Depression

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a multifactorial mental health condition characterized by persistent low mood, anhedonia, and cognitive impairment. It is a heterogeneous condition involving disturbances in mood, cognition, motivation, and physical function, with contributions from neurochemical, endocrine, inflammatory, and metabolic processes. In Canada, approximately 1 in 8 adults will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime. Pathophysiology involves complex interactions between genetic predisposition, HPA axis dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and altered synaptic plasticity. This protocol focuses on a functional medicine approach to restore neuro-metabolic balance.

Contemporary models recognize that depression is associated with:

Altered monoamine neurotransmission, particularly serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine
Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation
Impaired neuroplasticity, including reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
Neuroinflammatory signaling and oxidative stress
Metabolic dysfunction, including insulin resistance and mitochondrial inefficiency
Nutrient insufficiencies affecting methylation and neurotransmitter synthesis

Depressive symptoms occur on a clinical spectrum, ranging from mild to severe, episodic to chronic. Many individuals experience functional impairment even when diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder are not fully met. Naturopathic approaches to depression emphasize physiologic contributors, modifiable risk factors, and evidence-supported interventions, either as stand-alone strategies in mild cases or as adjuncts to conventional care.

Are you experiencing...

Persistent low mood or sadness

Reduced interest or pleasure (anhedonia)

Hopelessness or pessimism

Increased self-criticism or guilt

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Fatigue or loss of energy.

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Schedule a clinical assessment with Dr. Connor Anderson to build your personalized roadmap.

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Common Restoration Protocol

As with all patients, my approach is tailored to you, from discovery and diagnostics, to personalized care plan. This is just an informative example of a more common approach to conditions themselves.

01. Functional Analysis

Depression is primarily a clinical diagnosis, supported by symptom assessment tools and clinical interviews. From a naturopathic perspective, laboratory testing is used to identify contributing or perpetuating physiologic factors, not to diagnose depression itself. The assessment of depression prioritizes identifying the underlying physiological drivers of mood dysregulation. This includes evaluating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, inflammatory markers, gut-microbiome integrity, and nutrient cofactors essential for neurotransmitter synthesis. The philosophy moves beyond the monoamine hypothesis to address depression as a systemic inflammatory and metabolic condition.

Validated questionnaires (e.g., PHQ-9) may be used to:

Establish baseline severity
Monitor response to interventions
Support clinical decision-making over time

Laboratory assessment focuses on rule-outs, contributors, and optimization targets.

02. Introduction to Care

Naturopathic treatment of depression prioritizes:

Reduction of symptom severity
Restoration of functional capacity
Prevention of recurrence
Treatment of comorbid conditions

Naturopathic Interventions may be used:

As first-line options in mild depression
As adjunctive strategies alongside antidepressant medication
With ongoing reassessment of response and tolerance

The PICO model (Patient–Intervention–Comparison–Outcome) is commonly applied when selecting interventions, prioritizing those with demonstrated clinical efficacy.

03. Pillars of Improvement

Nutrition

Adequate protein intake to support neurotransmitter synthesis
Emphasis on whole, minimally processed foods
Stabilization of blood sugar through regular meals
Reduction of alcohol intake, which is associated with worse depressive outcomes

Exercise

Accumulate 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity combined with two sessions of resistance training. Exercise increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which acts as 'fertilizer' for brain cells.

Sleep Hygiene

Maintain a 7-9 hour sleep window
Ensure complete darkness with minimal artificial light exposure 90 minutes before sleep
room temperature of 18-20°C
Morning sunlight exposure within 30 minutes of waking is essential to calibrate the circadian rhythm and serotonin-melatonin conversion

Stress Management

Implementation of daily breathing practices such as Box Breathing, Physiological Sighing (cyclic sighing) for 5 minutes or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to increase vagal tone and shift the nervous system from sympathetic to parasympathetic dominance.
Support for work and personal routines, social engagement, motivational interviewing and accountability

Frequently Asked Questions About Depression

Is naturopathic care appropriate for all depression?

Mild to moderate depression may respond well to naturopathic interventions. Moderate to severe cases often benefit from integrated care.

Can I take these supplements if I am already on a prescribed antidepressant?

Many natural health products, such as St. John's Wort or 5-HTP, can interact significantly with SSRIs and other antidepressants. It is critical to consult with your practitioner before combining any supplements with pharmaceutical prescriptions to avoid serotonin syndrome.

Why are we focusing on my gut health when the problem is in my head?

The gut is responsible for producing over 90% of the body's serotonin. Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract or imbalances in the microbiome (dysbiosis) can send signals to the brain that trigger neuroinflammation and depressive symptoms.

Is it possible that my depression is actually a physical deficiency?

Low levels of thyroid hormones (T3/T4), iron (ferritin), or Vitamin D can cause symptoms that are identical to clinical depression, including fatigue, low mood, and cognitive fog. Correcting these deficiencies is often the first step in successful treatment.

How is progress monitored?

Symptom scales, clinical follow-up, and functional outcomes are commonly used.

Are supplements mandatory?

No. Nutrition, lifestyle, and foundational health factors remain central components of care.