First a note: depression is not a disease with just one or a few factors that cause it. Many things can be the cause of it and to say that depression is caused ONLY by a hormone imbalance or ONLY by negative thinking or ONLY because depression runs in your family is false information. However, a hormone imbalance can be one of many potential causes of depression. This article outlines some of the more common hormone imbalances that may be contributing to an individual's depression.
Also, before doing anything, if you experience any of these symptoms, go to a doctor and get your hormones tested to see if a hormone imbalance could be the issue.
Blown Adrenals or Adrenal Fatigue, AKA Cortisol Deficiency
When we are under stress for prolonged periods of time, it is not uncommon to have a cortisol deficiency, sometimes called "Blown Adrenals". While this does not directly cause depression, the feeling of always being exhausted all the time can certainly lead to depression. It is something to look at, at least.
Some of the symptoms of Cortisol Deficiency are:
- Debilitating fatigue
- Unstable blood sugar -- You need to eat NOW, or you'll pass out.
- Foggy thinking
- Low blood pressure
- Excessively dry skin
- Brown spots on face
Popularity: 24% [?]
[...] If you have adrenal fatigue, you may function reasonably well when your life is stable but fall apart if stress is added. You are likely to be more vulnerable to infections and to heal more slowly than those with healthy adrenal glands. You may suffer from headaches, heart palpitations, or joint and muscle pain. You may develop allergies or chemical sensitivities or experience a worsening of existing allergies or asthma, or even start to experience feelings of depression: “When we are under stress for prolonged periods of time, it is not uncommon to have a cortisol deficiency, sometimes called “Blown Adrenals”. While this does not directly cause depression, the feeling of always being exhausted all the time can certainly lead to depression. It is something to look at, at least.” (From HealthBee) [...]
Wow — thank you Heather for this site. I can’t believe how synchronicity works in this universe. While I have been aware of depression effecting me for sometime, I did not know how poorly I thought of myself, or treated myself…it surely has been obvious to others, but I did not know. I just had an insight about this today, and then tonight I find your site and your comment about sitting on that darned wicker chair with the hole in it…!
My deal was having a choice between some fresh mandarin oranges (which I love) or some older canned fruit; I observed myself automatically depriving myself of what I wanted for no good reason other than some rut of futile martyrdom.
It was really weird.
Creating new behavior, new ruts, a new emotional atmosphere for oneself, that has to be part of the equation of getting better.
I will be reviewing more of your site and info.
Thanks again. It’s important to take action on our own behalf to improve our lives.
Reply
Great site and posts! I just wanted to chime in that acupuncture can help with depression and regulation of the endocrine system in a safe, drug-free way. Once someone’s energetic systems are brought back to homeostasis, people regain their energy and mental clarity, feel more even keeled, and blood pressure can also be helped.
Thanks for all the information in your site
Reply