Every person’s health story is different. The information below explains common causes and contributing factors for this issue, but it is not a one‑size‑fits‑all prescription.
As a qualified naturopath practising in Adelaide’s CBD, I take the time to understand your unique circumstances, use targeted testing when needed, and design a personalised care plan so you can feel and function at your best.
Depression
The reality of daily life is that it’s easy to become stressed or out of balance. As a nation, Australians are facing increasingly complex pressures, juggling demanding jobs, relationships, and the bombardment of unsettling news through a range of media.
The statistics for Australia show a dramatic increase in the rate of depression and anxiety. We now hold the record as using the second highest amount of antidepressant medication per capita in the world, only behind Iceland. Over 25% of our population is struggling with anxiety or depression.
Science is only just beginning to be able to explain why some people have a higher capacity to remain resilient to stress while others experience alterations in brain structure and function that may lead to anxiety, depression, insomnia and/or substance abuse.
A key discovery in neurology is that stress hormones can lead to changes in the structure of particular brain regions. When exposed to excessive cortisol, the tiny root-like structures of the neurons start to shrink and die off. The result is a decreased capacity of the brain to deal with emotions and think rationally.
Recent research has identified a pattern of high levels of inflammation being common to those with depression. This is not surprising, as chronic cortisol exposure triggers inflammation.
Other contributors to this inflammation may be poor diet, lack of exercise, chronic pain, smoking, being overweight and digestive disorders.
A blood test called C-Reactive Protein is a way of screening for this type of inflammation.
