Do your anti-depressants work for you?
Depression, SSRIs, and Hashimoto’s: What We Know Now
I work with many women who struggle with depression — and many of them are already taking antidepressants.
A question I hear often is:
“Why do I still feel depressed if I’m on medication?”
Here’s the honest answer, based on what we now understand:
👉 Depression is not a serotonin deficiency.
👉 SSRIs do not correct an underlying chemical imbalance.
That idea is outdated.
The Serotonin Story We Were Told
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) were marketed on the premise that depression is caused by “low serotonin.”
But decades of research — including the work of psychiatrists like Dr. Kelly Brogan — have shown that this theory does not hold up.
SSRIs do not:
increase serotonin production
correct a measurable deficiency
address root causes of depression
What they do is alter serotonin signaling temporarily, often creating emotional numbing rather than true resolution.
Many women describe this as:
less despair, but also less joy
flattened emotions
feeling disconnected from themselves
And for many, symptoms eventually return — or never fully resolve.
Why This Matters Even More With Hashimoto’s
If you have Hashimoto’s, depression often has nothing to do with serotonin at all.
It is far more commonly driven by:
thyroid hormone signaling issues (even with “normal” labs)
autoimmune inflammation
blood sugar instability
nutrient depletion (B12, iron, vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3s)
gut dysbiosis and immune activation
chronic stress and unresolved trauma
In other words:
Depression in Hashimoto’s is often a physiological and immunological issue — not a psychiatric one.
Trying to medicate that with an SSRI is like turning down the fire alarm while the house is still on fire.
Why SSRIs Often “Stop Working”
Many women are told:
they need a higher dose
a different medication
an additional medication
But when the root issue is inflammation, immune activation, or thyroid dysfunction, no amount of serotonin manipulation will fix the problem.
This is why research consistently shows that SSRIs perform no better than placebo for mild to moderate depression — and why so many women feel dismissed, blamed, or broken when they “don’t work.”
Nothing has gone wrong with you.
The model is incomplete.
A Different Way of Understanding Depression
From a functional and integrative perspective, depression is often a signal, not a defect.
It can be the body communicating:
“I’m inflamed.”
“I’m depleted.”
“I don’t feel safe.”
“My systems are overwhelmed.”
Especially in midlife — and especially with Hashimoto’s — depression is often the result of long-term physiological stress, not a random brain malfunction.
Important (Please Read This Part)
If you are currently taking antidepressants:
do not stop abruptly
withdrawal effects are real
any changes should be done slowly and with support
This is not about blame or fear.
It’s about informed choice and expanded understanding.
The Takeaway
If you have Hashimoto’s and are struggling with depression, it may not mean:
you need a stronger medication
you’re resistant to treatment
you’re broken
It may mean:
your body needs deeper support
your immune system is driving your symptoms
your thyroid signaling needs attention
your nervous system needs safety, not suppression
When we address the root, the symptom often softens on its own.
That is where real healing begins.
In clarity and compassion,
Angela 💛
Important:
This information is intended to support informed conversations and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to medications or addressing mental health concerns.