Getting past a materialistic model of depression
A recent article in BBC Science Focus magazine reviews current trends in how depression is recognized and treated. (Apple News link, sorry *)
What actually causes depression in the brain
Answering a question from a reader in Bath, England, BBC’s Dr. Christian Jarrett points out that the framing of depression as “an imbalance of chemicals in the brain” is now regarded as overly simplistic.
“A landmark review of the literature published in 2023 even went so far as to conclude that there’s ‘no convincing evidence of a biological basis to depression’, although that review was controversial with some commentors arguing that it went too far. “
Dr. Jarrett examines several aspects of brain function related to symptoms of depression - for example “overactivation of the hypothylamic-pituitary-adrenal axis” or immune system dysfunction - and notes that each of these could be connected to “stressful life experiences”.
“As you can see, there’s no single cause of depression in the brain; rather there’s a hightly complex web of factors involved. . . . One framework that might help make sense of what’s going on is the idea that depression is caused by a lack of neuroplacticity - chronic stress and traumatic experiences seem to force your brain to lose its adaptability and get stuck with a highly negative bias in your memories and thinking.
“Meanwhile, various treatment approaches - such as antidepressants, brain stimulation, pyschotherapy, and physical exercise - could help increase neuroplasticity by increasing the growth of new neurons and fostering greater communication between the areas of the brain that are involved in pleasure and reward.”
Students of Releasing the Hidden Splendour™ will recognize how the practice of the Joseph technique can act to untie the bonds of stress. In both RHS and Translation® we emphasize the spiritual framework that every person can call upon to shift their perspective from stress-inducing sense testimony to the freedom of knowing the omnipresent integrity of Truth in their lives and in the lives of everyone they know.
Potentially very useful during a busy holiday season.
Note: the article linked above goes to Apple News. The story is not yet posted on BBC’s Science Focus web page.