Myth corrections
Good research means correcting our own assumptions. These popular beliefs don't match the current evidence.
"Remote or pristine communities have no depression or suicide."
False — often the opposite. Indigenous populations (e.g., Aguaruna/Awajún in Peru, First Nations in Canada) frequently have elevated suicide tied to cultural disruption and loss of autonomy. The protective factor is cultural continuity and self-determination.
"Psilocybin works by cleaning chemicals out of the brain."
No. It is a 5-HT2A agonist that drives neuroplasticity and psychological flexibility within therapy. It is not a detox.
"Taurine in energy drinks is a harmful chemical."
Backwards. Taurine is an abundant brain amino acid with antidepressant signals in animal studies. The energy-drink concerns are caffeine, sugar and sleep disruption.
"Aluminium mostly comes from energy drinks and cans."
Wrong source. Dietary aluminium comes mainly from processed/baked goods, tea, cocoa, additives and antacids; lined cans contribute little.
"Detox teas and cleanses cure depression."
No. Your liver and kidneys do the work. Specific body-burden reduction is real for a few chemicals, but generic cleanses do nothing for depression.
"Depression is just a serotonin chemical imbalance."
Not supported. A 2022 umbrella review found no consistent evidence for a serotonin-deficiency cause; antidepressants help but likely via plasticity/anti-inflammatory effects.
"Moderate drinking protects your mood."
No — that's sick-quitter bias. Mendelian-randomization evidence shows higher drinking frequency raises depression risk.
"Social media is the proven cause of teen depression."
Contested, not settled. Large meta-analyses find a small-to-moderate, bidirectional association (larger for girls/younger teens). Address algorithm/age design — but it isn't the single proven cause.
"Cigarettes contain about 1,600 chemicals."
An undercount — roughly 7,000 chemicals (~70 carcinogens). The point stands: smoking is one of the few causal exposures here.