The Psychology of Depression and Anxiety - Dr. Scott Eilers

Discover practical strategies for overcoming anxiety and expanding your comfort zone through hierarchical exposure therapy. Learn how avoidance perpetuates anxiety and the ripple effects of conquering fear. Hear about the role of confidence and coping skills in reducing anxiety and the personal journey of overcoming public speaking anxiety.

The podcast explores the barrier of self-worth and personal well-being, the relationship between emotional investment and caring, reflections on loss, and the connection between caring and value.

Exploring the power of shame as a coping mechanism in challenging times, the podcast discusses addiction, self-harm, and financial struggles. It addresses the correlation between emotional pain and lack of support during formative years. The negative impact of addictive behaviors on health, relationships, and well-being is explored, along with the concept of stacking and chaining sustainable resources for better mental health. Releasing unsustainable resources in therapy and improving presentation quality are also discussed.

Managing your mental health is complex enough on its own without adding in the fact that every day can bring new challenges. What do you do when new depressive episodes and stressors while you're managing existing ones? Recovery hinges on recognizing and addressing the changes these bring to daily routines, social interactions, and self-care. The key is balancing 'inputs' and 'outputs' in your life. Inputs are activities that replenish energy and enhance well-being (like sleep, nutrition, and exercise). Outputs are tasks that drain energy, such as work, school, and chores. Focus on building and maintaining a strong foundation of inputs. This can prevent the unsustainable cycle of being overwhelmed by outputs. Get my book: For When Everything is Burning https://bit.ly/forwheneverythingisburning Connect with me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.scott.eilers See the Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.scotteilerspsydlp529 Here's what's inside: 00:00 Navigating Mental Health Challenges 02:21 Recovering After a Depressive Episode 04:40 Balancing Inputs and Outputs in Mental Health 06:52 Rebuilding Inputs for Mental Health 10:23 The Importance of Rebuilding the Foundation 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.

Learned helplessness is discussed, its origins in abusive situations or internal struggles like depression and anxiety. The podcast explores the concept of learned helplessness and its impact on individuals' perception of their ability to achieve positive outcomes. They also discuss a sad study involving dogs that explores learned helplessness and how past experiences can lead to a mindset of helplessness that hinders seeking safety and enjoyment in life.

The podcast explores the traumatic nature of life, discussing the impact of internal variables on emotional experience. It emphasizes the importance of self-validation and acknowledging the fragility of existence. The host reflects on mortality and the balance between recognizing negative aspects of life and avoiding dwelling on them. The chapter on validating our own pain highlights the significance of expressing emotions instead of suppressing them.

Learn about the speaker's battle with depression and the positive changes made to overcome it. Explore the relationship between achievement and joy in depression and discover strategies for managing sleep and self-care. Discuss the impact of diet, physical activity, and avoiding obsessive behaviors. Explore the negative effects of unrealistic goals and comparison to others, and discuss strategies for staying grounded and mindful in reality.

Explore the negative impact of constant comparison on mental health and the importance of recognizing its distorted nature. Understand the uniqueness of individuals and experiences, embracing individuality and avoiding the fallacy of comparison. Discover the misleading nature of social media influencers and the significance of considering their backstory.

The podcast explores the misconceptions and stigma surrounding self-harm, emphasizing that it's not about seeking attention but rather a means of emotion regulation. It discusses the need for empathy and support for individuals who self-harm and provides alternative coping strategies, such as intense sensory experiences. Effective methods to control self-harm urges and overcome shame and isolation are also discussed.

This podcast explores how stress can lead to a freeze response. It discusses the negative effects of a harsh management style and the power of rewards over punishment. It also emphasizes the importance of self-appreciation and celebrating small victories.