It's NOT a chemical imbalance or at the very least there is NO data to prove it as there is NO way to centrally measure such neurotransmitters.
All we have are tagged/radio labelled proxy studies of circulation and oxygenation.
The SSRI researchers silently admit that many SSRIs that have a small effect (for a while) seem to do so based on neurogenesis, not due to SSRI altering function.
So, just as you correctly state: meditation, exercise, fresh air, grounding, proper circadian sleep cycle, proper diet, sunshine and novel mental/sensory stimuli do the same as the best of antidepressants (neurogenesis and increase in blood circulation / brain activity), but at a higher efficacy level and with less or no side effects (other than getting "more life").
Read again: There is not a single study showing a method of measuring central nervous system neurotransmitter levels in a living organism. Not before or after SSRI treatment. Thus, what they have with SSRI causal effect is an (as of yet) untestable hypothesis. No proof.
If it was a chemical imbalance (or at the very least, if evidence existed to substantiate that claim), The Experts would be able to define what chemicals are out of balance and by how much. However, if you ask an Expert this question you will see a charlatan get flustered. Trust the Science(TM)
The poison in food, water and air can cause ALL kinds of problems as well but once the diet is changed, those side effects drop after a month or so.
It's NOT a chemical imbalance or at the very least there is NO data to prove it as there is NO way to centrally measure such neurotransmitters.
All we have are tagged/radio labelled proxy studies of circulation and oxygenation.
The SSRI researchers silently admit that many SSRIs that have a small effect (for a while) seem to do so based on neurogenesis, not due to SSRI altering function.
So, just as you correctly state: meditation, exercise, fresh air, grounding, proper circadian sleep cycle, proper diet, sunshine and novel mental/sensory stimuli do the same as the best of antidepressants (neurogenesis and increase in blood circulation / brain activity), but at a higher efficacy level and with less or no side effects (other than getting "more life").
Read again: There is not a single study showing a method of measuring central nervous system neurotransmitter levels in a living organism. Not before or after SSRI treatment. Thus, what they have with SSRI causal effect is an (as of yet) untestable hypothesis. No proof.
If it was a chemical imbalance (or at the very least, if evidence existed to substantiate that claim), The Experts would be able to define what chemicals are out of balance and by how much. However, if you ask an Expert this question you will see a charlatan get flustered. Trust the Science(TM)