fitNERD

Episode 17: Depression: The Story We’ve Been Told Might Be Wrong

Abbey Bell

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0:00 | 29:29

What if depression isn’t what we’ve been told it is?

In this episode, we unpack one of the biggest bombshells in modern mental health — the idea that depression may not be a simple chemical imbalance in the brain at all. Inspired by A Mind of Your Own by Dr. Kelly Brogan, we take a deep dive into the science that challenges the conventional narrative and asks us to look at depression as a whole-body experience, not just a brain disorder.

We talk about how inflammation, hormones, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid function, trauma, stress, and lifestyle can all play powerful roles in mood — and why treating symptoms without addressing root causes may leave people feeling stuck.

This episode isn’t about blaming, shaming, or dismissing anyone’s experience. It’s about opening the door to a much bigger conversation — one that offers understanding, agency, and hope.

If you’ve ever felt like the standard explanation didn’t fully make sense… this episode might completely change the way you think about depression.