Depression

Melatonin’s Effects On Depression And The Brain

For those who are unaware, melatonin is a hormone produced deep in the brain (the pineal gland) and helps to regulate our sleep / wake cycle, among other things. Sunlight hitting the back of the retina shuts down the production of melatonin, while the onset of nighttime will allow the body to release more melatonin. So what does this have to do with depression?

Self Help for Depression in Women Begins Years Earlier

Brain health involves conditions such as migraines & seizures, dementia & Parkinson’s, depression & anxiety. Self help for depression centers on good brain health.

This is certainly not the first time I’ve discussed the research as it relates to functional medicine and depression and / or anxiety. While many may think that depression is what it is and there is little that we can do to effect it (either positively or negatively), this is far from reality.

Autism, Schizophrenia and Depression; Surprising Thing They Have in Common

Disorders of the mind have never been as easy to grasp for doctors. While therapists have a larger toolbox, most physicians are limited to medications.

For me, medications that screw with the essential way that your brain cells function in relationship to one another are a wee bit on the scary side. We really know so little about the brain so it seems that using medications to alter it would be akin to cavemen using rocks to fix an iPad.