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Physical, Mental and Spiritual Causes of Depression

Woman experiencing depression with hand on her face looking downwards.
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As holistic mind-body-soul therapists, we aim to identify the root causes of health issues at the physical, mental, and spiritual levels. Through our unique healing methodology, we support our clients in restoring their health and wellbeing.

The purpose of this article is to offer an insightful overview of the physical, mental, and spiritual contributors to depression, exploring perspectives beyond conventional approaches. Our intention is to deepen understanding of this condition, ultimately guiding you towards uncovering the core issues.

Whether you have been diagnosed with depression, are a caring parent, friend, or family member, or are simply interested in holistic wellbeing, we hope this information offers a meaningful exploration of depression. We aim to help you connect the dots across the different areas that need nurturing when addressing this complex condition.

 

Introduction to Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. It affects a person’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, often leading to various physical and emotional problems. While everyone experiences low moods from time to time, depression is more intense, lasting weeks or even months, and can interfere with daily life. Symptoms may include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

 

Physical Causes of Depression

Neurotransmitter Imbalance in the Brain

One of the primary physical causes of depression is an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals play a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and overall mental well-being. When their levels are disrupted, it can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in daily activities. While this chemical imbalance isn’t the sole cause of depression, it significantly contributes to its development and can be targeted through medications like antidepressants to help restore balance.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances are another significant factor contributing to depression, particularly in certain life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Changes in hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can affect neurotransmitter activity in the brain, influencing mood and emotional regulation. For instance, fluctuations in oestrogen levels, particularly during premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or menopause, can lower serotonin levels, leading to symptoms of depression. Thyroid hormones also play a role, as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause fatigue, low mood, and depressive symptoms. 

Chronic Stress and Cortisol Levels

Chronic stress is another physical cause of depression, as it leads to the prolonged release of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels over extended periods can affect brain function, particularly in areas responsible for mood regulation, such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Long-term stress can disrupt sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels, all of which are linked to depression. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices can help mitigate its impact on mental health.

Low levels of Key Vitamins and Minerals

Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and vitamin D, have been linked to depression. These nutrients play critical roles in brain health, nerve function, and the production of neurotransmitters. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids help maintain the structure of brain cells, while B vitamins like folate and B12 are necessary for the production of serotonin. Low levels of these nutrients can impair brain function and contribute to depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of a well-balanced diet for mental well-being.

Poor Diet – High Refined Sugars, Processed Foods

A poor diet can contribute to depression by negatively impacting brain function and mood regulation. Diets high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats may lead to inflammation in the body and brain, which is linked to increased risks of mental health issues, including depression. Additionally, a lack of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, deprives the brain of essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal function. A poor diet can also cause blood sugar fluctuations, which may lead to irritability, fatigue, and mood swings, further exacerbating depressive symptoms.

Genetic Predisposition

Depression often runs in families, suggesting that genetics play a role in its development. Individuals with a family history of depression are more likely to experience the condition themselves. While no single gene is responsible, various genetic factors may affect how the brain responds to stress, environmental triggers, and emotional regulation. Although having a genetic predisposition doesn’t guarantee someone will develop depression, it does increase the likelihood, especially when combined with other risk factors.

 

Emotional Causes and Themes of Depression

If you are new to understanding the mind-body-soul connection and how our thoughts and emotions impact our physical health, then please read the following article we have created: Understanding the Mind-Body-Soul Connection and how it impacts health

To provide a quick summary, the mental wellbeing of an individual plays a crucial role in the manifestation and progression of physical symptoms as the mind cannot be separated from the body. Mind, body and soul are one and the same system. 

Understanding the emotional themes associated with heartburn is vital for getting to the deeper holistic root cause of the issue. This can often be due to significant life events at any life stage, even going all the way back to being in the womb. These experiences are stored energetically in the body and subconscious mind. 

Understanding the emotional causes and themes associated with depression is vital for getting to the deeper root cause of the issue.

Here’s a general overview of the themes:

 

Lack of Personal Creativity

Creativity is often considered a core part of human nature, whether through art, problem-solving, writing, music, or even in day-to-day activities. It’s a way to channel emotions, express oneself, and make sense of the world. When someone feels disconnected from their creativity, it can lead to a sense of emptiness or lack of purpose, which may contribute to or worsen depressive symptoms.

creativity can be a source of joy, fulfilment, and self-expression, its absence can contribute to feelings of stagnation, frustration, and low mood.

Not following or knowing your inner calling and living “on the outside”

Not following your inner calling and living “on the outside” can create a profound sense of disconnection from your authentic self and the flow of divine or universal energy. This separation is often a root cause of feelings of tiredness, dissatisfaction, emptiness, and, eventually, depression. 

When you follow your inner calling, you are in alignment with your true nature, your soul’s purpose, or the flow of divine energy. This alignment typically brings feelings of fulfilment, vitality, and a sense of being “at home” within yourself and the world.

However, when you ignore or resist this inner calling, you often live “on the outside”—focusing on external expectations, material pursuits, or societal pressures. This can create a dissonance between your true self and the life you are leading. Over time, this disconnect erodes your energy, passion, and sense of meaning, leading to emotional and spiritual depletion.

Unresolved Issues regarding someone’s territory

When we talk about territorial conflicts from a body-mind perspective we are typically referring to a space, domain, or area over which someone feels a sense of ownership or control, whether physical, emotional, or social. It can encompass anything from your home, job, family (parents, partner, kids), pets, to even specific objects like a car. In essence, it reflects where someone feels they have the right to own, influence or make decisions and this is always unique to the individual. 

When there are conflicts regarding a person’s territory that have not been resolved or are still currently ongoing it can pull an individual into a depressive cycle. Often an individual gets to a place where they feel there is no solution/resolution to their conflict and they lose hope. The nature of the conflict is often important and significant and will require resolving and healing to break out of this cycle.  

 

Spiritual Causes and Themes of Depression

Embracing spirituality or connecting with your higher self can be the most powerful healer of all. From a spiritual perspective, feeling disconnected to a higher power whether that be God, the Universe, All That Is, the Divine, or to your higher self, is considered to be at the root of ill-health. 

Disconnected from Divine Energy Flow 

In spiritual terms, the flow of divine energy (also referred to as prana, chi, or Godly energy) is what nourishes our mind, body, and soul. When we align with this flow, it replenishes us, providing clarity, peace, and motivation. This energy flow is often connected to the heart space, intuition, and spiritual awareness.

When you do not follow your inner calling—essentially ignoring the voice of your higher self—you cut yourself off from this vital flow. The result can be a feeling of being energetically blocked, tired, and uninspired. It’s as if the life force that normally flows through you is being stifled or misdirected, leaving you feeling tired, dissatisfied and empty.

A deep sense of dissatisfaction arises when the soul knows it is not on the right path. This can manifest as restlessness, irritability, or feeling like life lacks meaning, no matter how much external success is achieved.

Spiritual and emotional emptiness occurs when the soul’s needs for growth, connection, and expression are unmet. This emptiness can be mistaken for depression, as the two share common symptoms like numbness, lack of motivation, and a sense of hopelessness.

Illness as a Teacher – Developing Virtues

Viewing depression as a potential teacher, individuals may find spiritual meaning in the lessons and opportunities for why this health condition arose. Based on the emotional themes of depression, this mostly likely revolves around aspects such as discovering how to connect to your higher-self, connecting to a higher power, being creative, finding your purpose, developing better personal boundaries, and often embracing forgiveness. 

Remember, there is no separation between the body, mind and the soul, they are all connected, and are reflections of each other. As a perspective shift, try to think of the body as simply the densest reflection of the soul. 

Adopting the perspective that considers the body as a messenger, conveying insights and reflections from the spiritual realm helps you to discover your own inner truth which is incredibly powerful and healing. 

 

Embracing a Holistic Approach to deal with Depression

From reading the information in this article, we hope you can appreciate the emotional and spiritual themes that are intertwined with physical aspects of health. Therefore, a holistic approach to health that integrates emotional strategies with naturopathic treatments, nutritional recommendations, and spiritual practices is always our recommendation.

This triad of well-being forms the foundation for navigating the challenges of depression and getting to the true root cause.

We encourage all individuals who have been suffering with depression, who are struggling to get better or who haven’t discovered the root cause of their condition to really consider and embrace a holistic approach to their health. 

It not only can transform your health but can transform your life too. 

About Higher Healing and How We Can Help You

Naturopathic Practitioners in NatureAs holistic mind-body-soul therapists, we understand the powerful connection between your mind, body, and soul. 

Nutritional deficiencies, unresolved negative emotions and limiting beliefs often rooted in childhood experiences, a disconnection to a higher power, may have built up in your being, and they are now affecting your health and happiness.

Your soul is your inner truth and strength, and it flows through your mind and body. When you disconnect from your truth or ignore its messages, it can manifest as pain, discomfort, or ill health. It’s your soul’s way of getting your attention! It’s sending you a message. 

With years of experience, in Naturopathy, Nutritional Therapy, Medical Intuition and Mental and Spiritual Wellbeing modalities, we’ve developed a unique approach, Higher Healing, that focuses on healing all aspects of your being: 

  • Addressing nutritional deficiencies and imbalances within the body through impactful natural therapies and recommendations. 
  • Clearing any stagnant energy being held onto and transforming  limiting negative belief systems to promote healing. 
  • Helping you to connect, identify and activate your true soul potential to promote a higher level of healing. 

Through this approach, we’ll work together to uncover the holistic root cause(s) of your health,  specific to you and your life story, clearing any blockages hindering your wellbeing. We help awaken the incredible healing power within you. 

Ready to learn more about aligning your mind, body, and soul? Book a Discovery Call so we can have a friendly conversation on how we can support you.  

Let’s work together to unlock the innate healing power within you to lead a healthier, happier, more empowered life!

HEALTH DISCLAIMER – While energy-based healing is not intended to substitute conventional medical treatment, it frequently serves as a supportive adjunct. Holistic body-mind therapy has demonstrated efficacy for numerous individuals, who haven’t found success through other modalities. It is, however, imperative to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional regarding any physical or mental health concerns. Please read the MEDICAL DISCLAIMER at the bottom of this page.

Image Credit: Photo by Engin Akyurt

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