52: Is Depression & Chronic Skin Picking Just a Chemical Imbalance?

Is depression really just a chemical imbalance? And what about chronic skin picking?

In this episode, Rafaela Marie shares her personal journey of overcoming 15 years of chronic skin picking and 10 years of depression—and why the common narrative around chemical imbalance doesn’t tell the full story.

You’ll learn about the connection between chronic stress, emotional regulation, and compulsive behaviors—and why healing requires more than just addressing brain chemistry.

If you've ever felt stuck in cycles of skin picking or depression, this episode will help you rethink healing and reclaim self-trust by exploring:

• Why the chemical imbalance theory doesn’t fully explain depression or skin picking
• The role of chronic stress in emotional regulation and compulsive behaviors
• How childhood experiences and environment shape coping mechanisms
• The importance of self-trust, purpose, and hope in healing

🌟Send Raffaela your thoughts and Qs, here!

Resources:

• Havard Health Publishing -What Causes Depression? Onset of depression more complex than a brain chemical imbalance
• Lone Star Neurology - Understanding the Connection Between Chronic Stress and Neurotransmitter Levels
• Frontiers - Emotion Regulation in Current and Remitted Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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My name is Raffaela Marie. I'm a holistic BFRB coach who has healed from 15 years of chronic skin picking myself and dedicated my life to helping driven women do the same. Through my podcast, free resources, and programs, I teach strategies to overcome urges, build emotional safety, and expand into authenticity. My approach goes beyond quick fixes, focusing on root causes and long-term recovery.