Depression

Depression

A Whole-Person Approach to Mood Recovery – Dr. Brenda Marshall, MD

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s a complex mental health condition that can impact your energy, motivation, focus, relationships, and overall quality of life. While conventional treatments like antidepressants can be helpful for some, they don’t work for everyone—and they don’t address why you feel the way you do.

Dr. Brenda Marshall offers a comprehensive, root-cause approach to treating depression that combines functional medicine, nutrition, sleep support, and hormonal balancing to help restore emotional well-being from the inside out.

Clinical Definition of Depression

Clinically known as major depressive disorder (MDD), depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness, often accompanied by fatigue, low motivation, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms must persist for at least two weeks to meet diagnostic criteria, but even less severe or intermittent symptoms can significantly impair daily functioning.

Depression Looks Different in Everyone

Some experience low-grade, ongoing sadness (dysthymia), while others go through cycles of severe episodes with periods of relief. Depression can be:

• Hormonal (linked to PMS, perimenopause, or thyroid dysfunction)
• Nutritional (from B-vitamin, magnesium, or omega-3 deficiencies)
• Sleep-related (due to insomnia or poor circadian rhythm)
• Inflammatory (triggered by chronic immune activation or gut dysfunction)
• Trauma-based (tied to past emotional stress or unresolved grief)

Dr. Marshall’s Functional Approach

1. Nutritional Psychiatry
The gut-brain connection is real. Dr. Marshall evaluates for:

• B12, folate, and magnesium levels
• Omega-3 fatty acid balance
• Blood sugar stability
• Hidden food sensitivities or leaky gut
• Microbiome imbalances

2. Sleep Optimization
Restorative sleep is foundational for emotional resilience. She may address:

• Cortisol rhythm testing
• Melatonin or GABA imbalances
• Sleep hygiene, device use, and circadian support
• Sleep-disrupting foods or habits

3. Hormone Balancing
Hormonal shifts—especially in women—often contribute to mood changes. Dr. Marshall may assess:

• Thyroid function (including full panels)
• Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone balance
• Adrenal fatigue or cortisol dysregulation
• Perimenopausal transition or postpartum shifts

4. Mind-Body Integration
Patients are supported through mindfulness tools, nervous system regulation strategies, and referrals for therapy if needed—ensuring emotional support is layered throughout care.

“Depression isn’t just in your head. It’s in your biochemistry, your hormones, your gut—and we have tools to shift it, gently and effectively.” – Dr. Brenda Marshall

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What if I’m already taking antidepressants—can I still work with Dr. Marshall?
A: Absolutely. Dr. Marshall collaborates with patients on or off medication. Her goal is to support your body’s natural chemistry, whether you’re seeking alternatives or enhancing current treatment.

Q: Can hormone imbalances really cause depression?
A: Yes. Shifts in thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, or cortisol can significantly impact mood, motivation, and emotional resilience. These are especially common during perimenopause, postpartum, or chronic stress.

Q: What tests do you use to assess depression-related imbalances?
A: Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Marshall may run bloodwork (for thyroid, B12, iron), hormone panels, cortisol testing, and gut health labs to get a comprehensive picture of your internal environment.

Q: Is therapy or counseling part of this program?
A: While Dr. Marshall doesn’t offer therapy directly, she encourages it and may refer you to a trusted therapist. Her role is to support your biology, sleep, and overall mental health from a medical perspective.

Q: How soon will I start to feel better?
A: Some patients begin noticing improvement within 3–4 weeks, while deeper healing may take longer depending on root causes. Many feel empowered simply by having a clear plan and support system.

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