Depression: A Modern Disease of Disconnection?

For years, we’ve been told that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, especially involving low serotonin levels. But recent research is challenging that narrative. A large 2022 umbrella review, which analyzed multiple systematic reviews on the topic, found NO consistent evidence that depression is caused by low serotonin or any simple imbalance. This doesn't mean depression isn't real or serious. It means we need a more honest, holistic understanding of what causes it and how to heal.

The Real Causes of Depression Are Bigger Than Brain Chemistry

Science now sees depression as a complex, multifactorial condition. Instead of one chemical or one broken part, it's a result of multiple, overlapping factors:

• Neuroplasticity: Depression is often linked to reduced brain adaptability, especially in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

• Chronic Inflammation: Ongoing low-grade inflammation, often triggered by poor lifestyle habits or stress, affects the brain and mood regulation.

• Gut-Brain Axis: Your microbiome influences neurotransmitters, immune responses, and mood. A disrupted gut can affect how you feel.

• Hormonal Dysregulation: Chronic stress dysregulates the HPA axis, leading to cortisol imbalances, energy crashes, and emotional dysregulation.

• Genetics: While genetics may predispose someone to depression, they don't dictate it. Environment, habits, and experiences matter just as much, if not more.

• Psychosocial Stressors: Trauma, isolation, lack of community, purpose, or nature can all contribute.

This is serious, especially in our modern environment.

The Modern Environment Is Making Us Sick

From an ancestral health perspective, depression starts to look less like a disease and more like a mismatch. Human biology evolved in environments rich in sun, movement, connection, purpose, and natural rhythm. Modern life strips most of that away:

• We sit indoors all day, under artificial light.

• We’re overstimulated, under-rested, and chronically stressed.

• We eat processed food and lack real nutrients.

• We’ve lost community and deep connection.

• We’re disconnected from the body, from nature, and often from ourselves.

In many ways, depression is the body's logical response to an unnatural environment. It might feel like a personal failure, when in reality it's feedback.

So, How Do We Begin to Heal?

Healing isn’t about fixing a broken brain. It’s about creating the conditions where healing can happen. Here’s how ancestral wisdom and modern science align:

1. Sunlight and Circadian Rhythm Support

Wake with the sun and get morning light in your eyes. Limit screens at night. Be outdoors as often as possible. This supports serotonin and melatonin balance.

2. Real Food and Gut Health

Prioritize nutrient-dense, ancestral foods: grass-fed meats, fish, eggs, root veggies, fermented foods, bone broth, and healthy fats. Your gut makes over 90% of your serotonin.

3. Movement and Play

Choose daily, joyful movement, not just structured workouts. Adding fun and ease to movement will help regulate your nervous system, improve brain plasticity, and boost mood.

4. Nature and Grounding

Time outside reduces cortisol, improves immune function, and reconnects you to a slower, saner rhythm. Skin contact with nature connects you to Earth's natural EMF, soothing inflammation and calming the nervous system.

5. Community and Connection

Prioritize real-life connection. Join a group, host dinners, ask deeper questions, share laughter, make eye contact. Community is the number one remedy for feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, and separation (all of which fuel depression).

6. Rest and Nervous System Regulation

Support your parasympathetic system with somatic practices, slow meals, creative time, and sleep hygiene. If necessary, take time off social media and let your mind rest. Get as many hugs as you can. They release oxytocin.

7. Meaning and Purpose

Reconnect with your values, your inner voice, and what matters most. Let go of old identities that no longer serve you and build trust in yourself one small step at a time. That is your medicine.

In Summary

Depression isn't just a disorder of brain chemistry. It's feedback, a signal in a world of noise. A whole-body, whole-life response to a world and social structures unfamiliar to our DNA. When we start to align more with how humans are meant to live (with light, rhythm, nature, nourishment, and real, safe connection), we give our body and mind a chance to rebalance. When depression takes its hold on us, we are asked to slow down, step back, re-evaluate, and let the old husk die so a new one can emerge. We need to remember what we’ve forgotten and learn to walk again, slowly, with kindness and trust in ourselves.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are struggling with depression, or know someone who is, please seek support. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider, reach out to a mental health professional, or, if you are in crisis, call your local emergency number. 📞

You don’t have to go through this alone. 🙏

With Love,

Elina Aiz