Understanding & Conquering Depression

This episode, I explain what major depression is at the biological and psychological level and the various treatments that peer-reviewed studies have revealed can help prevent and treat depression. I explain the three major chemical systems that are altered in depression: norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. I discuss genetic predispositions to depression and how stress, thyroid hormone and cortisol play a role in many forms of depression. I also discuss inflammation as a common feature of many depression symptoms. I review 8 specific science-supported protocols for treating and avoiding depression, including EPA fatty acids (which have been shown to rival certain prescription treatments), how exercise protects against depression, studies of creatine, adjusting dopamine balance and more. I also discuss the results of ongoing clinical trials for ketamine and psilocybin for depression, how these compounds work and finally, I review how ketogenic diets can help in certain cases of depression, especially treatment-resistant major depression.

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Timestamps
00:00:00 Mood Disorders & Maintaining Mental Health (Protocol 1)
00:07:10 Sponsors
00:11:15 Major Depression
00:18:40 “Anti-Self” Confabulation
00:21:42 Autonomic (Vegetative) Symptoms of Depression
00:26:58 Norepinephrine, Dopamine & Serotonin
00:31:50 SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.): Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
00:37:00 Epinephrine/Motor Functions, Dopamine/Motivation & Craving, Serotonin/Emotions
00:39:33 Physical & Emotional Pain are Linked: Substance P
00:41:50 Hormones & Depression: Thyroid & Cortisol
00:46:50 Genetic Susceptibility to Depression: Impact of Stress
00:50:50 Understanding Biological Mechanism Is Key: Recipes versus Skills
00:52:50 Tools for Dealing with Depression: Logic & Implementation (Protocol 2)
00:56:25 Brain Inflammation & Mental State: Cytokines, Prostaglandins, etc.
00:59:20 Protocol 3: Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3, EPAs: Eicosapentaenoic Acid)*
01:02:50 How EPAs Help Offset Depression: Serotonin Synthesis, Kynurenine, Quinolinic Acid
01:05:25 Protocol 4: How Exercise Offsets Depression
01:11:44 Protocol 5: Creatine Monohydrate, Forebrain Function & NMDA receptors*
01:20:30 Protocol 6*: Ketamine, PCP (*Prescription-Only), & NMDA-Receptor Function
01:33:08 Protocol 7*: Psychedelics (*In Clinical Trials) for Major Depression: Psilocybin*
01:47:00 Protocol 8: Ketogenic Diet, GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
01:54:50 Summary of Protocols Covered
02:00:10 Support & Additional Resources

#Depression #HubermanLab #Dopamine

[rosalindalopez]

My son had Schizophrenia..He took his life in 2019..I currently am suffering from chronic depression and severe sleep disorders..i am alll over the place...😢Thank you for having this channel and helping people like me..there is no end in learning...❤

[dariacompati]

When I had a clinical depression I used to run around 50 miles a week. Every time I told myself “it must help my depression” but after every run I felt more and more exhausted both physically and mentally. Going for a run added more stress and anxiety because I expected it to heal me but it didn’t. Then I started blaming myself for not training hard enough which worsened the symptoms of my depression even more. Eventually I started meds which helped me to get back on track. Exercise, diet, and meditation might help but when you’re so deep into depression it might be useless

[NN-fzpd]

This podcast is one big reason I have come out of depression and feel so much better. I get my sunlight, eat my omega 3s, vitamin d, ashwaganda, and L-theanine and I’m speechless at how big of a difference it’s made. I’ve stopped crying and falling into despair, and upsetting things aren’t a tsunami of sadness anymore. I cannot thank you enough. May God bless you and your efforts.

(The other factor that helped is PickUpLimes video about feeling lost, and using the printable worksheets she gives to find out what my values are and living according to those)

[hofahome]

As someone battling with severe suicidal depression, when he says “it feels like a pit that you can’t get out of” is exactly how I feel.

[s_sz]

6 pages of notes. I feel like a Standford Student. Thank you Dr. Huberman for providing us all with this FREE, potentially life saving information!

[waynewallace]

I suffered from depression all my life. At about 55 years old I took a food allergy test which showed I had a gluten/wheat allergy. I removed wheat from my diet and after about 2 weeks I was depression free. If I accomplish nothing else in my life, I am depression free.

[zentzu]

I’ve had severe depression, getting out of bed feels like jumping into an ice lake, eating breakfast feels like eating feces. And the intensity of these feelings can vary all over the place, you cannot plan anything because your perception of reality can change just like that. What in one second felt like a nice walk in the country, feels like a stroll down a never ending corridor

[MrToxicVenom]

Literally life saving episode. I'm just tuned in because I'm really struck by depression right now. And for someone who is described as a person with lot of positive energy, mental strength and kindness facing with this is really impossible to realise...

[wednesday]

Anxiety: Everything is important.
Depression: Nothing is important.
ADHD: I have no idea what's important.

[prabhjotdhillon]

Dr. Huberman your contribution to humanity is substantial. Humans being able to work at maximum potential is a beautiful thing and your work is making that possible. Thank you sir !

[mariaelenajarrin]

Your voice is easy to listen to & even if someone is depressed, your message comes through. Teaching is your gift.

[klnmn]

I love that Huberman truly does stick to the science. Nothing really philosophical, moral, nor opinion based. Purely fact driven. It’s such a breath of fresh air.

[maverickm]

This lecture will give me knowledge to support a friend who is suffering depression. Thank you, sir, you make our world a better place !

[suenodeoro]

I'm almost 40. I would guess I had my first depressive event around 10. Since then I've spent 20 +years casually learning about depression, and never has information come to me in a more digestible, empowering way. I have enjoyed your podcast for many months, but this one feels like it was for me. Thank you!

[elizabethwilliams]

Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.

[Vineeth..v]

“What You Seek Is Seeking You”

Thank you for this episode, at this perfect time..

[jetaimegas]

You are a true ACE* for humanity!!! Your nature and contributions to make neuroscience more accessible, in order to improve lives, is a true gift to humanity and the future. Thank you

[vivekka]

Your mindfulness while speaking and selection of appropriate words with the phrases of clarifying those words on the sides it's just unreal.. It shows how thoughtful you are while creating this podcast.
Greatly appreciate your work❤

[italico]

I've suffered depression probably my entire life. Especially since I got my diploma. The fear of failure, the expectations, the feeling of being lost has caused me depression for years. I sleep too many hours and I wouldn't need all those hours to be honest, but I feel exhausted. When I trip I notice different habits and improve my sleep schedule. Thanks for being a positive energy in my life Andrew <3

[smallswideawake]

Hubie, youre the man. U alone are helping me understand how to become the best version of myself