What science reveals about BDNF, mood, and movement

I’m Dr. Laurie Marbas, and in this episode I challenge the story we’ve been told about depression—that it’s just mindset, willpower, or a simple “chemical imbalance.” Yes, therapy and medication can be essential. But many of us are missing a quiet, biological piece of the puzzle: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the protein that helps your brain repair, rewire, and become resilient.

I break down what BDNF is (think: scaffolding for your neurons), why it’s so active in mood-related regions like the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and basal forebrain, and how low BDNF can leave you stuck—showing up as brain fog, low mood, and reduced stress tolerance. Here’s the hopeful part: you can nudge BDNF up with consistent, evidence-based actions that complement any therapy or medication plan.

In this episode, I:

* Explain how low BDNF contributes to depression—and why mindset alone isn’t the full answer.

* Share research showing depression can be linked with structural brain changes (like hippocampal shrinkage) and how BDNF supports repair.

* Walk through five non‑drug levers that raise BDNF: aerobic movement, mindfulness/breathing, CBT-style cognitive reframing, deep sleep, and real human connection.

* Reframe motivation: action drives biology first; the feelings follow.

Try my “Starting Line” this week (no perfection required):

* Move: Aim for ~150 minutes of moderate activity (walk, bike, swim).

* Breathe: Practice 4‑4‑6 breathing daily (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 6).

* Sleep: Power down screens 1 hour before bed and keep a consistent lights‑out.

* Connect: Text someone today and schedule a 10‑minute check‑in.

* Reframe: Catch one unhelpful thought and replace it with a more balanced version.

I also created a simple, science‑backed worksheet—“Rebuild Your Brain: The BDNF Daily Builder”—to help you track these five signals over seven days and reflect on what’s working. Grab it from the show notes.

Listener note: Depression is complex—biological, psychological, social, and often genetic. This episode is educational and not a substitute for personalized care. If you’re struggling, please seek help from a licensed professional. Medication and therapy aren’t signs of failure; they’re tools—and you deserve a full toolkit.

A walk. A breath. A bedtime. A conversation. A reframed belief.Each one tells your brain: We’re rebuilding.Link to Dr. Marbas’s Substack:

https://drlauriemarbas.substack.com/p/why-i-couldnt-lift-my-armsand-what

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