What happens in the depressed brain?

By Nerissa McNaughton
As news continues to emerge about the co-pilot who crashed a plane into the Alps, many are wondering how and why his depression played such a significant role.
Let’s take a closer look at how depression affects the brain.
Depression is still poorly understood. While the stigma of depression is on the wane and what we know about the brain is on the rise, our understanding of the complexity of emotions, chemical balances, and neurological issues is far from robust. What we do know is that, according to Harvard Medical School, depression has a physical effect on several parts of the brain:
• The amygdala is activated by emotion. Depression increases activity in the amygdala.

• The thalamus receives and relays sensory information. One theory is that some mental health problems may result from problems with the thalamus.

• The Hippocampus processes memory and recollection. Studies indicate that the hippocampus is smaller in depressed persons and that ongoing stress can impair the growth of nerve cells in this area.
When the brain is functioning properly, it is like a network of communication systems – all the messages go to where they are supposed to go in a nice, efficient manner. When a person is depressed, this network misfires. Information goes awry and the body’s response can be excessive, impulsive, and downright baffling to onlookers.
The situation is far more complex and detailed but, basically, it comes down to this. Depression really is all in your head, but not in a fanciful way. Depression affects the very physical structure of your brain and when your body’s processor is not functioning optimally, neither are you.
It’s easy to ignore the symptoms of depression, but it’s dangerous to do so. If you suspect you are depressed, seek help. It’s a real illness and there are programs and supports to help you feel and get better. Your story doesn’t have to have an unhappy ending. Just like you would go to get a bone reset if you broke it, sometimes the brain needs a little help, too.