The Psychology of Depression and Anxiety - Dr. Scott Eilers

Most people don’t realize what mattered most to them until it’s already gone—and by then, all that’s left is grief, regret, and the feeling that you wasted time you didn’t know was precious. The human mind is terrible at appreciating the present while we’re still living it.In this episode, I share a set of practical ways to recognize what truly matters before you lose it—from doing things like it’s the last time, to putting a price tag on what you’d never trade, to a few unconventional techniques that can snap gratitude into focus when your brain refuses to cooperate.This is a chapter preview from my upcoming book The Light Between the Leaves, releasing April 2026 and available now for pre-order. This chapter is called “Remember What Matters Most.” Get the book here.https://bit.ly/DrScottLightBetweentheLeavesYTNext Steps: 📩 Get Practical tools for navigating life with depression and anxiety, delivered weekly. https://bit.ly/SelfHopePsychologyDepression and Anxiety resource:🪣 Get my 5-day guide to reclaiming your time and energy despite mental health struggles. https://bit.ly/DrScottBucketTheory♥︎ 2 Unique ways to work with me - https://drscotteilers.com😴 Dramatically improve your sleep in 2 steps with my new Sleep Workbook.https://www.drscotteilers.com/resources#how-to-sleep-better📖 My book: For When Everything is Burning https://bit.ly/forwheneverythingisburning Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a replacement for receiving treatment. It is purely educational in nature. My relationship with you is that of presenter and audience, not therapist and client. But I do care.

Explore the surprising ways depression manifests, regardless of success or stability. Delve into the complex relationship between fame, addiction, and mental health. Discover how purpose and connection can uplift even in dire circumstances. Learn why discipline needs meaning, and how unyielding self-discipline can backfire. Dr. Eilers shares personal insights on recovery and the challenges of accessing care in today's mental health system. Reflect on the nuances of social connections, and how substances may promise connection but often fall short.

The holidays can be one of the hardest times of year for mental health — and if you dread this season instead of enjoying it, you’re not broken. You’re human.In this video, I break down a practical holiday survival guide for navigating winter depression, family stress, loneliness, grief, financial pressure, and emotional overload. Whether you’re overwhelmed by too many people, struggling with too few, or just feeling crushed by the season itself, this is a grounded, realistic framework for getting through it with your sanity intact.This isn’t about toxic positivity or “just be grateful.” It’s about boundaries, energy budgeting, nervous system care, and redefining what the holidays actually need to be — for you.If my videos have helped, my new book, The Light Between the Leaves, goes even deeperhttps://bit.ly/DrScottLightBetweentheLeavesYTNext Steps: Get $50 OFF an annual Shortform ( @_Shortform ) sub at shortform.com/drscott and start learning more from nonfiction.📩 Get Practical tools for navigating life with depression and anxiety, delivered weekly. https://bit.ly/SelfHopePsychologyDepression and Anxiety resource:🪣 Get my 5-day guide to reclaiming your time and energy despite mental health struggles. https://bit.ly/DrScottBucketTheory♥︎ 2 Unique ways to work with me - https://drscotteilers.com😴 Dramatically improve your sleep in 2 steps with my new Sleep Workbook.https://www.drscotteilers.com/resources#how-to-sleep-better📖 My book: For When Everything is Burninghttps://bit.ly/forwheneverythingisburning Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a replacement for receiving treatment. It is purely educational in nature. My relationship with you is that of presenter and audience, not therapist and client. But I do care.

Discover the complexities of PTSD and how it differs from Complex PTSD. Learn about the neurobiology behind trauma and how it affects the body and brain. Delve into symptom categories and the often-misunderstood triggers that can provoke PTSD responses. Effective treatments like EMDR and TF-CBT are discussed, along with practical self-regulation tools you can start using right now. Plus, find out why context matters in diagnosis and how modifying your environment can aid in recovery.

Explore the journey of feeling like an unwanted guest in life and the impact of societal pressures on mental health. Discover the power of making a radical commitment to living instead of viewing suicide as a backup plan. Learn why typical coping strategies can fail when the pain feels unbearable. Hear about the importance of engaging with your thoughts and the transformative shift that comes from choosing life. Dr. Eilers shares his experience, offering hope for those navigating similar struggles.

Dive into a serene lake setting that conceals deeper, hidden dangers. The intriguing backstory explores family fishing rituals and a terrifying splash that reveals a lurking predator. Discover how this encounter reshapes perspectives on safety and envy. It’s a tale that challenges the notion of comparing lives, highlighting the unseen pressures we often ignore. Tune in for a reflective journey that connects personal experiences with broader lessons on mental health.

Explore the concept of ambiguous grief, which reflects the sadness over unrealized dreams and alternate selves. Discover how experiences like infertility or career setbacks contribute to this feeling. Learn effective coping strategies, including the importance of engaging with your current life. Understand the grief model where pain and time intersect, emphasizing that healing cannot be rushed. Acknowledge these emotions as valid and seek support—you're not alone in this journey.

Dive into a discussion on how finding joy can break the cycle of depression. By exploring diverse passions, from gaming that rekindles excitement and football that enhances social bonds, to fitness showcasing self-improvement and gardening nurturing daily enthusiasm. Discover how hobbies like barbecue and tools foster a sense of accomplishment, while fragrances and watches inspire appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship. This enriching journey reveals how personal sparks can ignite joy and provide hope.

Thanks to Grow Therapy ( @growtherapy__ ) for sponsoring this video! Head to https://growtherapy.yt.link/708THHv to find your estimate and get started today!AI therapy might seem like the future—but what happens when algorithms try to replace empathy? I'm talking with tech journalist Jacob Ward ( @byjacobward ) to unpack the growing overlap between artificial intelligence and mental health, exploring both the potential and the danger.W're talking about why AI chatbots can’t yet replace human therapists, what emotional reliance on machines could mean for society, and how unchecked tech incentives risk creating a generation that feels connected but never known.If you care about psychology, ethics, or the future of therapy, this one’s essential.If my videos have helped, my new book, The Light Between the Leaves, goes even deeperhttps://bit.ly/DrScottLightBetweentheLeavesYTNext Steps: 📩 Get Practical tools for navigating life with depression and anxiety, delivered weekly. https://bit.ly/SelfHopePsychologyDepression and Anxiety resource:🪣 Get my 5-day guide to reclaiming your time and energy despite mental health struggles. https://bit.ly/DrScottBucketTheory♥︎ 2 Unique ways to work with me - https://drscotteilers.com😴 Dramatically improve your sleep in 2 steps with my new Sleep Workbook.https://www.drscotteilers.com/resources#how-to-sleep-better📖 My book: For When Everything is Burninghttps://bit.ly/forwheneverythingisburning Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a replacement for receiving treatment. It is purely educational in nature. My relationship with you is that of presenter and audience, not therapist and client. But I do care.

Discover the power of nature in shaping mental health as Dr. Eilers shares personal lessons learned from his childhood. He explores how the suppression of his true self led to darker times and destructive behaviors. A transformative trip to the forest reignites lost hope, motivating him to reclaim his identity. Learn about the importance of boundaries and nurturing regrowth in one's mental landscape. This vulnerable journey encourages listeners to reflect on their own paths toward healing and belonging.