There is no evidence that depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain involving serotonin. It has been found that SSRIs can temporarily help increase serotonin in the brain. However, drug trials have shown that these anti-depressants were almost indistinguishable from the placebo in treating depression. SSRIs come with a lot of side effects, including serious side effects involving the sex organs. Psychiatric drugs also come with a black box warning, meaning there is a high risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Does depression cause body problems, or do body problems cause depression? I think it could be both—but we’re going to focus on the body problems and deficiencies that could cause depression. Potential causes of depression: 1. Insomnia 2. Chronic fatigue 3. Stress 4. Nutritional deficiencies (vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin B1, magnesium, DHA) 5. Lack of exercise