The Psychology of Depression and Anxiety - Dr. Scott Eilers
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 16, 2023 • 13min
What is learned helplessness?
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.
Nov 13, 2023 • 20min
Existence is Traumatic
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.
Nov 9, 2023 • 19min
6 Things I stopped doing to fix my depression
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.
Nov 6, 2023 • 20min
No one else knows how it feels to be you
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.
Nov 2, 2023 • 20min
Self-harm is not about what you think
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.
Oct 30, 2023 • 20min
When stress becomes overwhelming
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.
Oct 25, 2023 • 18min
When you've lost the will to do what you need to do
Learn how to regain control over your life and manage your inner ecosystem and willpower. Understand the impact of smartphones on willpower and setting limits on usage. Explore the concept of reward scale and the challenges of self-care in the modern era.
Oct 18, 2023 • 16min
What to do when your dreams die
Learn about the two types of grief: regular and ambiguous, and how ambiguous grief can be as devastating as regular grief. Discover the healing process for both types of grief, allowing emotions to come and go naturally. Explore the challenges of navigating ambiguous grief, such as the loss of an envisioned future. Understand the destructive power of comparison and the importance of finding closure for healthier grieving.
7 snips
Oct 11, 2023 • 21min
Why You Shut Down Sometimes
Learn about the freeze response and its impact on motivation, the nature of the freeze response as an involuntary reflex, and effective strategies to overcome it. Understand the brain's response to stress and the role of critical thinking. Discover how celebrating small victories can help break free from the freeze response.
Oct 4, 2023 • 30min
Stop Pessimistic Thinking With Mindfulness
This podcast explores how our brains form thought patterns and the impact of mood disorders on these patterns. It discusses the benefits of mindfulness in overcoming pessimistic thinking and redirecting attention to the present moment. Strategies for staying present and finding contentment are also highlighted.
