Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Am I depressed? What's wrong with me?" As someone who's spent over two decades working with women navigating these very questions, I know how isolating and confusing it can feel. Depression isn't just a word or a diagnosis—it's a deeply personal experience, and often, it's a message from within.

Today we're exploring what might really be causing depression and why it's so much more than a simple chemical imbalance. We're moving beyond the debunked chemical imbalance theory, referencing Dr Kelly Brogan's work, and discussing how depression can be a signal (like a smoke alarm) alerting us that something in our body or life needs attention.

In this episode, we’re looking into the gut-brain connection and how closely our gut health is linked to our mood. We explore how nutritional psychology, restoring gut health, balancing blood glucose and removing processed foods can make a world of difference. We also discuss how chronic stress, hormonal imbalances and environmental toxins contribute to persistent low moods, and why a holistic approach looking at diet, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing is so important.

Here's a perspective that might surprise you: depression isn't always pathological. Sometimes it's a natural, introspective withdrawal—a way to turn inward and find our own answers. We explore how low moods are normal parts of the human experience, like changing seasons. Drawing from Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, we discuss how depression can sometimes signal we're being called to make changes in our lives, and how answering that call can lead to renewed energy and purpose.

I’d love to hear from you. What would shift if you started viewing your low moods as information rather than something to fix?

LINKS

Double Your Energy Masterclass:

https://peak-revival.captivate.fm/yt-masterclass

Website: www.vesnahrsto.com

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