Basically, cells can’t handle the load, Husseini Manji MD, head of the Mood and Anxiety Disorders unit at the NIMH, tells various audiences at psychiatric conferences. They atrophy and may die, thus undermining entire neuronal networks. In their weakened state, cells fail to communicate, with devastating consequences.

Robert Sapolsky of Stanford preaches a similar message. In their compromised state, he says, damaged neurons are sitting ducks for the next stressful event. We seemingly can’t win.

Seven or eight years ago, Dr Manji discovered that lithium may actually assist in neuronal regeneration and growth in the hippocampus. Around the same time, Ronald Duman, PhD of Yale came up with similar findings regarding antidepressants and exercise.

These and other findings tell us that our brain systems are not permanently welded into place. Rather, the brain is plastic and in a state of constantly re-sculpting itself. It is laying down new roadwork all the time. In short, we may be genetically vulnerable, but we are not helpless.

Scientists such as Dr Manji give us reason to be optimistic about new drugs aimed at more precise targets, but that is in the way distant future. The take-home message for us in the here and now is that the brain science informs our recovery. We don’t have to understand the brain science. It is enough that we simply appreciate that modern scientific discovery is validating ancient recovery practices and principles. In this context, we are talking of mindfulness coupled with stress-management. Be encouraged.