🧠 Major Depression — Causes, Symptoms & Tools Post

This week on Wellness Roll Up, we distill the science of major depression from Dr. Andrew Huberman’s Essentials series — what it is, why it happens, and actionable ways to support mental health.

🧠 What is Major Depression?

Major depression is a serious and common condition, affecting ~5% of the population. It’s more than just sadness — it includes:

• Grief & guilt

• Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)

• Negative self-narratives that don’t match reality

• Vegetative symptoms like disrupted sleep, fatigue, and poor appetite

Depression is the 4th leading cause of disability worldwide.

🔬 The Brain & Body: What’s Going On?

Three key neurotransmitter systems are involved:

• Norepinephrine: linked to energy & alertness

• Dopamine: linked to motivation & pleasure

• Serotonin: linked to mood & grief

Stress and hormone imbalances (like low thyroid or high cortisol) worsen symptoms. Genetics also play a role — if a close relative has it, your risk is higher.

🧰 Evidence-Based Tools & Practices

✅ Cold Exposure & Exercise

• Boost norepinephrine & dopamine

• Regular exercise helps regulate inflammation & improve mood

✅ Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA)

• Aim for 1,000–2,000 mg/day of EPA-rich omega-3s

• Helps restore healthy serotonin pathways

✅ Creatine

• Supports brain energy systems

• Can enhance antidepressant response or improve mood on its own

✅ Antidepressant Medications

• SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, and MAOIs target serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine pathways

• Can relieve symptoms but often come with side effects; effectiveness varies by individual

• May take 2+ weeks to notice improvements

🌱 Emerging Therapies

• Ketamine: helps people detach from overwhelming negative emotions

• Psilocybin (psychedelics): shows promise in rewiring brain circuits and improving outlook

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can improve mood in treatment-resistant depression

Takeaway

Major depression is complex — but many tools, both behavioral and medical, can help. Support your norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin pathways with healthy daily habits, and talk to your provider about emerging options if needed.

Stay informed. Stay proactive. Stay well.

— The Wellness Roll Up Team

💌 If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who might benefit — and don’t forget to subscribe to get the Wellness Roll Up in your inbox every week!