A Closer Look at What Depression Does to Your Brain

Bright Light Counseling Center
Jul 25
4 min read

Depression is often thought of as a mental health condition that affects mood, but its impact goes far beyond that. It affects how the brain functions, influencing everything from memory to decision-making. Understanding how depression alters the brain can provide valuable insights into why it feels so overwhelming and offer hope for how to manage it.

Let us take a closer look at the brain’s response to depression and how therapy can help.

The Brain’s Chemical Imbalance

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At the heart of depression is a disruption in the brain’s chemistry. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are responsible for regulating mood, energy levels, and pleasure.

In a brain affected by depression, these chemicals may not function as they should. Serotonin, which helps regulate mood, may be low, leaving people feeling more anxious, sad, or irritable. Dopamine, known as the “feel-good” chemical, may be insufficient, making it harder to find joy in things that used to be enjoyable.

This chemical imbalance can lead to a cycle of negative thinking, making it difficult to break free from feelings of hopelessness or despair. There are physical changes happening in your brain, so it’s not just “in your head.”

Changes in Brain Structure

Research has shown that depression can lead to changes in the structure of the brain. One key area affected is the hippocampus, which is involved in memory formation and emotional regulation. Studies have found that chronic depression can cause the hippocampus to shrink. This shrinkage can result in difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making.

Another area affected is the prefrontal cortex, which plays a key role in higher-level functions like planning, reasoning, and emotional regulation. Depression can reduce the activity in this part of the brain, making it harder to think clearly and control emotions. This explains why depression can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to make decisions, even about simple tasks.

The Role of the Amygdala

The amygdala is a section of our brains that handles the processing of emotions, especially fear and anxiety. In people with depression, the amygdala can be overactive. This heightened activity can result in an exaggerated emotional response to stressors. For example, someone who is depressed may feel a heightened sense of anxiety over situations that others might handle with less stress.

In addition, an overactive amygdala can make it harder to calm down after experiencing negative emotions, further exacerbating feelings of distress.

Depression’s Impact on Cognitive Function

Beyond emotional effects, depression can also impair cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and decision-making. This is often referred to as “brain fog.” People with depression may find it hard to focus on tasks, remember important details, or make clear decisions. This cognitive impairment can make daily activities feel like a struggle and contribute to feelings of frustration and inadequacy.

Therapy and Treatment

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Understanding the brain’s role in depression highlights the importance of seeking professional treatment. Therapy provides essential tools and strategies that help rewire the brain's neural pathways, offering long-term skills for managing depression that extend far beyond symptom relief to create lasting emotional resilience and personal growth. There are many different approaches that your clinician may integrate into your depression treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help break the cycle of negative thoughts and teach coping strategies to manage emotions. By targeting the patterns in thinking that contribute to depression, CBT can help rewire the brain’s response to stress and improve mood regulation.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has shown remarkable effectiveness in treating depression by combining traditional cognitive therapy with mindfulness meditation practices. This approach helps individuals recognize negative thought patterns as they arise, without becoming overwhelmed or consumed by them. Rather than trying to "fix" or change depressive thoughts immediately, MBCT teaches people to observe their mental experiences with compassion and acceptance. Research has demonstrated that MBCT can significantly reduce the risk of depression relapse, particularly for those who have experienced multiple depressive episodes, by helping the brain develop new neural pathways that interrupt the cycle of rumination and emotional spiral.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on improving relationships and social functioning to help alleviate depression symptoms. This evidence-based approach recognizes that depression often stems from or is worsened by difficulties in our connections with others, such as unresolved grief, role disputes, or major life transitions. IPT helps individuals identify and address these interpersonal issues while developing better communication skills and emotional expression. Studies show that by strengthening social support networks and improving relationship dynamics, IPT can be just as effective as medication for treating depression, particularly because healthy relationships actually promote the release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters in the brain.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) takes a unique approach to depression by focusing on psychological flexibility rather than symptom elimination. Instead of fighting against difficult emotions and thoughts, ACT teaches individuals to accept these experiences while committing to actions aligned with their personal values. This therapy helps people understand that trying to avoid or control depressive feelings often intensifies suffering, whereas learning to "make room" for these emotions while still pursuing meaningful activities can break the cycle of avoidance and isolation. Research shows that ACT can effectively reduce depression by helping the brain develop greater emotional resilience and by reconnecting individuals with what truly matters to them, even in the presence of difficult feelings.

Medications, such as antidepressants, can also help restore the balance of neurotransmitters, improving mood and energy levels. For some people, therapy and medication together provide the best outcomes.

Conclusion

Depression is a complex condition that affects mood and brain function. It can cause chemical imbalances, structural changes, and cognitive impairments that make it harder to manage emotions and complete daily tasks. If you or someone you know is struggling with these symptoms, try starting depression therapy to see what a difference it can make. Our clinicians are here to help you, Submit a contact form and take the first step today!