What Causes Depression? - It's Not Just A Chemical Imbalance

The traditional way we approached the cause and treatment of depression is to see it as a chemical imbalance. That is you have in sufficient amounts of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine and low levels of these brain chemicals are what is causing your depression. We treat the depression by replenishing these chemicals using medications that help your brain cells or neurons either produce more of the chemicals or stop the chemicals from being broken down after they are produced so that they hang around a little longer. This is the concept behind the SSRIs or serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Now we see that the reason the neurotransmitters are low is because of disrupted neural circuits in the brain. It’s related to the concept of neuroplasticity. In this case with depression, you get negative neuroplasticity. In this video, I discuss how neuroplasticity (or the lack of it) contributes to depression. We have a long way to go and getting depression to resolve with medication and using medications that have minimal side effects. This new way of conceptualizing depression has an impact on the new medications that are being developed and the psychotherapies we use to treat depression.
Videos Referenced in this video
Treatment Resistant Depression • What is Treatment Resi...
References
André RB, Lopes M, Fregni F. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies on major depression and BDNF levels: implications for the role of neuroplasticity in depression, Int. Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology (2008), 11, 1169-1180.
Serafini G. Neuroplasticity and major depression, the role of modern antidepressant drugs. World J Psychiatry. 2012;2(3):49-57.
Duman CH, Duman RS. Spine synapse remodeling in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression. Neurosci Lett. 2015;601:20-9.
Kang HJ, Voleti B, Hajszan T, et al. Decreased expression of synapse-related genes and loss of synapses in major depressive disorder. Nat Med. 2012;18(9):1413-7.
Rush AJ, et al. Acute and Longer-Term Outcomes in Depressed Outpatients Requiring One or Several Treatment Steps: A STAR*D Report Am J Psychiatry. 2006;163:1905-1917.
Yang CC, Barrós-Loscertales A, Pinazo D, et al. State and training effects of mindfulness meditation on brain networks reflect neuronal mechanisms of its antidepressant effect. Neural Plast. 2016;2016:9504642.
Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.
I upload every Wednesday at 9am, and sometimes have extra videos in between. Subscribe to my channel so you don't miss a video goo.gl/DFfT33

[@hanisiryani43]

I wish Dr tracey is my doctor.

[@sylviab.791]

Me too

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thanks Bee Man!!! You too S. Begay!

[@myname9252]

Right?

[@tropicalwibez3140]

see TODD WHITE

[@mediamedicmedic2093]

She is just like all other psychiatrist. They repeat the same theories hyped by the pharmaceutical companies. Pharmaceutical companies spend more on marketing than academic research. Profit is king.

[@dream5142]

Life causes depression

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Yes it can.🙁

[@clivecook999]

It's not life that causes depression, it's a stressful, unhappy life.

[@vishva8kumara]

I see where you are getting to with that thought. I've been there.. You got to change that attitude. Life is simple until we make it complected.

[@dream5142]

@@clivecook999 That is life ????

[@dream5142]

@@vishva8kumara sometimes you can't change what is happening around you so the cycle of depression never ends , its ok thinking oh ill change my attitude , if something is causing you the depression example work ect get another job , but if it's something that you can't change then what do you do

[@homegrownstranger4661]

I know that I am late to the comments, but after suffering for many years with periods of clinical depression, I realized (at he age of 32 years old) that my depression was caused by the circumstances of my life at that time. Almost all of it environmental. Growing up and living in a home with my domineering and rigid mother = depression. Being forced to endure attending a school where I was bullied and outcast = depression. Working in a hostile and toxic work environment = depression. As soon as I removed myself from these situations my depressive episodes would lift. I have periodically taken anti depressants, which did help sometimes. This is just my experience

[@katejones2172]

I'm 64 & no change

[@louv5166]

That guy saying "What?" at 2:11 had me laughing for a solid minute. Holy sh*t, that was so funny and so unexpected.

[@ladybaabaa3294]

Me too! I wasn't expecting him! 😂

[@penelopepitstopp8943]

That guy saying "what?" made me crack a half smile. If you were laughing for a solid minute, you are Not Depressed!

[@Imisheardit]

I've been so obsessed with mental disorders these days that I heard it in the middle of Doc's speech, though it might have been my hallucination lol

[@norbertowitt6877]

I'm laughing with the mice in 1:38

[@ashleybrowning8314]

Omg i laughed my ass off!!

[@MargoMartin1]

You must be on to something! As a child I was emotionally abandoned by my mom, and psychologically abused. I also witnessed a friend of mine die in front of me .... we were both 4 years old. No one helped me process the trauma and grief, I was gaslit instead! Grew up in a family full of narcissists and I was treated like I was not there. Married a person just like my mom, and had several other traumatic events. So now I'm 56 years old, full of depression and anxiety. I've been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression. Life has never been peaceful for me until now. I've tried multiple medications and the only one my brain can tolerate is Prozac. I've been on it for twenty years now and it doesn't seem to rid me fully of depression. So I totally believe what this study says. Thank you for your information. ❤

[@amethystfire3076]

I am 55. I have had depression and ADHD my whole life. Had a bad fall as a child. What keeps me from doing myself in is I remind myself that change will always happen so I will feel better again. Reading what you just said helps so much.

[@Chizuru94]

Hey o/ Hope you feel better nowadays and found the good medication fit. It can get better

[@carolginsberg662]

Good luck to you, Amethyst.

[@amethystfire3076]

@@carolginsberg662 😊 Thank you

[@vegetossgss1114]

If depression is due to bad connection of brain nerves, and is clause related to neuroplasticity, how can you explain that young folks who experience depression earlier in their lives are more likely to have a chronic depression, although, thanks to their young age, their brain should be more effective to readjust, given an appropriate medication and / or psychotherapy? It does not make sens...

[@eternity8811]

@@vegetossgss1114 sense is the least important... 🤔

[@LoreMIpsum-vs6dx]

Yep. I tried over 10 anti-depressants over many years with no effect. Mindfulness and contextualizing my mental history (attachment theory/CPTSD) has been the only thing that has slowly moved me towards better mental health.

[@eastwoofer]

Go on a high fat, low-carb ketogenic leaning diet and you'll never have depression again.

[@ashuvijay7031]

How u overcome on depression ? What strategy u applied ?

[@allee1021]

Please share

[@pa2707]

Same with me. I was also just prescribed drugs after drugs and literally none of them helped me. I still haven't hacked how to get rid of depression but I'm looking.

[@LoreMIpsum-vs6dx]

@@allee1021Hi, What worked and is still working for me is listening to and being absolutely honest with what the deepest parts of me are really feeling. These feelings need to be given their voice even if they aren't "right" or "pretty". I try to find out what they want to say. If my deepest feeling distills down to "I hate life" then I try to listen like I would a friend and find out why I apparently "hate life". What feelings are behind that? I keep digging and digging and listening and listening because "I hate life" is just the words for a feeling and often it's not very accurate so keep finding out what the feeling has to say. Eventually I get down to an almost non-verbal emotion or I might realize that I hear the voice of my parents, or something. In that process I realize, "whoa, that's not true" or "whoa, that's not me". I'm essentially describing a version of mindfulness and CBT. The trick is that I've had to stay at this and commit to it, and keep coming back to it when I fall off for *years*. These issues are deep and are the very things that formed who I am. They don't want to change. I've had to commit to this harder than learning any other skill, but I no longer have 40 bags of garbage in my house because I'm too depressed or afraid to go outside any more. I have a life. I have a wife, and I savor being alive every day. There is an answer and you have to look for it like your life depends on it, cuz it does. Best! L.

[@RebekaNewboldVantablack]

Thank you for being a honest doctor! I wish my psych doctor taught about food, exercise, and mindfulness. I was very damaged by the drugs given to me. Now I have been eating right, exercising, and meditating..I dont need any medication. I wish theyd teach this to patients FIRST.

[@jessicawelch8809]

I just did life coaching for a year and it did more for me than 20 years of therapy! We worked on my feelings, where my brain felt stuck, we back tracked to the original thoughts. After processing these with the therapist, I could allow and form new thoughts and they have changed my thinking and feeling long term. I feel lighter and my depression is virtually gone. One thought I would ruminate on and get stuck with was how my mom is a narcissistic jerk. The thoughts would paralyze me after being around her because of the uncaring things she said and did. Now, after legitimate coaching, I can be around my mom and my new thoughts are now “of course she would say that”. I no longer carry the weight, it’s like my brain connections aren’t stuck!

[@ralphrex9118]

Sounds like a great coach, good job all round, thanks for sharing.

[@nimaltra7353]

What is the difference

[@Allaboutbaby24]

It sounds wonderful that you found a competent coach who was helpful. Would you mind sharing their name ? Since you're speaking of coach/therapist, it sounds like they had a background in both? (Which I guess could be helpful, I was also raised by a narcicisst mom / have been struggling with depression for a long time and while I feel like traditional therapy isn't working for me, I also don't want to end up with a life coach who knows nothing about mental health) Thanks in advance!

[@lex61519]

I've been saying this for a long time. There's always a reason for depression and a chemical imbalance is not the root of it.

[@marti220]

I believe what she’s saying is the root of depression is misfiring of the neurons, while lack of serotonin is a consequence of the misfiring. The medications help inhibit re-uptake. That is helpful-as she said it’s like continually giving blood to a wounded person but closing the wound would be a true solution. Is that your understanding? So there is still a physical cause in addition to the emotional ones that impact our emotional health.

[@SAMEntalhealth]

Imbalances are caused by something yes

[@vegetossgss1114]

If depression is due to bad connection of brain nerves, and is clause related to neuroplasticity, how can you explain that young folks who experience depression earlier in their lives are more likely to have a chronic depression, although, thanks to their young age, their brain should be more effective to readjust, given an appropriate medication and / or psychotherapy? It does not make sens...

[@ads214]

One thing I've always struggled with: whats the difference between depression and just not enjoying life? Eg being down about working all the time and being in debt and not really seeing a future seems like a normal reaction.

[@joesphbegley3088]

The chemical imbalance is due to difficult life experiences. Help with these experiences will correct the imbalance.

[@danialkemp1]

I love your channel. This makes mental health education very understandable. You communicate with a clarity rarely observed. These topics are so very relevant and so useful for myself and my family. I want to support this channel. Very needed and very up to date. Thank you Doctor!!!!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re so welcome Dan! Thanks for watching and supporting my channel.😊👍🏼

[@tmrider60]

I agree, I couldn't have said it better!

[@tropicalwibez3140]

see todd white :)

[@vegetossgss1114]

If depression is due to bad connection of brain nerves, and is clause related to neuroplasticity, how can you explain that young folks who experience depression earlier in their lives are more likely to have a chronic depression, although, thanks to their young age, their brain should be more effective to readjust, given an appropriate medication and / or psychotherapy? It does not make sens...

[@shakilahmod9863]

Dr can i achieve goal. I am a civil Engineer bt i failed my path😢😂

[@Ghetto-toaster22]

Man, wished Dr. Tracey was my doc. It is impossible to get quality treatment and/or care. I eventually just gave up and just have to suffer, have no other choice. Feel like most doctors only want that first 5 minutes with you so they can get their payment then see ya in 3 months for the same thing. Repeating process. And people wonder why you’re not trying to get help. I know all doctors aren’t like that, Dr. Tracey is the exception. Wished all doctors were created phenomenal like she is. You’re awesome Dr. Tracey! One of the worst symptom in the depression for me is the EXTREME fatigue, and I mean it is FATIGUE BAD! I was treated for ADHD up until the age of 18, I wonder if mine is related to that. I have never been on or addicted to drugs. I did have an alcohol issue for many many years. I was a weekend binge drinker after 5pm. Never a full blown alcoholic, just the weekend binge drinking. I am almost 12 months sober and BOY I will NEVER go back to ANY alcohol consumption. Sobriety is DEFINITELY worth it. The only thing I wished would go is my depression, concentration, severe procrastination and mainly EXTREME FATIGUE. I exercise, get 7,500-10,000 steps a day, do cardio 2-4 times a day and free weights each week and NOTHING else. I will wake up, extremely fatigue and lay on the couch for 3+ hours before even getting up. I eat clean. I mean i have done EVERYTHING and nothing helps AT ALL! I literally have to force myself to do cardio or workout. I basically force myself to do everything bc I dont have the energy. Wished I could solve this 😢 thanks for the content Dr. Tracey!

[@karowolkenschaufler7659]

it also drastically changes how we think about ourselves as people who suffer from depression. from just being born wrong and having to take meds to make up for it... to being shaped by things that happened to us. the broken circuits are like the anatomical manifestation of the ... well... wounds.. cracks... we feel in our selves. and it means that... yea what happened to us shaped us... but we can shape ourselves now by making the subconcious concious. that's empowerment through selfreflection. helps with the helplessness...

[@edsonwilliams7009]

I don't think I'm suffering from depression but just love listening to Tracey Marks she helps in understanding a very close friend

[@gofeelgreat]

Dear Dr. Tracy, My mother has depression and we cannot afford the treatment yet. My siblings and I have been learning more about mental illness and how to treat depression and we've found your channel to be the best source of information. Thank you for your effort!

[@SivaSankar-ij8wz]

How's she now?

[@nathanmitchell7961]

This channel is dropping my jaw, thankyou Tracey i have no words

[@amandabrown1045]

Thank you 🙏 Dr. Tracey. This partially explains why my meds only worked when I slept right, ate right, and walked every day. The gut brain video explained the rest. God bless you Dr. Tracey❤

[@janedoe7251]

Thank you for the amazing videos! Nobody on the internet gives related information in an easy to understand way and in a short period of time. I appreciate it! :)

[@kristinanderson8498]

yoga and breathing exercises have greatly helped me with my depression!! I loved this video

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Awesome 👍🏼

[@SooSmokie]

I gotta say I have been watching your channel for a while now. Your channel gave me faith, and allowed me to come to terms with my issues, And realize there is are possibilities to get help and be happy again. I was on the edge of suicide for a long time until I came across your Bi polar and ADHD videos along with your depression videos and a few Other things persobality disorders. It's given explanations to things I have done and regretted and helped me come to terms with some things through my therapist I started seeing after watching your videos. First therapist Ive ever seen. So thank you so much, as I am so happy today and still watch your videos today. I hope you ser this, and thanks again for everything you do, and best wishes to you and your family.

[@dchrysostom]

My favourite Dr on KZbin... thank you for being there for us...

[@fionafilippafrost8794]

I get depression when I get to much negative emotionel overloaded.

[@grazistarr306]

Dr. Marks has helped me significantly in just a few of her videos than any therapist I've seen in the past 5 years. Please keep these videos going! When you base your videos off of pathophysiology and evidence based research I am significantly more successful at helping my mental health improve.

[@Sky_moondance]

I was diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder and have had it since I was a teenager. I also have drug resistant depression. I just finished my treatment using rtms and I feel great. I used the same rtms treatment 3 years ago and the depression didn't come back until another 2 years. Could have been longer but a lot of stressful things were happening and I spiraled back in. What I found helped to keep those new connections/ transmitters going and growing was meditation and yoga in the morning and doing something creative (same part of the brain). For those suffering from depression, hang in there! That awful molasses feeling in your brain will get better with help, you just need to take the steps to get the right treatment for you and do everything you can to be kind to your body and mind. Your depression doesn't define you just like someone who has some other medical condition. You are loved just the way you are 💖

[@fingersmcoy]

if people would stay off the terrible drugs they try to give us, things would get better

[@terriw919fyi]

Thank you Doctor. There are people in my life that are depressed and your videos are very informative and helpful. I struggle with how to effectively be supportive, especially when they become withdrawn and stop communicating.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

That's a tough one. It's tempting to want to keep reaching out to let them, but sometimes that's too much for people. I think if you let them know you're there, then give them space, you strike a good balance of being supportive but not intrusive.

[@terriw919fyi]

Thank you for your advice, Doctor. I've noticed a decline for the past few months with one friend where she's barely communicating. She was in therapy but I don't know if she still is. I'll give her space.

[@goldenorchidpeach]

Your channel is helping so many of us. Keep up the research, and please keep the channel. We love you Dr. Marks😊

[@sabrinabean26]

So looking forward to your video on mindfulness and neuroplasticity ☺️! I began a practice of meditation 30 min/daily (at the same time of starting my road to sobriety) and wow I must say the former has helped to decrease my anxiety attacks. It hasn’t gotten rid of it (it never will) but I began to notice subtle changes and less intensity in the anxiety attacks. Sobriety did intensify some of my anxiety because I went without one of my biggest coping mechanisms-but I feel that mindfulness in the long run has replaced alcohol in many ways 💗

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Oh that’s so great to hear Sarah. Thanks for sharing this. How long did it take for you to see some improvement once you started doing meditation regularly.?

[@noone_232]

Perfect. I am coming across the concept of neuroplasticity as a cause for depression for the first time. This makes perfect sense. Bad incidents, bad lifestyle, bad experience lead to bad connections between neurons giving birth to a bad circuit. What I saw so far was constantly an argument whether depression was cause or symptom, whether it was just chemical balance or summation of lifestyle choice and life experiences. Neuroplasticity seems to be the perfect piece that connects the two.

[@jaxxenriquez9542]

Dr. Tracey Marks, Just wanted to give you a huge THANK YOU! for being a guiding light :) I've learned and made so many lifestyle changes based on your feedback. My life has turned 180 for the positive and so happy to have found you :)

[@julesvibe]

I have only recently found your channel. I appreciate your videos. Very much. I was on Anti-depressant and anti-anxiety meds for about 10 years. I went off about 5 years ago. Recently my depression and anxiety came back and I have an amazing therapist. We have decided to go the non Med route. I’m more than ok with this. It’s right for me. I just started a mindfulness course and it is already quite helpful. I’ve been a teacher for 30 years and it had become increasingly stressful over the years. I am so encouraged by the research being done on this subject.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Oh that’s great. I hope you enjoy the course 😊

[@shitalkumbhare2803]

I have been experiencing just this, I was depressed before I started active hobbies like Painting and listening to audiobooks or reading different genres. I also experiment with taking new routes to a regular destination. Xbox or gaming has really ignited my mind and especially learning capacity. Games have this ability to slowly help you level up and keep you focused and trying harder. I liked your video on gaming too. During play time on xbox we learn so much during gaming it has really invigorated my brains suddenly. I am 41. Thank you Doctor Tracy!

[@rosalynmoyle3766]

Thank you for this update. The explanation makes so much sense. I feel relief they are on track with this illness.

[@danielpercival]

Love this. I always wondered why all my mental problems started at 40 and now the study by Monash University of Australia that discovered that a "great rewiring" of the brain in mid-life could be the cause. Rewiring implies the breaking and forming of connections so this talk about brain connections is so relevant. Drugs did help for awhile but after 3 decades not so. I hope the research moves forward to discover ways of rewiring the brain correctly, not just putting chemicals in. Thnaks for this clip.

[@Yolduranduran]

Thank you so much for that explanation. I've always had a lot of questions about treatments and why they work and don't work for some people. I'm going to watch this again so that I haven't even better understanding.

[@lebeccthecomputer6158]

Tank you for making these videos. I've been suffering from what I think is MDD for a little under a year now, and it's been the worst year of my life. Undoubtedly the worst thing about it is the cognitive impairment. My future plans and studies in college mandate that I be in tip top intellectual shape, and I don't even think I could pass middle school in the shape that I'm in; what's worse, this is the symptom which in my research seems to be the most difficult to actually reverse, even in remission. If it weren't for the extreme anxiety over the urgency of reversing this fast, for the aforementioned reasons, I fear I wouldn't even have a modicum of energy or motivation to actively try and kick this. I've been devoting myself to researching as deeply as I can to construct with my therapist the most aggressive possible treatment with a focus on cognitive enhancement, and your videos have been a huge help!

[@xcarriecatx]

Thank you for the video! I appreciate you linking the research articles. I am looking forward to your mindfulness and neuroplasticity video.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thanks Carrie. I have to get working on it.😊👍🏼

[@xcarriecatx]

@@DrTraceyMarks Thank you for your hard work. Much appreciated!

[@sherryroberts1821]

Hi Dr. Tracy, I agree I wish you were my doctor!!! I was diagnosed with clinical depression as a teenager and it has only gotten worse to put it lightly. I’m now 58 and it’s almost unbearable. You’re right as far as living a very stressful life, that’s a definite yes. I also have fibromyalgia and arthritis. I do know my depression makes my fibromyalgia worse. As far as hereditary my mother also struggled with all 3. My dads mom was in the era of electric shock treatments and institutionalized many times in the 50’s and maybe 60’s. I don’t do well with antidepressants, allergies or side effects. Usually hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. Oh yeah also diagnosed with sleep paralysis and recently nocturnal hypoxia. Apparently I don’t go into REM sleep at all and only 30% of the stage before that (sorry I can’t think of what it’s called at the moment). Sleep in it’s self is a challenge. Currently I’m on 37.5 mg of Zoloft which seems to be my maximum before I reach zombieville and not getting out of bed at all. I’m so tired of feeling this way! As it is I don’t do much more than bed and couch due to my disabilities with the fibromyalgia and arthritis. The pain is very limiting to living. I use to be a nurse for many years until the pain was to much. I miss myself even though I struggled with depression I could function most of the time. When I say depression I mean anywhere from sadness, crying most everyday, not getting out of bed, not bathing for over a week, very poor appetite. No friends, family doesn’t come around. Any suggestions?? Thank you very much

[@EllenRNPHN]

I enjoy your videos. I took a antidepressant and it made me depressed, irritable and feeling crazy. I stopped the med gradually with the doctor’s help. I’m still depressed. The side effects were a problem with the med. i have an appointment with my therapist to see what else I can do. Thank you for your videos!

[@katrinat.3032]

Your videos are amazing. They’re right on point, they get to the point, and things are explained in a clear concise manner. And you always mention options or upcoming information, which is helpful. This is a great channel.

[@rudydekker58]

Compliments for these videos and the clear explanation. The best on KZbin.

[@xandria20]

I’m so grateful to have seen this. I feel very hopeful.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Excellent. I'm glad of that.🙂

[@muganyiziwilson-tg7ym]

Thank you so much our Psychiatrist. The Diathesis Stress model also suggests that although a predisposition to illness exists because of genetics or upbringing the illness itself will not appear unless or until it is elicited by the environment. Thank you for sharing your great knowledge and wisdom to us! You also mentor my daughter to become apsychiatist in future. God bless you.

[@jasminelebrun4563]

Just wanted to thank you for making these videos. I'm a communicator/marketer by trade, and I really appreciate how you simply explain things with a touch of humour.

[@lorindaelaine]

I find your videos so very helpful, sophisticated and comprehensive. I’m so glad I found your channel! Warm wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@02duszj32]

Amazing how this 5 min vid can benefit you more than the SSRIs you take for years on end. This doctor has incredible knowledge, simple small steps to understanding your condition, in order to improve it 👏

[@vegetossgss1114]

If depression is due to bad connection of brain nerves, and is clause related to neuroplasticity, how can you explain that young folks who experience depression earlier in their lives are more likely to have a chronic depression, although, thanks to their young age, their brain should be more effective to readjust, given an appropriate medication and / or psychotherapy? It does not make sens...

[@dj586858]

Love hearing "what we know now" information from you, Dr. Marks! I couldn't get updates like that from my doc (now my former doc).

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Oh no did you fire your doc? For what it’s worth I refer my patients to my channel because we spend so much time talking about other issues that I don’t get a chance to talk about these things with them. 😊

[@dj586858]

Actually he fired me. I guess when I asked if he could suggest any online resources (he said "no") & I gave him an example of something I'd read, he took that as me saying he didn't know what he was doing. He told me to find another doctor. I think it was a good thing.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

dj586858 I agree. Your doctor shouldn’t be that sensitive.

[@TLOVE-zl4yd]

New sub. Thank you for caring enough to help educate us on these complicated subjects.

[@petart.5546]

Dr. Marks, I like your videos! They are very informative, and some of them made me understand myself better! ❤️

[@paitontalley8080]

meditation, exercise, yoga, and appreciating time by myself and with friends and family has helped me to live with and deal with depression. the medications that i was given as a young adult did not help me, but made me feel worse

[@revolutionunderground]

What a joke

[@bbennettbass]

Dr Tracy thank you for this video! You bridged a few connections for me on this no pun intended. I talk about this dilemma w friends and family often. Possible that further psilocybin research may show improvement in reconnection of neurons? I have been microdosing periodically for the last few months and it has been the only real improvement in my depression/anxiety over the last 2-3 years, remarkably actually. I watched your video on that topic and enjoyed it as well. I look forward to following your work further. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge ❤️

That's it! I'm moving back to the USA. I need you as my doctor 😊

[@DrTraceyMarks]

LOL! Thanks for the compliment 👍

[@MinnaMrt2958]

Check out the KZbin videos and other resources of Irene Lyon on her web page. She has a lot of information on trauma healing and neuroplasticity, as well as exercises. Yoga, meditation and mindfulness are often great, but she goes even beyond that. Her material, among so many other things, has helped me a lot with my treatment resistant, lifelong depression. A Canadian university is currently doing a study of her methods.

[@MinnaMrt2958]

Also traumas don’t need to be so big and dramatic to cause nervous system problems. She explains this in a way that makes sense.

[@user-lf5uw9nx7h]

Thank you for clarifying neuroplasticity and integrating problem lives and transmitted chemicals. Some people are just done in keeping all the balls in the air. We need support. Not just drugs. ❤

[@Roxanna.wez5671]

Looking forward to the video on mindfulness and neuroplasticity 👍

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Yes, it's coming. I have it done Just a few last things...

[@Quantum369Mechanic]

Thank you for this video. It really answers a lot of questions I had about how it works and why. I noticed the second mood stabilizer I tried help a lot. It’s awesome to have hope back and excited about tomorrow again. Thank you again, me and my wife enjoy learning all about this.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re welcome Brandon!

[@caan74]

I have a one month Fluoxetine prescription. My two major problems are rumination and low self esteem. For so many years I believed that depression was partially hereditary. Thank you, Dr Marks for dispelling this myth.

[@bernstock]

Awesome channel. Easy to understand and just the facts. Thank you for your help Dr Marks

[@starrycrown]

You are a wonderful teacher, Dr. T!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thank you so much Starry Crown!

[@bigupyuself]

Dr. Tracy is so cool and she's doing a great work.

[@thomaswalz3515]

I'm 71, dealing with my ADD, and depression. Counseling has been set up. I really should be enjoying my retirement. I am not. Retirement has exacerbated my condition, even though I've enough to do around my home to keep me busy for years, decades. In the past, i went through the whole gamut of drugs, all were horrible, made matters worse. The only drug that worked for me was Seroquel. I was having severe sleep issues. I had to cut the pill, it was so powerful. Eventually, a nurse friend said that I was taking so little, it was a placebo. I stopped.

[@markhou]

Great video again Doc! Love the production quality.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thanks Mark. My editing skills are slowly improving over time. 🙂

[@markhou]

Wow I didn't know you were doing it yourself! This is beautiful

[@DrTraceyMarks]

@@markhou Yes, it's a creative outlet for me. Thanks for noticing. 🙂

[@sabitadevi6042]

Really doc you are superb

[@rustymcgee7488]

This makes a lot more sense than the chemical imbalance explanation that I've been told sense my diagnosis in the early 2000 . It's good to hear that we are learning more & developing more theories regarding mental health. Thanks doc!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re welcome Rusty!

[@tropicalwibez3140]

see todd white

[@lovelyme4362]

I must say by far the video on Hypochondria is the best yet ( for me)!!! Wish you had a part 2 .... I never knew so many people suffers from this!!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

That’s funny you say that about a part two. Because that’s the longest video I’ve done so far.😊

[@AMayer-se6gg]

Thanks for always being so informative and treating us like adults.

[@tloujonasngoetjana712]

You are superb, learning a lot from you

[@DrTraceyMarks]

So glad and thank you.!

[@rhondakorber3660]

Ur videos and you are so awesome!! You make me feel so much better just listening to you!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

That's wonderful Rhonda. Thanks so much!

[@TheHottieLicious]

Thank you Dr Tracey Marks for making videos for us 🙏❤

[@minouchejaunky5781]

You are the best doctor i ever came across, thankyou

[@klanderkal]

Thank you Dr. for mentioning my cause. A stressful life event 🥀 I never experienced this level of stress ever in my life. The trauma of this life altering event was devastating. I couldn't sleep for many days, and acquired the dreaded Insomnia. Since the future i hoped for was shattered and instantly gone forever... I got anxiety that just keeps getting worse. Then, i sunk into the worst depression. 7 months! Ive been in stress mode, unable to sleep more than 2 hrs. Still many sleepless consecutive days. Im nolonger able to go outside. I lost interests in everything, including hobbies, activities and friends. .... of course, everything is failing. My body has shrunk, muscles gone, and.. my eyesight went bad! Its not good for me... 💔🙌

[@dogmonday]

Wow this is timely information. I really believe the environmental factors are very important. I admire bessel van der kolk’s work on early childhood trauma and its correlation to the improper pruning of old unused neural pathways. Ironically his work in trauma has given me so much despair paired with hope . To me, Kaiser permanente’s ace study supports similar ideas. As a nurse I see patients in the hospital and I recognize emotional hardship and trauma and it amazes me how prevalent it is, and how lifelong these patterns can be, manifesting not only in emotional and psychiatric symptoms but physical as well. Recently, i experienced neurological problems after a huge fight with my husband that just rekindled many old feelings and memories of severe abuse and early childhood trauma. I had severe speech problems and immense difficulty reading out loud, not being able to sound out words and struggling to talk. This went on to facial and muscular tics that could only be controlled with cogentin. With all my soul I thought I was hallucinating or had suffered a stroke. But everything was negative. I still suffer from mild stuttering but it has improved over the past few months. The mind body connection defies mere words! Thanks Dr Marks for your videos.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You are so right Susan. What a powerful example your experience is! thanks for sharing this.😊

[@stellaancimer8505]

I think you are the best doctor in the universe, so glad i found you. This are all facts, for me having a ocd, is like having a wampires in the brain, brain are just stuck, but with food and therapy and medication there is hope for mental world, it's nice to listen people like you,

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate you.

[@clairetomes617]

Thanks Dr. Tracey Marks!

[@paitontalley8080]

Thank you for explaining this intelligently and describing how depression is actually caused.

[@thomass4386]

Doctor, you have really brought some light to my dark world… You do a fabulous job explaining depression and neural plasticity and how the neurotransmitters work… I feel so fortunate to have found you as a source of good information

[@kimberlywitt2101]

Please never lose your voice. You are reaching those of us whom have our eyes wide shut to the goobly goob of the broken system.

[@funeralangel8262]

🌿 I am thinking this woman should have her own TV show all about psychology/human behavior 👌💕

[@catcraddle65]

Yes, very useful information Dr Tracey. Humor and laughter are my coping skills.

[@ducphan8638]

Thank you very much Dr. Mark. You explain so clearly and very useful for me.

[@InsightImagingPhoto]

Another amazing video. I am battling depression and anxiety after a brain injury, I base my hold day on anything and everything that can promote neuroplasitity within my brain. Would love to see a video on mental health issues after brain injury.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Hi insight imaging. Hang in there. mental changes after a brain injury is tough. But you can recover it’s just a very slow process.

[@tanvipunjabi104]

Dr. Tracy your given information is of so much help...thanks so much... In this particular video what you are explaining seems so connecting to my situation....I have epilepsy n get tonic clonic fits n focal fits too...m ADHD...I had been going through so much depression n anxity too.... All of these things with me n the brain parts you talk about are very much affected...surally soon with the support of new doctors n your given reliable valuable information m gonna win over all of these issues ❤

[@ameer781]

This explains the connection between ADD and depression since both are about nuroconetions 🤔. No wonder.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Yes ADD is a connectivity issue as well.

[@PthaloGreen2]

That was a WONDERFULLY clear talk about the biomechanics, if you will, of depression. Thank you!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You're welcome. Biomechanics, I like that🙂

[@user-uo9jx3ui2k]

This makes soooooo much sense!!!! Any time i've had a major depressive episodes the last 25 years that i've suffered it has been after a major stressor. I can even feel it happen. I told a friend that i feel my brain break. Now i can say short circuit. Luckily anti- depressants help me a lot. They are a godsent. Yoga and running too.

[@syzygy4365]

Thank you for this videos Tracy. They're really helping me untangle some of my thoughts. I'm a single mom and I don't always have time to put myself first. I'm going to make it into counseling one of these days. I'm determined to so I'll feel comfortable dating again.

[@goldenorchidpeach]

This makes so much sense! Thank you 💎

[@cmarkd1]

Awesome, on so many levels! Keep pointing the way, we are healing ❤

[@feralbluee]

very interesting. no one i’ve been seeing has mentioned this. i’m 78 and had everything figured out. but, right now, i can’t deal with this. my head is all over the place. (first anniversary of husband’s dying of cancer) i am dealing with an overload of problems. 😶 i say this for anyone else out there who is in the same place. let your head deal and then let yourself calm down. being with others like you helps an awful lot. 🙂 i’ll figure this (sort of) new info later. 🌷🌱

[@josievizcarrondo2371]

Hi Dr. Marks I absolutely adore you One night while I was attempting to fall back asleep I was searching for prayer because my sleep had been disrupted by worries depression or just a low mood , I was fascinated and hoped some of the things you said would help me!

[@meme5976]

This is great, looking forward to the Mindfulness video!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thanks a lot. 😊

[@44wpwojtek44]

This adds a whole new level of complexity to human life. Aren't we supposed to be antifragile? Like get tougher after difficult circumstances? It should be: what does not kill you, makes you stronger but it is not.

[@marthelea]

Looking forward to the mindfulness video!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

I just recorded it today. Now I have to edit it. I think you'll enjoy it.

[@lindajourdain2503]

I have schizoaffective bipolar disorder, severe ptsd ,depression, impulsive control disorder and cocaine use disorder. I would love for you to do a video on affection and emotional support and how crucial it is for the survival of someone with any mental illness. My parents can say for a fact I have all these problems but won’t ever admit to how horrible my experiences have been

[@KFaria27]

Great video. Exactly the type of information that I'm looking for. Thanks

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You're welcome Kelley. Thanks for watching🙂

[@JODei-vd4cc]

Hello, doctor, what a fantastic video! Thank You. I agree with many, I wish You were my doctor too. Your voice is so calming and the way of explaining is very easy to understand. So I can learn better and try to improve. I'm currently having a more difficult time than usual and Your videos just relax and, in a way, encourage me.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Awesome Jo Dei! I hope you get through your difficult time. I don’t know if you’ve seen these but I have a couple of affirmation meditation videos. I haven’t done much with them because I’ve gone more in the direction of talking about bipolar disorder and depression and anxiety. But you might find it helpful to listen to. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3PQiK17eK98a5o

[@JODei-vd4cc]

Thank You @@DrTraceyMarks

[@tropicalwibez3140]

see todd white

[@4MadameX]

Thank You for all the education & insights I receive from you.. Antidepressants have never agreed with me. It is nice to know there may be medication that is more suitable for me in the future.

[@kashesan]

Wow-I had no idea that this had been discovered (I was still so 2000!) I love the analogy of the open wound treatment. I have been using 12 step mindfulness day to day and it has provided a clearly structured approach to my own behaviors and spirituality. With therapy-whats not to love?!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Absolutely Kathleen! Therapy is like a vitamin! all the best to you.🙂

[@IslaminGazaPalestine]

Love your vedioes , very informative ,presise and useful. Thank you !

[@gretahelphrey7842]

Thank you for your informative posts. You’ve taught me so much based gleaned from current research. Evidence-based treatment should be the gold standard for treatment.

[@Shkunk1]

I was just diagnosed with mdd. Great video! Very interesting stuff. Subscribed.

[@nomalangamamabolo1088]

Thank you doctor you are so good, well done to educate and encourage us

[@periyaraajaaramachandran8826]

Appreciate your clear presentation of a complex subject