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 pickingThe role of chronic stress in emotional regulation and compulsive behaviorsHow childhood experiences and environment shape coping mechanismsThe 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 imbalanceLone Star Neurology - Understanding the Connection Between Chronic Stress and Neurotransmitter LevelsFrontiers - Emotion Regulation in Current and Remitted Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis💌Share your story - Book your FREE BFPA* Support Call with me🌟Download your FREE Guide to Stop Skin Picking Using Somatics📝FREE Holistic Skin Picking & Hair Pulling Assessment - (this is no longer available. For this kind of insight and feedback, you can "share your story" with me via the link above)🎯Join the 7-Day Skin Picking Recovery Challenge🤓Sign up - FREE BFPA Monthly Masterclass✨Join - BEYOND Support Group on WhatsApp🙋‍♀️Send me a message hereMy 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.