
The Psychology of Depression and Anxiety - Dr. Scott Eilers
There are people who understand depression and anxiety on a personal level and there are people who understand depression and anxiety on a medical level. There are relatively few people who understand both, and I’m one of them. As a clinical psychologist I have a doctorate degree and thousands of hours of professional experience providing treatment for mood and anxiety disorders. I also have 39 years of personal experience managing mood and anxiety disorders as I myself deal with these struggles. This podcast is my attempt to synthesize my personal knowledge with my professional knowledge.
Latest episodes

Mar 25, 2025 • 22min
21 minutes of mental health advice from a clinical psychologist living with depression
Depression often strikes those with above-average intelligence and empathy who clearly see life's harsh realities.Living with chronic mental illness means not trusting every thought or feeling. My brain sometimes produces crushing despair when nothing is wrong externally. This awareness has been crucial after years of mistaking symptoms for guidance.I'll show you practical strategies for managing your mental health as a full-time job. Learn how to set emotional budgets, define what meaning truly is, and prioritize brain health through sleep, nutrition, movement, and consistency—all without shame.Get my 5-day guide to reclaiming your time and energy despite mental health struggles.Get Practical tools for navigating life with depression and anxiety, delivered weekly.3 Unique ways to work with meDramatically improve your sleep in 2 steps with my new Sleep Workbook.My book: For When Everything is BurningThe caffeine-lite option for long-term boost in mood, cognition, motivation and stress management.Use Code SCOTT20 for 20% of your order.Connect with me on TikTokConnect on InstagramDisclaimer: 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.

Mar 17, 2025 • 17min
If You’re Losing The Will To Stay Alive, Please Watch This Video
Life shouldn't feel like a constant grind with minimal rewards. I believe the discrepancy between effort and reward is what's destroying your motivation to keep going.Your depression might stem from putting in tremendous work while receiving little in return. This video will help you operationalize your will to live through a powerful exercise that identifies what's missing.Learn how to create a blueprint of actionable steps that can transform your existence. I'll guide you through developing a realistic pathway from despair to a life that finally feels worth the effort you're investing.Get my 5-day guide to reclaiming your time and energy despite mental health struggles.Get Practical tools for navigating life with depression and anxiety, delivered weekly.3 Unique ways to work with meDramatically improve your sleep in 2 steps with my new Sleep Workbook.My book: For When Everything is BurningThe caffeine-lite option for long-term boost in mood, cognition, motivation and stress management.Use Code SCOTT20 for 20% of your order.Connect with me on TikTokConnect on InstagramDisclaimer: 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.

Mar 10, 2025 • 19min
A Psychologists’s Guide to Surviving The Loneliness Epidemic
Many people feel profoundly alone despite having friends, family, and romantic partners in their lives.The loneliness epidemic is reaching catastrophic levels in our digital world. Technology offers convenient substitutions for real human interaction but fails to activate crucial regions of our brains.This video reveals practical strategies to survive increasing social disconnection. Learn simple daily habits that combat isolation and protect your mental health in our increasingly detached society.Get my 5-day guide to reclaiming your time and energy despite mental health struggles.Get Practical tools for navigating life with depression and anxiety, delivered weekly.3 Unique ways to work with meDramatically improve your sleep in 2 steps with my new Sleep Workbook.My book: For When Everything is BurningThe caffeine-lite option for long-term boost in mood, cognition, motivation and stress management.Use Code SCOTT20 for 20% of your order.Connect with me on TikTokConnect on InstagramDisclaimer: 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.

Mar 3, 2025 • 15min
Why You Self-Sabotage And How To Stop
Society lied to us about self-sabotage. This misunderstood behavior isn't malicious or intentional but stems from past pain and hurt.In this episode, I reveal how survivorship bias creates these destructive patterns. Learn practical steps to lower your threshold of certainty and stop fighting ghosts from your past. Discover how to take action before feeling ready and finally welcome the good things you deserve. Get my 5-day guide to reclaiming your time and energy despite mental health struggles. Get Practical tools for navigating life with depression and anxiety, delivered weekly. 3 Unique ways to work with me Dramatically improve your sleep in 2 steps with my new Sleep Workbook. My book: For When Everything is Burning The caffeine-lite option for long-term boost in mood, cognition, motivation and stress management.Use Code SCOTT20 for 20% of your order. Connect with me on TikTok Connect on InstagramDisclaimer: 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.

7 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 19min
Coping with severe depression, strong ambition, and high intellect
The podcast delves into the often-overlooked struggles of intelligent and ambitious individuals grappling with severe depression. It emphasizes the importance of inner healing over external accomplishments, guiding listeners to foster a strong personal foundation. Challenging the myth that high potential equates to constant achievement, it encourages appreciating one’s gifts while balancing ambition with personal happiness. The discussion offers practical tools for managing the exhausting cycles of depression and ambition, urging listeners to redefine self-worth beyond success.

Feb 20, 2025 • 23min
Practical psychological strategies for coping with pet loss
Society tells us grief over pets isn't valid or important. The pain of losing an animal companion can be just as devastating as losing a human loved one.As someone who's experienced profound pet loss multiple times, I understand the deep ache and emptiness that follows. The journey through pet grief requires both short-term coping strategies and long-term healing techniques.This episode guides you through proven methods to process your pet loss grief authentically. You'll learn practical steps to honor your feelings and move forward without rushing or suppressing your emotions. Get my 5-day guide to reclaiming your time and energy despite mental health struggles. Get Practical tools for navigating life with depression and anxiety, delivered weekly. 3 Unique ways to work with me Dramatically improve your sleep in 2 steps with my new Sleep Workbook. My book: For When Everything is Burning The caffeine-lite option for long-term boost in mood, cognition, motivation and stress management.Use Code SCOTT20 for 20% of your order. Connect with me on TikTok Connect on InstagramDisclaimer: 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.

Feb 13, 2025 • 14min
3 Quick Ways To Stop Overthinking
Discover how obsessive planning can actually heighten anxiety instead of preventing it. Learn about practical strategies to break the overthinking cycle and reclaim your mental peace. Mindfulness techniques and distractions are highlighted as effective ways to shift your focus. Plus, find out how to limit worries in time frames to regain control over intrusive thoughts. Embrace the joy of living in the present moment and rejuvenate your mind!

Feb 10, 2025 • 13min
Why You Have To Face Your Fears
Avoiding fears only amplifies anxiety and stress. The fear of the unknown can trap us in inaction, particularly concerning health and finances. Facing fears transforms them into manageable challenges. The discussion includes relatable examples, like horror films, that illustrate how confronting fears leads to problem-solving and confidence. Practical strategies are shared to help overcome anxiety through direct engagement with what frightens us, ultimately guiding us to reclaim our peace and control.

Feb 6, 2025 • 26min
A day in the life of severe depression and anxiety recovery
Explore the daily routines that help manage severe depression and anxiety, emphasizing the power of consistency. Discover how a mindful morning can transform your day, focusing on self-care and reduced screen time. Learn about compassionate self-communication as a tool against negative thoughts and societal pressures. Nourishing habits like meal prep and proper hydration are key for emotional balance. Finally, reflect on daily positive moments to counter negativity, fostering a nurturing environment for mental wellness.

5 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 20min
Why bed rotting is bad for your mental health and 6 ways to stop
Bed rotting might seem like a cozy form of self-care, but it actually worsens anxiety and depression. The constant pressure for productivity can lead to burnout, making this trend a dangerous escape. It's crucial to break the cycle of avoidance and self-shame. The discussion highlights six effective strategies to promote healthier habits and improve mental wellness. Discover proactive alternatives to simply staying in bed, and learn to prioritize mental health through engagement and self-compassion.