Science
Depression
What is depression?
Depression is a word we use to describe a pattern of negative feelings a person experiences. According to its severity, depression may affect a person’s ability to function properly in many instances. Physiologically, it is manifested by altered activity of specific neural circuits in the brain.Depression affects more than 16 million adult Americans in any given year (1). Nearly 1 in 12 U.S. adults report having depression (2).
What are the different types of depression?
Everyone experiences sadness in their lives, but depression is more than just ups and downs. It is a serious condition that can affect many spheres of life.With that in mind, there are two main types of depression: situational and clinical.


Situational depression is often temporary and caused by a tragic life event (such as loss and hardship), or a medical
condition. Talking through the problem in therapy can usually address the condition.
However, if it is not resolved, situational depression can turn into clinical depression (3).
Clinical depression is commonly known as major depression and is the more severe form. Research shows that clinical depression may have genetic links; 40-50% of depression’s cause is genetic, while the remaining 50% is due to physical and psychological trauma (2).
Clinical depression can alter a person’s ability to participate in regular, daily life activities and routines, sometimes for extended periods.
Treatment for clinical depression usually consists of medication, cognitive therapy, participating in support groups, or some combination of the three.
Statistically, twice as many women as men experience clinical depression (2).
Clinical depression is commonly known as major depression and is the more severe form. Research shows that clinical depression may have genetic links; 40-50% of depression’s cause is genetic, while the remaining 50% is due to physical and psychological trauma (2).
Clinical depression can alter a person’s ability to participate in regular, daily life activities and routines, sometimes for extended periods.
Treatment for clinical depression usually consists of medication, cognitive therapy, participating in support groups, or some combination of the three.
Statistically, twice as many women as men experience clinical depression (2).
Depression Symptoms
The most prevalent symptoms of depression are feelings of sadness and a general disinterest in activities. These are often seen as the basis for a range of other effects, including:
Mood:
Behavioral:
Sleep Disturbance:
Whole Body:
Cognitive:
Behavioral:
Sleep Disturbance:
Whole Body:
Cognitive:
Apathy, general discontent, guilt, self-blame, hopelessness, lack of pleasure in activities, mood swings, lack of energy
Agitation, frequent crying, irritability, frustration, restlessness, social isolation
Early awakening, extreme sleepiness, insomnia, restless sleep
Loss of appetite, over eating, weight changes, fatigue
Lack of concentration, trouble remembering things, difficulty with decision-making, slowness in activity, constant negative thoughts and cyclical overthinking, thoughts and/or attempts at suicide
Agitation, frequent crying, irritability, frustration, restlessness, social isolation
Early awakening, extreme sleepiness, insomnia, restless sleep
Loss of appetite, over eating, weight changes, fatigue
Lack of concentration, trouble remembering things, difficulty with decision-making, slowness in activity, constant negative thoughts and cyclical overthinking, thoughts and/or attempts at suicide

Behavioral: Agitation, frequent crying, irritability, frustration, restlessness, social isolation
Sleep Disturbance: Early awakening, extreme sleepiness, insomnia, restless sleep
Whole Body: Loss of appetite, over eating, weight changes, fatigue
Cognitive: Lack of concentration, trouble remembering things, difficulty with decision-making, slowness in activity, constant negative thoughts and cyclical overthinking, thoughts and/or attempts at suicide

Magnesium and Depression
Many people with depression may not even know they are magnesium deficient. Magnesium’s role in depression is quite complex—here are some ways that the two are connected.











If you are hesitant about taking antidepressants but are interested in another option, you may want to try taking magnesium supplements. Or, if you currently take antidepressants, you can take magnesium along with them—some studies show that supplementing magnesium can even increase the effectiveness of antidepressants (8).
Supplementing with magnesium is a safe, non-medicinal way to help depression symptoms by boosting your energy and mood.
If you are currently taking medications, check with your doctor before taking any magnesium supplement to make sure there is no adverse interaction. If you have kidney disease, be sure to check with your doctor before taking magnesium.
Our magnesium supplement—designed by a neuroscientist—has the optimum proportions of four elemental magnesium types. Each elemental magnesium type contributes a different benefit. Malate provides endurance, glycinate aids with energy, taurinate helps the heart, and citrate absorbs in the body best and improves digestion.
Health By Principle’s magnesium product is vegan, American-made, pharmaceutical grade, and produced in an FDA-approved laboratory without additives or fillers. Find out more here.
If you are currently taking medications, check with your doctor before taking any magnesium supplement to make sure there is no adverse interaction. If you have kidney disease, be sure to check with your doctor before taking magnesium.
Our magnesium supplement—designed by a neuroscientist—has the optimum proportions of four elemental magnesium types. Each elemental magnesium type contributes a different benefit. Malate provides endurance, glycinate aids with energy, taurinate helps the heart, and citrate absorbs in the body best and improves digestion.
Health By Principle’s magnesium product is vegan, American-made, pharmaceutical grade, and produced in an FDA-approved laboratory without additives or fillers. Find out more here.
1. Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Facts and Statistics, 2018.
2. Brody, Debra J., et al., Prevalence of Depression Among Adults Aged 20 and Over: United States, 2013-2016. National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief No. 303, February 2018.
3. Wu, Brian, Situational depression vs. clinical depression. Medical News Today. December 2016.
4. Deans, Emily, Magnesium for Depression: A controlled study of magnesium shows clinically significant improvement. January 28, 2018.
5. Arnarson, Atli, 7 Signs and Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency. December 15, 2017.
6. Audesirk, T., et al., Biology: Life on earth with physiology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008.
7. McIntosh, James, What is serotonin and what does it do? Medical News Today, February 2018.
8. Ehrenfeld, Temma, Magnesium Might Boost Mood. September 2017.
9. WebMD, Magnesium: Vitamins and Supplements, 2018.
The contents provided on our website are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing found on our website is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, if you have any questions about a medical condition or mental disorder. You should never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking such advice only because of something you have read on or accessed through our website.
If you are in a crisis or have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 right away! If you are having suicidal thoughts, talk to a trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK [8255]).
We are neither responsible nor liable for any advice, treatment course, diagnosis, or any other information, products or services you may obtain through our website. Reliance on any information appearing on our website is solely at your own risk.