Episode 6: The Role of Methylation & Epigenetics in Mental Health Outcomes (Part 2) with William Walsh

Listen to Episode 6 with William Walsh →

Why Your Antidepressant Isn't Working

You've tried SSRIs and maybe multiple ones. Your doctor keeps adjusting the dose, switching medications, and adding another prescription.

But nothing shifts. Or worse, you feel more numb and more disconnected. The side effects are terrible and the depression stays.

Here's what they're not telling you: depression isn't just low serotonin. That's one of five distinct neurochemical imbalances.

Each type needs its own treatment approach. The standard protocol only works for one type. If you have a different biochemical pattern, SSRIs will keep failing.

William Walsh returns to continue our epigenetics conversation. We break down these five forms of depression and why the standard treatment fails for most people.

The Serotonin Myth That's Keeping You Stuck

The medical model treats all depression as serotonin deficiency. It's simple, it's marketable, and it's wrong for most people.

That only explains one type of depression. Four other neurochemical patterns exist, each has different root causes, and each responds to different interventions.

This is why some people feel worse on SSRIs rather than better, the same medication helps your friend but destroys you, years of treatment produce no improvement, you're told to "keep trying" when nothing changes, and standard protocols ignore individual biochemistry.

Walsh's research identifies five distinct biochemical presentations of depression. Until you know which type you have, you're shooting in the dark.

The Five Forms of Depression

Each depression type has its own neurochemical signature, its own symptoms, and its own treatment requirements.

Type 1 involves undermethylation with low serotonin and dopamine. Type 2 is pyrrole depression with severe zinc and B6 deficiency. Type 3 is copper overload depression elevated relative to zinc. Type 4 is low folate depression with undermethylation. Type 5 is toxic metal depression from lead, mercury, or other heavy metals.

Your biochemistry determines which treatment will actually work.

Methylation Changes Everything

Methylation is how your genes express themselves. It's a biochemical process happening millions of times per second in your body and affects neurotransmitter production, detoxification, and genetic expression.

Under-methylation and over-methylation create opposite symptoms and need opposite treatments.

Under-methylators typically have low serotonin and dopamine, high pain tolerance and strong will, perfectionism and competitiveness, seasonal allergies and calm demeanor, and history of excellent response to SSRIs if that's their primary issue.

Over-methylators typically have high anxiety and panic tendency, low pain tolerance and food or chemical sensitivities, artistic or musical ability, high motivation but poor follow-through, and adverse reactions to SSRIs and SAMe.

Giving an over-methylator methyl donors can trigger panic attacks. Giving an under-methylator what works for over-methylation does nothing. This is why biochemical testing matters.

This Episode Is For:

✓ People whose depression hasn't improved with standard medication 

✓ Anyone who's been told they just need SSRIs when those don't work 

✓ Those who've had terrible reactions to antidepressants 

✓ Practitioners frustrated by clients who don't respond to typical interventions 

✓ Anyone interested in biochemical testing and personalized treatment 

✓ People ready to understand their specific neurochemical imbalance 

✓ Those wanting precision medicine approaches to mental health

What You'll Learn

Listen to discover which of the five depression types matches your biochemistry. Understand why one-size-fits-all treatment keeps failing. Learn how methylation and epigenetics determine which interventions will actually work for you.

Your depression has a biochemical cause. Find the right cause and apply the right treatment.

Listen to Episode 6 with William Walsh →

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared reflects my clinical expertise and research, but every person's biology and healing journey is unique. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers before making changes to your treatment plan or starting new interventions. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services or a crisis helpline immediately.

Join the Conversation

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. What resonated with you? What questions came up?

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