getting intense anxiety which I had NEVER had before. A lady at church told me to take six B-complex vitamins every day. (Her doctor recommended it for restless legs.) It WORKED! I took the six B-complex vitamins for about 4 months. That was almost 20 years ago and I haven't taken a med for depression since then. HOWEVER, I keep a list of substances that make me depressed. Birth control pills were what caused my initial depression in the first place. Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate (SLSs) which are in most bath and body products including toothpaste and shampoo are both second on my list.

[@janestorm9813]

Fully agree with u. I have tried diet, exercise, prayer etc and nothing worked. Infact I ended up miserable and unable to get out of bed. Taking an antidepressant now and I am doing so much better. Some people need meds if they have REAL depression. Some people mistake sadness for depression.

[@Waywardwindfall]

It’s not a chemical imbalance, it’s a social imbalance. I dig this man’s way of thinking.

[@francesbernard2445]

YES! Sometimes that social imbalance becomes internalized throughout more than one generation. I had the privilege's after our grandfather helped my parents buy a home when I was a year of age or so of having more than one daddy like father figure living in the same house as me until age 8 while my mom was having to run a boarding house which including taking in my uncles who were attending N.A.I.T. and a couture style dressmaking business. My younger sister Sharon born the year our mom no longer did so did not. So why did I act so needy for so long too?

[@loumcmanmon4236]

It's no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society!!!

[@TiagoBLucas]

Hey! I am a doctor in Brazil, I am currently in a psychiatry residency. I have been recently discussing antidepressants in my psychopharmacology class and I'd like to add some points. 1 - I appreciate your sensible take on the subject and the fact you made it completely clear depression is not something to be stigmatized or not taken seriously. 2 - Depression is definitely not caused by a chemical imbalance, but there is overwhelming evidence that the brain's function is altered in people who have depression. It would probably be more accurate to say that a depressed person's brain progressively loses its ability to fight back. There are many parts of the brain whose function and neuroanatomy changes, namely the amygdala, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus (consequently affecting the hypothalamus-pytuitary-adrenal axis), the nucleus accumbens, the anterior cingulate cortex, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Well, you get my point. As much as it is a simplification to say that depression is merely a chemical imbalance, it is also not 100% accurate to say that current medical literature completely ignores how biology is implicated. 3 - Some treatments like vitamin D and thyroid hormones are meant for people who have actual deficiencies of these substances. In case of thyroid hormones, there is some evidence that they might be superior to placebo, especially as adjuvant agents, but those studies are quite dated, some of them methodologically flawed. There is more evidence for the use of antidepressants. 4 - I have read Kirsch's metanalysis which was mentioned in the video. There are some statistical inaccuracies which probably made antidepressants look worse than they actually are (floor effect was not accounted for; the effect size measure used is not wholly adequate for the study design). There are newer metanalyses with better methods which show that the efficacy of antidepressant medication is not as low as Kirsch's study makes it seem. It is also important to mention that the newer studies also controled for publication bias. 5 - This is perhaps the main point: our current understanding of depression and the use of antidepressants can help us distinguish what kind of people would be more suited to benefit from antidepressants. In very simple terms, the more severe the depression, the more unequivocal the case for the prescription of antidepressants is. In my opinion, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that severe cases should be treated with antidepressants, as well as moderate cases. Mild depresion probably does not benefit from their use. Of course, the treatment should be multifactorial either way, and the biopsychosocial model should be taken into account, such as not to convey the false idea that a miracle pill will singlehandedly rid the person of their sorrows. So it might be the case that we need to be more cautious when deciding who would benefit from medication, thus avoiding overprescription.

[@Mopantsu]

The neuroplasticity of the brain means many problems arise from learned experience (abuse, ill health, emotional trauma, stress etc). If you put an animal in a cramped cage it will deteriorate regardless of whether it has food and water. Humans are not meant to live the way we live. Particularly in the West. We are hunter gatherers and our artificial lifestyles create just the right environment to 'damage' our natural state.

[@shawnleong3605]

The negative effects of antidepressants are actually downplayed. We really have to call a spade a spade. A lot of medical health professionals refuse or neglect to be transparent to their patients.

[@TiagoBLucas]

@@shawnleong3605 Would you kindly elaborate?

[@yuqiaoliu9867]

I don't think there should be a distinguish between "severe" case and depression and "mild" case of depression as all are scary and hard to live with. And it's quite invalidating for people to be catogorized like that

[@KimberlyLetsGo]

This is mind-blowing! And it makes so much sense. I have been asking to be taken off my anti-depressants for several months and my PA psychiatrist has been resistant. She doesn't know any other method. All this time, I thought I had 'bad brain soup'.

[@emmaadams5905]

I was heavily medicated as a child because my parents took me in and basically told the doctor my "issues" I was on Lexapro and Ativan at 17 basically numbed out. Wouldn't you be shocked to learn I was being abused and walking on eggshells during that time. Wasn't until escaping, getting safe and therapy and a CPTSD diagnosis for me to see my symptoms are based in my trauma not because I have a chemical imbalance like I was told as a child.

[@angelawhite2022]

I feel you! That was my story as well. Including the eggshells!

[@kierablack1335]

this is like pulling back the curtain , i have found the meds kind of help me but i am still depressed every day. The first 20 years of my life was nothing but abuse, physical , emotional , mentally and verbally , it stated with my adoptive mother and because i thought this was the norm went into DV relationships 3 of them which striped me of my humanity. Getting therapy helped me a lot but my therapist had to go on leave as her father took ill. It took me a year before i could talk to her about everything trust issues , so i am not having therapy anymore until she comes back. yep i just rambled on there. lol 🙂 THANK YOU FOR YOU HONESTY.

[@HazzyWazzey]

You’re a warrior, Kiera! Keep up the good fight. I know how challenging healing from an abusive childhood is, but you’ll be SO much stronger for it!

[@rongike]

meds only help to boost your emotions but it doesn't address all the trauma etc that is responsible for you having a "broken" brain.

[@Ayesha_11122]

Sending you love and strength

[@eriamhsl3841]

That's trauma, not depression. Very different

[@rongike]

@@eriamhsl3841 you can have depression as a result of traumatic experiences, PTSD has different symptoms.

[@aamnahere6250]

I have always believed depression to be caused by multiple factors. It doesn't have a singular cause for everyone. However, a huge section of the global community considers depression to be a myth itself. That it's a self created disease or a spiritual crisis. They held the refutation of the chemical imbalance theory to be a victory. That is an extremely dangerous thing which I am glad you've also addressed and we must be vigilant against it. Depression does have biological and environmental causes. Children who grow up in chaotic and abusive homes tend to have a much higher rate of depression. The solutions are varied and not always medication. People should be encouraged to find out different approaches to help themselves in this regard.

[@giakhalsa7971]

Thank you so much for doing this video. It is very refreshing, and truthful. Opening up so many different viewpoints that I believe Are more truthful and realistic. I follow your other videos. And I think you have a wonderful style. Friendly, down to earth, factual, professional. Thank you again and keep up the good work 👍🙏🏻❤️

[@stephaniemagoulas8064]

I am a recent emergency foster parent. The first thing I witnessed was the abuse of foster children in the system being immediately diagnosed with depression, PTSD, etc. and an unhealthy dangerous list of SSRIs, anti psychotics, anti anxiety, off label meds, etc. They get no say in their care, they are wards of the state. It's taken so much pressure off their plates when they realize they have bodily autonomy and step into their power. This is an incredible video, and I couldn't agree more. I hope we see change and more shifts in our consciousness. Our social environments of judgement and isolation are slowly killing us.

[@TheBlackHatOutlaw]

Thank you for posting this. I feel a lot better knowing I was looking at my depression the right way and look forward to the next video.

[@cindyh303]

Yes same. But everyone around me keeps trying to push me to medication. But medication is not going to change the reality of my circumstances.

[@TheBlackHatOutlaw]

@@cindyh303 I know how that is. I've come to sort of accept that myself, as most of the people around me have never been on meds like that themselves, so they don't know what it actually does. It can help, yes, but it doesn't cure you. For me, the best way I can put it, is it takes the edge off at most. If it's bad enough, yes, that's needed, but if it's not, I'd rather deal with it myself. If circumstances are the root of it (BEEN THERE!), the best advice I can give is journal. Get your absolute worst thoughts OUT so they're not sitting in your mind and festering. You're allowed to think what you think and feel what you feel, it's what you DO about it that matters. If this was unwanted advice, I apologize, I just sympathize and wish I could help.

[@cindyh303]

@@TheBlackHatOutlaw thank you, i really appreciate the insight and advice! I will be okay, just trying to navigate my circumstances and feelings mindfully and not just throw on a medication band aid when there are clear underlying issues that need to be addressed. Great advice, thanks again!

[@TheBlackHatOutlaw]

@@cindyh303 You're welcome. Good luck with your endeavors there. :)

[@AlanaJ_888]

Thank you for making this video! My depression and anxiety is mostly because I’m living with my family who are emotionally and psychologically abusive to me daily. And also I am applying for disability for med issues that started in my 20s. I tried several medications but they actually just had worse side effects and mood swings and worsened my symptoms. I think it’s because I don’t have a chemical imbalance, I have a trauma response to ongoing repeated abuse. I feel that for me the cause is experiential (toxic environments and people and mental abuse) and not chemical. Thanks for making and sharing your videos for free. 💜💙💚💛🙏🏻

[@antoniradny2188]

I am incredibly glad you created this video with depression patients as the main audience of this film, making sure not to play with their feelings and helping them absorb the information with ease

[@LovinMyMason]

Bravo!!! Love this. Thank you so so much!

[@fernkitten]

I love this kind of mind-blowing stuff. A person has to be receptive to hearing this kind of concept, I applaud you for having made this video and I don't blame you for a second for feeling apprehensive to post this for a wider audience. I imagine the hesitation for professionals to admit the truth is due to the lack of resources available, but I can see you know this and that is why you share your knowledge so readily. I appreciate what you do, I actually cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am. Some people are afraid to say or hear hard truths and those are fears I want to face, you've made this a lot more straightforward for me. I am most familiar with DBT and what you have to offer is tying in very nicely, and it's very motivational.

[@c.kainoabugado7935]

Yes, I rather face the truth than hear any kind of excuses. As Bible says, truth will set you free. I believe that.

[@shirleyharrelson1580]

Emma, you are an amazing speaker and a caring human being. Thank you so much for these "talks". I grabbed the whole seratonin hypothesis back in the 1980s, hook, line, and sinker. They helped me, perhaps, get past a suicidal mindset, but then soon let me down. Keep up this good work! You are so appreciated!

[@DivineDianne]

This was very helpful and it give me hope as well. Medication is not something I can have. I have tried two of them and had horrible reactions to both. Knowing that there are other ways to treat depression gives me hope. In my own experiences I have noticed that going for more walks and spending time in groups like church, or hobby groups have been great for my mental health. I feel like I am a part of something and I belong. This sense of belonging is enough to kick depression's butt!

[@potapotapotapotapotapota]

When it comes to matters of neuroscience or any kind of complex biological process, this quote very much applies: "Follow those who seek the truth; run from those who have found it."

[@annetteprice]

So glad you see you addressing this! Thank you!

[@freedomtohappiness]

Dear Emma, thank you for your videos. i truly enjoy them and learn something new each time. I just wanted to say, that based on my own story, I truly agree with you . Treating depression is really complex journey and an individual one. For me at least I bearly noticed any changes from antidepresents. What has helped me to come out from two burnouts and depressions suring these 10 years is a more wholistic Body-Mind-Spirit approach. If you wish I would be glad to share it with you. Thank you once again for this great content. I am looking forward to your next video. With love, Diana from Sweden 💖

[@mitchrobinson4285]

I loved this video. This channel is so informative and has helped me immensely. I suggest this channel to people all the time. I had to learn how to deal with my depression and only recently began to understand that it is wholistic approach that includes everything from meditative techniques, diet, exercise, sleep, and more along with my medication, for the best results. Thank you for making this video.

[@sandrag8710]

Well said! Biopsychosocial theory isn't just theory. Take childhood trauma that can change the biological and structural development of a child...the child's brain didn't develop properly, but lack of attachments to caregivers, neglect, abuse etc also impacted their concept of safety that can haunt them for life. Now talk about environmental stress, covid and world events has caused an increase in depression and anxiety. We need to look at people as a whole. Medical ruleouts first, then a personal history and social environment. There are so many effective treatments! Thank you.

[@jeniguignard2996]

if you've never heard of Gabor Mate, I recommend his work. He is a psychologist, physician and author out of Canada. I loved his book When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress

[@ayela562]

He’s a brilliant man and his work in the addictions community is as groundbreaking as it is compassionate.

[@Ayesha_11122]

+1 Highly Recommend

[@1556cm]

I did years of therapy and tried all the major anti-depressants. Some helped until they didn't, some made things worse. Then, lacking anything else, my current psychiatrist prescribed Celexa. Literally within 24 hours, I physically felt a huge lift. Within days, I understood why most people didn't feel instantly overwhelmed and hopeless when life threw them a speedbump. I got why they didn't think it would be better to take a bottle of pills than to continue waking up each day to barely make it through at best, wondering why they bothered to keep doing it, and if this would be the day disaster struck and brought everything crashing down. No, it's not a cure-all. I don't go through every day sunny and serene. I'd still rather wake up to find it's the weekend rather than a work day. But after 50 years, my stomach wasn't clenched in knots all day every day and wondering when I'd just be too worn down to bother getting out of bed for good. Sometimes, it IS biological (i.e., chemical).

[@AH-cy4md]

For me, getting diagnosed and taking meds was like getting affirmation that yes, something was wrong, I’m not supposed to feel like a worthless piece of shit with suicidal ideation. That along with CBT helped a lot. I’ve found my Buddhist practice to have helped a lot, and when I stopped consuming any alcohol whatsoever, I was able to get off the meds which had made me gain weight, get prediabetes and high cholesterol. Her videos have just recently helped me learn about my first panic attack, thanks 🙏🏻 so much!❤

[@fgauer1]

Great to read that your Buddhist practice has a positive effect. Same with me. If I hadn't found a fundamental Dharma practice, I don't think I would be here today. All the best to you.

[@PsychoBible]

You did not come off as offensive or condemning AT ALL. I hope you make this public. Great video, echoing the sentiment I've had for years, especially after working in a psychiatry office for a decade.

[@alexrechkin7]

Super helpful! Im slowly going through your videos and they helped me a lot. Depression skills videos literally brought me back from depressive episode.

[@angelawhite2022]

Same! She has gotten me out of bed! I love her!

[@SunEP87]

This video is SOOOO well done. You need to put this video out rather than the one this is linked from. That study, and the articles quoting it, have really dangerous implications for the 25% that does need them because of how they phrased it. I’m afraid they will stop taking the meds they need or do so cold Turkey.

[@annetteprice]

The often-repeated guidance is to never stop an SSRI cold turkey, so I don’t know why people would do that based on this study. They might ease off their meds, but there’s nothing wrong with that.

[@kenonerboy]

While the information is good, i find the way the video is structured relatively poor. Alot of repeated information, unnecessary intermissions.

[@jasonstefanuk3579]

Thank you for explaining the bio-psycho-social model so well. This model helped me so much in dealing with my bipolar disorder. It changed my mindset that I only had to take my meds and do nothing else to deal with this. It made me understand that I also had to learn to manage my bipolar disorder as well as treat it.

[@tahitihawaiiblue]

I totally believe this research study and I’m not surprised that only 25% of people who took antidepressant got better because of it. Maybe even less.

[@Jamieforeals]

I really had no idea. I get worried that those that demonize mental health meds will run wild with this

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

yes, there are two really rigid viewpoints people often take "Everything is a chemical imbalance and meds are the only solution" and "Never take meds" and both of these viewpoints are too extreme, too rigid, and they don't take into account the evidence. Meds actually help a group of people. And depression treatment deserves lots of treatment options

[@johns8596]

@@TherapyinaNutshell Have you ever read "The mindfulness & Acceptance workbook for Anxiety". If not I recommend it.

[@pieceofpeace2553]

Could you please do a video on anger issues/irritability? Thank you!

[@karenxxx1025]

Yes please I agree this would be helpful

[@thathurt]

I have a long term depression (instead of spells of depression as some people get) and I've never really bought the chemical imbalance theory. I think my depression is a perfectly understandable reaction to all the crap thrown at me in life from a young age. Medication helps a little as it removes the real troughs of dispair the worst bits really but the side effects aren't really worth it and they all have bad wife effects. Fun times :)

[@Legacycreekretreat]

I can't love this enough! Thank you! Thank You for making this video and having the courage to have a few people throw tomatoes at you. This is the conclusion I have come to also but so many people have been mislead by the pharmaceutical companies.

[@a.o.9594]

Thank you for putting these extra videos to go into a little deeper.

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Glad you like them!

[@CC-bw2rp]

@@TherapyinaNutshell dose this also apply for anxiety or onIy for depression? I take 15 years meds for anxiety i am 60 now but i think they do not work anymore...greatings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 Europe

[@AuroraB-74]

Interesting. I was able to stop taking meds after changing my diet a few years ago. It's weird, but things like gluten effect my mood. After cutting out that I felt better. I've read a lot about inflammation and it's role in brain function.

[@Gunna5067]

Taking out gluten helps me too.

[@AndrewLewisHowe]

For me, it was MSG. 30 years of anxiety came down to me eating cheapo ramen packets since college. Cutting down on carbs helped, too. Healthy living was FAR more effective than patching things up with meds. SSRIs made me a raging lunatic. I had to insist my doctor tried another approach, and I had to really push for it, because she just wanted to bounce from one to the next. Finally, we found remeron helped me break the rumination / lack of sleep cycle. I hardly take it now, and only during times when my sleep has gotten so bad it's created a positive feedback loop (not sleep -> stress -> no sleep -> repeat).

[@EssenceofCoils]

Same!!

[@TonyaA7]

It can be caused by diet and lack of nutrients and hormones too can cause such things.

[@nerdbamarich2063]

@@AndrewLewisHowe wow everything you said reminded me of what I'm going through now. My doctor initially wanted me to be put on Prozac and it was making me feel crazy because my anxiety/depression was caused by a sudden bout of insomnia after having covid. I just started remeron about a week ago at 7.5 mg and I still haven't gotten great sleep just broken sleep. What milligram did you start on and how long did it take to help your depression/anxiety and to make you sleep better. Me not sleeping is why this is even going on it's like my mind won't shut off when I get sleepy and I just stay up which has caused me to be depressed.

[@sunnyaustin4127]

A fantastic, much needed video, Emma. Thank you

[@psihopedia]

Thanks for telling the truth. Some people are not ready for such revolution but we lived in the darkness enough. Our health must be more important than their bank accounts.

[@joeblow6591]

A very well presented video, clear and concise and exceptionally well documented. Your presentation just flowed from one point to another. Once again a very well presented and informative video. I can only imagine the research and time taken to post this. Thank you and take care.

[@prajaktakarandikar3459]

Thank you for enlightening us about the traps of pharma advertising and that anti depressants are not a silver bullet to all of the problems in one's life.

[@Michelle-vs3fz]

I've been on and off medications since I was 17. My mom suffered depression anxiety and my grandma has depression .Lexapro first, made me gain a good amount of weight and that made me more depressed. Then I was put on zoloft, and that was the worst of them because it made me extremely anxious, nauseous and induced panic attacks. Got on wellbutrin, my sadness went away but my anxiety took center stage, and has ever since and it's way worse than my depression. I feel like all those meds contributed to a change in my chemicals. Then I took Paxil for my anxiety, and while it helped my heart palpitations, it caused me to go manic and almost suicidal, so I got off that. I slowly took myself off my already low dosage. I gotta figure something else out. It's so frustrating and isolating! Fearing death every day is NOT fun. Talk therapy has helped deal with a traumatic past, but idk if it'll fix it

[@AndrewLewisHowe]

These two original vids are far better than the one you actually posted. That one was so simplified the entire point was lost. Ditch the new one and post these for real. I wouldn't be concerned with how angry people may get hearing some of this new, so long as you remind them that drugs (meds, or supplements) DO have an effect and if they work for you, good, but if you want to get off them DO IT SLOWLY and make real life changes that will reduce the withdrawal phase (meditation, real exercise, real food, etc). I just went through two weeks of THC withdrawal. My dopamine system was relying on the THC for the boost, so it took a couple of weeks to get it working again. In the meanwhile, L-Tyrosine supplements helped me get through it. And they worked quite well for that (for me). Next week I'll cease, or reduce, the tyrosine. I may have another small bump of depression, but it'll be manageable (knock on wood). Honestly, for me, clean living was the best medicine. No caffeine, alcohol, THC, preservatives or additives (MSG triggers me BAD). Good food, good sleep, real exercise. Focused mediation to both train my brain to be positive and relaxed. And improving one's life-schemas was a huge help, too. Stop ruminating on the past and worrying about the future.

[@Gunna5067]

Thanks for this excellent video! Better to know the truth if we want to fight depression.

[@jennaw1072]

One of the problems in finding treatment for depression when you have depression....sometimes you get tired of trying all the different things. Combination after combination....it is exhausting. I do apprieate you exploring these topics though. It is eye opening for sure.

[@miriam8376]

I had an incredibly toxic adolescence with a very abusive and narcissistic father, so it’s no surprise in retrospect that i was an angerball full of tears and screaming as a teen. But being diagnosed with bipolar made me feel better, if only because it helped me see that I was not my emotions. My father made the way my biology works harder to deal with, and the bad habits I learned from him made it even worse. I’m never going to risk leaving medication behind-nothing’s worth risking suicide attempts-but I do understand that what’s happening in my head can absolutely be improved or compounded by what’s in my life and how I choose to react to it.

[@Emma-tp9ty]

I haven’t watched this video yet. But I do think it’s important to be aware that certain substances can impact your hormones and that can lead to depression. For two months I’ve been struggling with depression and some very scary dark days. I stopped taking a nutritional supplement (two actually, so I haven’t determined which is responsible) and in two days, it’s like a cloud has lifted and I feel completely different. I have also experienced the same effect when taking adaptogens that are thrown in so many superfoods - maca, ashwagandha, holy basil. It’s insane how powerful they can be and how we’re told they are universally healthy.

[@rebeccachambers419]

This is great news. Finally psychology is getting back to psychology. What about ADHD medication?

[@luannedimaggio7025]

I had stopped my meds. Couple months ago because of side affects. And I agree, food is an important part of our depression. Exercise really helps, plant base foods, and staying away from unhealthy things are important. However, I have an anger that comes out without my meds. So I am journaling to help my anger thinking it is experience of life Hopefully it will help, I am done with meds. Well, off to ride my bike to erase my poor attitude I have this morning, thanks good video.

[@hh-qy8zt]

wishing you well on your journey! take good care :)

[@luannedimaggio7025]

@@hh-qy8zt thanks you too

[@luannedimaggio7025]

@K BM I am doing "The Artist Way" and so many good things are happening. It is a lot of work but the results are worth it. Highly recommend this workbook. Good luck on your journey.

[@cine_kid]

unrelated, but you are glowing. your hair is gorgeous. thanks for the vid.

[@292Artemis]

I'm glad this is getting more and more attention! I've been diagnosed with depression a couple of years ago by a therapist plus anxiety and PTSD two years ago. Even though most of my feelings were dissociated, I could feel that I didn't want ADs. I can now say that I'm so glad that I received this message from my inner since meds aren't the right way for me. It's been a hard way and I'm really miserable at the moment, but I'm now able to feel what I long for: connection to other people, being valued and comforted when feeling miserable, being part of something bigger, find meaning in what I can give to the world. So, basically what Johann says. Personally, I have come to the conclusion that depression may be a healthy reaction to an unhealthy system of economy (capitalism). It's profit driven, but we humans are living beings that biologically are group animals. Plus we need meaning. My vision would be a change from capitalism to something else where we could live according to our very social nature. No exploitation of our planet, of animals and of ourselves just for the system to run, but rather do something together that is meaningful and takes care of our environment and our social nature.

[@yehmen29]

I am bullied at work and it is seriously impacting my mood, as is the fact that I work through an agency and was told that I would be able to work 4 to 6 12-hour shifts per week when I applied, but I have only been given a maximum of 4 12-hour shifts per week. This is not enough to pay the rent, let alone the rent and all my other bills. I don't know when I am going to work in advance either, the agency texts me between 8 am and 2pm to ask me whether I will be able to work that night (from 6 pm to 6 am), which is not great when I worked the previous night, as I have to set up the alarm clock to wake me up every 2 hours to check if I got a text message... and as I sometimes have people dropping in during the day, I end up getting as little as 1 hour of sleep between two 12-hour night shifts. If I agree to work that night, it's not a done deal, as the agency can cancel on me at the last minute, i.e. I get a text message while I'm on the bus to work. Twice I arrived at the company and found out that I wasn't on the list but the manager just added me on to it and told me he would make sure I get paid. That happens all the time, to other temps as well. Although I've been able to work every week over the past 2 months, I've been told by a permanent member of staff that sometimes my agency won't give people any shifts for 1 or 2 weeks. Like we only need pocket money... I've also tried to use my holiday allowance to book a night off in 6 weeks' time, the agency ignored my request but then went on to 'punish' me by cancelling 2 of my shifts at the last minute.

[@ponydash9487]

I belive mine is a chemical imbalance because i had no reason to have been sad or a reason to start bring sad. I was only 11 or 12. I felt loved by my family and suddenly i slowly started getting sad till all i could do was cry all day and all night. Then i started hallucinating which lead to sever anxiety. I was a mess before i even got to my teen years. Before i was given medication my doctor gave me placebos and he told no one he did that... Did not even tellbmy parents he was giving me fake pills. Then saw i was really in bad mental condition. he said it was a chemical imbalance and gave me antidepressants, anxiety meds and schizophrenia meds. It took 3 to 4 months for me to get better.

[@carolb6890]

It is so EXCITING to see McAdam, someone people are really listening to, articulate what I have thinking and practicing for pretty much of 40 years! In 1980 I was 18 years old and depressed. I began to see advertising for anti-depressants, but even then something told me this was not the answer for me. I struggled for many years, using marijuana and later alcohol to cope. Of course these were not the answer either, but they did quell my pain...for a while, until they didn't... I found recovery and started on a path of learning what was truly missing in my life. And as Emma McAdam states in this video, we are very multi-faceted beings, and taking a multi-faceted approach to healing something as complex as depression is of utmost importance. Along my search, I cared for myself with the three main aspects she advises-- using the bio-psycho-social model, before I even knew what that was. Addressing myself as a whole being, I instinctively knew I needed treat my whole being, mind-body-spirit. I was able to stay true to myself and find combinations of things like yoga, outdoor activities, excellent nutrition with supplementations-- (I began with a book, "Depression Free Naturally" by: Joan Mathews Larson, then later many more books and education), cultivating a social life and support network, and connecting daily through meditation and prayer. All this PLUS cultivating a new mindset of training my mind to think differently about the way my feelings "talked" to me. I also did many of the things we still hear about today like affirmations, changing negative messages into positive ones, etc. And, one of the best things I have done is get inside to my core issues. I could not always afford a therapist, so when I found ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families), I found the true answers to how to fully LOVE and ACCEPT all parts of myself, permanently. I am also a huge advocate of getting plentiful healthy FAT in the diet- which the brain and hormones need imperatively-- there is no substitute for healthy fats. Cut the crap EAT the FAT!! :))

[@michaelm108]

The counting breaths meditation cured my depression. Thank u so much

[@Marie-rs1lu]

Knowing what you want, getting them, keeping them and evolving with your life.

[@Marie-rs1lu]

Knowing and accepting how life works Being able to change it too. If not, letting go helps

[@lilypotter9476]

This is so helpful. As always I truly appreciate what you do to help. 💖

[@palepoet]

I would love to get to the bottom of depression! I am 36 years old and have been depressed since childhood. I’ve done everything to solve the problem but refused to take a rx drug. I finally started Prozac about 8 months ago. I’ve never felt better in my entire life! My only regret is that I didn’t start sooner. It makes me sad when I think about how many years of my life that I wasted being depressed when I could have been enjoying my life, but I felt too ashamed to take drugs and listened to holistic communities that treated drugs as ineffective. It might not work for everyone but it worked for me- and I tried exercise, meditation, diet, sleep, therapy, EDM, tapping, quit jobs, moved cities, etc. anything that might help. Nothing worked but the Prozac. Just my personal experience.

[@ms.q7445]

Glad you found relief!

[@angelawhite2022]

So happy it worked for you!

[@palepoet]

Yes, it is not for everyone but I do hope that people who are struggling aren’t afraid to give it a shot- even as a last resort. Life is too short to be empty inside when you don’t have to be. Thank you!

[@thathurt]

Personally the only thing I can find the energy to keep up every day is taking medication. I have tried exercises and meditation but can't get into it every day.. meds is easier and quick.

[@sambaouologuem7966]

Hi Emma!! Thank you so much for your help and support and I just wanted you to know that you are reaching souls all across the world. Your videos has been such a huge help for my mental health. you are such a blessing... ps: your invisible friend from Africa😉

[@peopleprocessprogress]

Very well explained. Great timing as I also just purchased his book. Godspeed and thank you for all you do.

[@susanwright9057]

Lost connections?

[@susanwright9057]

Medications don’t work anymore I’m 69 Now They worked when I was younger

[@CC-bw2rp]

@@susanwright9057 do you know why the dont work at you're age? I think i have the same. I am 60 and 15 years on mede for anxiety

[@CamiC1997]

Amazing as always! Thank you so much for your time 🙌🏻💕

[@middleofnowhere1313]

I got off of antidepressants after 20 years because I became allergic to the binders in the pills. I can definitely say my mental health has gotten much worse since having to stop taking them. I tried various supplements, but nothing had an effect. No access to therapy. I hope someone comes up with something that works... that doesn't require you be wealthy to get help.

[@tristessa771]

Unfortunately it requires some risk on your part, but microdosing psilocybin is worth looking into. It has helped me quite a bit with the depression I was feeling. After using some particular strains, I realized the soul crushing despair I would go to bed with every night just... wasn't there. It's not like I was ecstatic, just normal in terms of emotional stability. And it seems like it's continuing to help. It's been 6 months.

[@middleofnowhere1313]

@@tristessa771 I did try this but it backfired. :/ What happened was I got super anxious and paranoid. I think my brain chemistry is backwards or something. CBD at bedtime is the best thing I've got at the moment.

[@tristessa771]

@@middleofnowhere1313 just microdosing gave you that? What was your dose? Microdoses range from 50mg to 150mg, which is 0.05 and 0.15 g, respectively. Sorry about that though. I wish you luck with cbd.

[@lillybits9726]

Great insight into the complex issue of depression. I agree, we must seek effective treatments that incorporate as many of the aspects of biology, psychology and our socio-cultural environments as possible. We are all unique, so everyone's treatment should be geared to what works for them...not ONE PILLL FITS ALL! Thank you for your take on it. 😊

[@bendafyddgillard]

I submit that most of the treatment options you listed could be essentially social or systemic too. For example, people would generally get more exercise if we could move away from car culture and atomic suburbs towards active transport, public transport, and housing densification such as superblocks, gave people more time and space for physical recreation. People would get better food if we alleviate poverty, eliminate food deserts, give people more time in the day by not forcing them to work 2 or 3 jobs, reform food systems to prioritise quality over profit. At the very least, by addressing social issues we make the "good choices" easier for many more people.

[@Solitaire427]

I’ve always known this.. I let society convince me my internal instincts was wrong.. Now I see this and am mad at myself for allowing people to basically bully me into thinking maybe I was wrong

[@rongike]

yeah it never made any sense to me either.

[@dianakamalamars8397]

Very helpful. Thank you. I am so glad I found your channel. I have now watched 4 segments and plan on more!

[@mexikal]

Me caes bien, me agrada y comulgo con la misma idea de no solo trabajar un problema desde un frente. Sino desde muchas perspectivas. Me sorprende tu comunidad. Un abrazo para todos nosotros.

[@douglaidlaw740]

I was born with major depression. It is still with me. My pdoc tried to give me the raw materials to make my own neurotransmitters. It didn't work. I read a short description of the same technique working for a child with an entirely different condition. In Australia, direct advertising of prescription drugs to the public is forbidden. This talk would need to be given to the manufacturers. There was a story about a manufacturer who told the public "Go to your doctor and ask him to write you a script for ." The doctor decided that treatment was appropriate, but wrote a script for a competing remedy. The advertiser's sales went down.

[@finnjacobsen684]

Good work, most important informations. I have recently found various sources of informations on the studies of LSD, Psilocybin and MDMA in curing mental problems. They seem to have actual curing effects. Maybe this would be a subject for Therapy in a Nutshell?

[@janestorm9813]

We have to distinguish between depression and sadness. Depression is debilitating, it is an experience I wouldn't wish on anyone. For a lot of people meds work. You can then supplement with exercise, diet, counselling etc.

[@johnholme783]

This video is very good 👍. I agree with your holistic approach, it is clearly backed by scientific evidence. Having said that I need to point out that certain antidepressants improve depression in an indirect way by helping people sleep due to their sedative effect. This is a much safer way of getting a good nights rest than using sleeping pills!

[@SevenUnwokenDreams]

I do a lot of CBT, diet, exercise etc and I keep trying to get off my meds but even doing the other stuff I just get incredibly suicidal without medication. Every time I see things like this I want to try getting off them again.

[@tthetopofmygame]

Same...terrible crash when I did this

[@BecomeConsciousNow]

Great honesty!! I love it!!

[@breanna5763]

Thank you for this video! ❤

[@grayautumnday]

This is strongly related in my perception to the fight against the disease model also of addiction, especially since I’ve read a few peer reviewed articles showing that disease models trigger a sort of genetic essentialist effect and INCREASE expression of punitive aspects of social stigma, instead of reducing stigma as one might think the disease model “should.”

[@grayautumnday]

BTW, I’m especially grateful for your courageous posting of this video! I have read Lost Connections a few times. It really helped me. I’ve been on psych meds since I hit puberty and now I’m well into middle age I’m seeing where a large minority of my medications have created very real permanent physical harms, and several of them have radically destabilized my mental health, and an entire class - SSRIs (all of the ones that actually helped me) created a severe autoimmune disease (proved by pathology diagnosis of biopsies).

[@seinfeldfan442]

I think we it comes to any mental health issues you need to keep your stress low and work through your daily tasks in little consistent steps, we are taught to keep super busy and rush around, sometimes we need to stop for a bit.

[@AdriWiid]

Fantastic video! Greatly explained! I stopped using Wellbutrin after almost 3 years because I realised how little difference it made to my depression.

[@jaznm7195]

Watched this earlier today- rings well with me- identigy well with Carrie's comments here related to being on all kind of depressants over the years - with little net improvement- I think Johan has something here. -pharmacueticals are not about always the full solution! Thanks Emma!

[@RobertWGreaves]

Having been raised in an upper class home (born in 1951) by narcissistic, neglectful, critical, “professional” parents whose friends were much like them, many of the children, especially the sons, were deeply depressed and emotionally destroyed. The parents were uniformly in total denial of having any roll in their children’s poor coping skills, and they received the news of chemical imbalance with gleeful acquittal from their adult children’s complaints. Even as a teenager, I took note of my numerous classmates who were, like me, self loathing and depressed. It was obvious to me even in the decade of the 60’s that the self absorbed yuppie parents had more to do with causing these problems. Meds had zero affect for me, and by the age of 30 I began an aggressive self-directed effort to address all the lies I had come to assume about myself. I would relive the humiliating events and struggle to embrace different conclusions as to what those events “said” about me. Five years of that self-directed therapy did the trick. Although I am not anti-therapist, the yuppie therapists I had turned to were completely useless.

[@sarahralph-neil7137]

Wow, really interesting. I've never been a fan of medication for depression but UK doctors always push to get you on them. I've heard a lot about chemical imbalance and always wondered if it was actually true or not or just another marketing tool. I think it's so difficult to know what is true & what isn't in this world, so nice to get some clarity thank you.

[@jvs2095]

What is your take on bipolar depression and chemical imbalances? I have bipolar disorder and I find taking an antidepressant with my mood stabilizer stopped my depressive episodes (though I still do talk therapy). I am not an expert, but my understanding to why I have a mood disorder is that I was born with a genetic vulnerabilty and growing up some stressful events in my environment "provoked" the illness.

[@TonyaA7]

Thank you for summing that up...

[@steviekeane]

I tried coming of my last 2.5mg of citalopram after weaning off for last 10yrs from 20mg . Its impossible . I went crazy on day 6 . Back on them now . They are like heroine and hard class A to come off . And with zero sympathy or help from doctors who say your probably not ready to come off them yet ... . Looks like your depression is back .

[@solemates2410]

One of the best books on the topic

[@apinojilazul6571]

doctors took patients from a mental hospital to go to another hospital where there were people with physical illnesses, so they could talk and help to provide care. after some time, he found an improvement in the mental status of patients with mental illness. proving that when a person with mental needs is willing to help love other people, he is healed too. so just thinking about yourself is not the answer but the world loving each other is the way.

[@vivvy_0]

sure 🙄

[@Sunmoonandstars123]

My friend committed suicide after being on anti anxiety med and antidepressants for a year or so. It’s not a coincidence it’s considered a “side effect.” We lost a friend to his meds.

[@zettaichan]

Why elevate Johann Hari? He's confessed to plagiarism and fabrications in the past, and there are documented issues with his recent books on the same basis: some of his statistics are uncited, he claims credit for other people's ideas, he misrepresented studies... given his self-confessed history of lies, these continuing issues in his work are glaring. I can't see putting any faith in anything he writes.

[@vitaliivoloshyn6284]

Probably the same reason she speaks an octave below her natural voice :)

[@joeszpak2491]

Fantastic!!!!! Inspiring. Impressive.

[@zen_mindset1]

It's lack of money causing my depression. Not living my life like I desire. This gets fixed, my mood will get better.

[@aamnahere6250]

KZbin says this video was uploaded today on 13th October 2022 and it already has comments from two months ago? I am confused.

[@carlcann9119]

In ancient times issues were discussed around a hearth. That is what this video is, like thank you. In ancient times depression did occur, but was not so prevalent as today, and because of sitting at a hearth, was dealt with very effectively. Essentially the biological basis of depression is discontent. Discontent is caused by detriments. So, the brain is our map of reality. When our map does not correspond to the detriments within our reality we react with discontent (which seems like a motivation for change) If you change what the map refers to, you do not need to change your map. If you change your map, you neglect to change the things that are creating detriments that effect you. I think we change our maps, and tolerate detriments to unhealthy degrees, and this entrenches depression. The powerlessness to change the detriments drives us to change ourselves. Mostly people are wonderful and amazing, we ought not need to change ourselves so readily. And this is the modern dilemma, how can we empower ourselves to effectively address the detriments that cause us discontent. Enfranchised democracy ought be of greater facility in this endeavor. I see it as a muscle that we ought exercise better. At any rate, early feminism promised that all solutions would be wrought of dialogue. We need to sit around hearths more, and voice our concerns. Consider yourself a keeper of a hearth. Wonderful and amazing.

[@JustsomeSteve]

That was a really great, well rounded, video!

[@andreasrylander]

Love your amazing videos. Trying to make the world better, one video at a time, apart from the job you're doing outside of the videos of course. :)

[@Marie-rs1lu]

Antidepressants give you a mood boost, to do everything you can to fix your life.

[@TorringtonFernandopulle]

Thank you so much for the video and the very valuable lessons..... 🙏