Depression: a hidden widespread disease?

Posted: August 27, 2024
Dr. med. Wolfgang Bachmann
Dr. med. Wolfgang Bachmann

General practitioner

Hardly anyone talks about it and yet depression is one of the most common illnesses of all. Across Europe, around 50 million people are affected by a depressive phase or depression at least once in their lives.

Even though depression is common, this illness is very underestimated. Only a few people actually seek professional help. Those affected often don't even know what would help them or struggle with prejudices.

That's why it's important to talk openly about it. To mark European Depression Day on October 1st , we have done some research for you and summarized ways that can help you get depression under control.

 

➤ Every 10th person suffers from depression at least once in their life!

Contents

Eine Depression hat viele Gesichter

  • Depression has many faces

    • Tiredness and exhaustion
    • The feeling of hopelessness and sadness
    • Concentration difficulties
    • Sleep disorders
    • Loss of interests
    • Appetite and digestive disorders
    • States of anxiety 
    • Thoughts of self-harm

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How does depression develop?

Depression can have many causes. Whether stress, traumatic experiences, unresolved emotional problems, a lack of sunlight, hormonal imbalance or medication - the list is long.

However, one of the most important drivers for the development of depression is a low serotonin level. Serotonin is also known as the happiness hormone. The hormone has a major influence on our mood, our happiness and our overall well-being. If we have a low serotonin level, this leads to a bad mood and even depression in the long term. 

 

➤ The World Health Organization predicts that depression will be the second most common illness worldwide by 2020!

 

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What is the role of serotonin in our body?

Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter and transports signals from one region of the brain to another. Serotonin is found throughout the body, which is why scientists believe that serotonin is involved in a variety of physical and psychological bodily functions. Of the 40 million brain cells, most are directly or indirectly influenced by serotonin. This includes brain cells that control mood, appetite, sleep, memory and sexual function.

As the neurotransmitter cannot cross the blood-brain barrier (the boundary between the bloodstream and the brain), serotonin must be produced not only in the intestine but also directly in the brain.

✓ Food makes you happy - or does it?

In the intestine, for example, serotonin is produced from tryptophan, the precursor of serotonin. There are some foods such as bananas, eggs or walnuts that contain tryptophan. However, only a very small proportion of the tryptophan consumed actually reaches the brain, too little overall to really increase serotonin levels.

✓ Happiness is in the brain

The happiness hormone serotonin is produced in the brain with the help of another natural neurotransmitter - 5 HTP(5 hydroxytryptophan). This easily manages to cross the blood-brain barrier and is converted directly into serotonin and melatonin in the brain. In contrast to serotonin tablets, 5 HTP as a dietary supplement passes from the intestine via the blood-brain barrier directly into the brain, where it can be used to synthesize serotonin. In medicine, this has proven to be an effective therapy for the treatment of depression. 

 

Serotonin is our happiness hormone!

 

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How is depression treated?

Antidepressants are still prescribed as standard for depression. More than 50 million people worldwide take them regularly. Unfortunately, however, there is growing evidence that conventional antidepressants are much less effective and potentially more dangerous than people think. Possible side effects include visual disturbances, nausea, insomnia, exhaustion, anxiety and even an increased susceptibility to suicide. In other words, the very symptoms that antidepressants are supposed to treat.

Antidepressants usually have more disadvantages than advantages!

 

How can you fight depression naturally?

The good news is that there are also natural ways to combat depression effectively. According to studies, diet plays a particularly important role.

1) Eat a balanced, healthy and fresh diet. Studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet is ideal as it contains a lot of healthy fats. Also avoid ready-made products. 

2) Nutritional supplements can help you to prevent and combat stress and depression. Natural neurotransmitters and adaptogenic herbs are particularly helpful here:

  • ✓ 5 HTP: directly increases the serotonin content in the brain
  • ✓ GABA: calms the overstimulated nervous system and thus alleviates symptoms such as depression, anxiety and sleep disorders
  • ✓ Rhodiola Rosea: reduces stress symptoms and ensures that serotonin levels do not drop too low
  • ✓ Vitamin D: increases the production of serotonin and is particularly useful for winter depression
  • ✓ Probiotics: as serotonin is also produced in the gut, gut health is directly linked to our mood

3) Maintain existing contacts and build new relationships. Look for support in your local area.

4) Exercise regularly. Sport helps you to let go and reduce stress.

5) Spend a lot of time outdoors and in the fresh air.

6) Try essential oils that can help you relax.

➤ Fight bad moods and depression naturally!

 

Mental illness can affect any of us - regardless of our circumstances.

If you are suffering from depression, get help! Depression is often not treated for a long time due to ignorance or shame. This should not be the case! Many people struggle with it every day.

Defeat depression and take control of your own well-being!

 

PS: Anyone suffering from serious depression should always seek professional help, even with natural treatments. Never stop taking antidepressants without medical supervision and advice.

 

Sources (in English):

Birdsall, T. C. (1998, August). 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Alternative Medicine Review,  3(4):271-80

Van Praag, H. M. (1981, March). Management of depression with serotonin precursors. Biological Psychiatry, 16(3):291-310

Cauffield, J. S. & Forbes, H. J. (1999, May-June). Dietary supplements used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Lippincott's Primary Care Practice, 3(3):290-304

Anglin, R. E., Samaan, Z., Walter, S. D. & McDonald, S. D. (2013, February). Vitamin D deficiency and depression in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 202:100-7, doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.111.106666

Deans, E. (2016, June). Microbiome and mental health in the modern environment. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 36(1):1, doi: 10.1186/s40101-016-0101-y

Möhler, H. (2012, January). The GABA system in anxiety and depression and its therapeutic potential. Neuropharmacology, 62(1):42-53, doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.08.040

Lydiard, R. B. (2003). The role of GABA in anxiety disorders. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 64 Suppl 3:21-7

Amsterdam, J. D. & Panossian, A. G. (2016, June). Rhodiola rosea L. as a putative botanical antidepressant. Phytomedicine, 23(7):770-83, doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2016.02.009