Depression, brain repair

[Gandalf2]

As previously noted there is much research around brain repair. Exeter is one site in the UK - here's a latest bulletin from Medical News Today :

link.medicalnewstoday.com/c...

"Dr. Nazeer pointed out that research into using psychedelics as antidepressants is not new, he did think the study paves the way for more research.

“I think this is a very defining study in terms of how it’s going to open up a lot more research that will be done with this study as a foundation,” commented Dr. Nazeer. “And further studies will now start looking deeper at this concept of getting antidepressant responses without altering somebody’s state of mind.”

[kitnkaboodle]

Maybe psychedelics will prove more useful than antidepressants, which admittedly is not a high bar: nature.com/articles/s41380-...

[Gandalf2 in reply to kitnkaboodle]

Six shrooms may bring on a fit of the giggles.

[Wygella in reply to kitnkaboodle]

Gosh. That’s a lot of reading!! I’ve just tried but I’m afraid most of it went over my head. Are they basically saying current anti depressants may not be doing what they expect because of the serotonin factor???

[kitnkaboodle in reply to Wygella]

For many years, everyone has assumed depression is caused by low serotonin levels. There’s no evidence for that. Then when you have antidepressants like SSRIs trying to raise serotonin levels, the best you get is a placebo effect because serotonin wasn’t even the problem in the first place. I’m convinced most cases of “depression” are related to lifestyle, mindset, spiritual deprivation, habits, circumstances, etc. When your spouse just died or you have had E, you’re not depressed; you’re responding appropriately to grief, loss, and tragedy. Not to mention the organic causes of emotional volatility and lability, like brain damage from E, for example.

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Summary quote from study for reference: “…no consistent evidence of there being an association between serotonin and depression, and no support for the hypothesis that depression is caused by lowered serotonin activity or concentrations. Some evidence was consistent with the possibility that long-term antidepressant use reduces serotonin concentration.”

[Wygella in reply to kitnkaboodle]

I’ve been amazingly lucky that my brain went to anxiety not depression so I haven’t needed antidepressants. And I’ve learnt to manage anxiety to a certain extent. That seems my more stubborn hangover from E but as you say other things happen that compound that.

However I’m blessed with my family and my friends, my spiritual life and the mega prompt response by the hospital after my first seizure.

Take care of yourself. I do admire how you cope with all you do. I know I’m lucky. 🥰

[kitnkaboodle in reply to Wygella]

E gifted me depression, but the anxiety/fixation/paranoia/catastrophizing is even worse. I reject any suggestion of medication for any of that. Honestly, what helps me most mentally/spiritually is reading the Bible. I finished the whole thing recently!

Take care as well! I hope you're planning a major 5-year bash for this August 🥳

[Wygella in reply to kitnkaboodle]

Wow. That’s a big thing reading right through!! I hadn’t thought about it but actually yes. You’re right. I need to celebrate with those who have been there with me. So sorry you struggle so much. Take care of yourself.