Understanding & Conquering Depression | Huberman Lab Essentials
Andrew Huberman
3 jul 2025
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Enhance depression treatment with creatine supplementation
Creatine monohydrate supplementation can enhance the effectiveness of SSRI antidepressants, particularly for women with major depressive disorder.
Address low thyroid hormone to alleviate depression symptoms
A significant portion of people with major depression, about 20%, also have low thyroid hormone, which can be a contributing factor to their symptoms.
Utilize ketogenic diet to combat treatment-resistant depression
The ketogenic diet may benefit individuals with major depression who do not respond to classical antidepressants by modulating the brain's GABA-glutamate balance.
Recognize evening cortisol peak as depression indicator
A key physiological signature of depression is a shift in the stress hormone cortisol, causing it to peak at 9 PM instead of in the morning.
Challenge negative self-narratives in major depression
Major depression can involve 'anti-self confabulation,' where individuals create elaborate, negative stories about themselves that don't align with reality.
Consume over 1000 milligrams of EPA omega-3s daily to reduce depression-related inflammation
To combat the inflammation linked to depression, it's crucial to consume over 1000 milligrams of the EPA form of omega-3s daily.
Combat chronic inflammation to protect happiness chemicals
Chronic inflammation can worsen depression by diverting tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin, into a neurotoxic pathway instead.
Rewire depressive narratives with psilocybin therapy
Psilocybin therapy can provide significant relief from depression by rewiring emotional associations, regardless of the subjective psychedelic experience.
Recognize 3 AM wakefulness as a sign of major depression
A common physiological sign of major depression is waking up early, around 3 or 4 AM, and being unable to fall back asleep due to disrupted sleep architecture.
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