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
8 snips
May 24, 2023 • 50min
Procrastination, Executive Functioning, and Nervous System Regulation (with Sasa Harper)
Sasa Harper, an executive functioning and nervous system regulation coach, discusses how procrastination is often a result of unmet needs or excess stress rather than laziness. She emphasizes the importance of challenging your inner critic, practicing relaxation techniques, and rewarding yourself appropriately to increase productivity. The podcast also explores the similarities and challenges in diagnosing ADHD, depression, and anxiety, and the connection between procrastination, shame, and the brain's reward system.
May 17, 2023 • 26min
Psychosis, derealization, depersonalization, and dissociation with depression and anxiety
The podcast explores how symptoms like depersonalization, derealization, and dissociation can be part of mood disorders. It discusses how dissociation acts as a temporary anesthetic to protect us from emotional pain and how decreased activity in the frontal lobe affects our orientation to reality. The episode aims to make these processes less scary by providing neurological explanations.
7 snips
May 10, 2023 • 56min
Trying to live after trying to die - with ValiantFate
ValiantFate shares his inspiring journey of overcoming depression and suicide through fitness, gratitude, goal-setting, and asking for help. The podcast also explores therapeutic techniques, the power of metal music, transformative effects of exercise on mental health, and the importance of authenticity and effort in the mental health journey.
May 3, 2023 • 23min
Getting Tested For Depression
The podcast discusses the importance of getting tested for depression and anxiety to access treatment services and insurance coverage. It explores the different professionals who can provide testing and emphasizes the positive outcomes it can lead to. Overall, seeking proper assessment and treatment is empowering and beneficial for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
Apr 26, 2023 • 26min
Depression or Bipolar Disorder?
Exploring the similarities and differences between major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, focusing on the risks of using antidepressants for bipolar disorder. Discusses the challenges of distinguishing between mania and normal mood, the complexities in diagnosing comorbidities, and the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment for these mental health conditions.
Apr 19, 2023 • 24min
Can depression and anxiety make you sick?
Exploring how depression and anxiety can manifest as physical illness, this podcast covers the impact on sleep patterns, disrupted blood flow, immune system, appetite, and overall health. It emphasizes the importance of seeking therapy, medication, and self-care strategies like CBTI and exercise to manage symptoms effectively.
5 snips
Apr 10, 2023 • 28min
Getting things done when you’re depressed and anxious
Discover strategies for staying productive when struggling with mental health, such as modifying the perception of effort and reward. Learn about the interplay of effort and reward in motivation, and how to unlock small wins in life through appreciating details. Explore strategies for increasing motivation and decreasing the perception of effort. Understand how accessibility influences behavior and the importance of modifying the perception of effort and reward for behavior control.
Mar 29, 2023 • 23min
Anhedonia (Why you feel empty sometimes)
Explore the experience of anhedonia, a disruption in brain functioning that impairs the ability to feel joy. Learn about living without pleasure, the impact of disrupted pathways on feelings and motivation, and the severity range of anhedonia. Seek professional help and treatment options for this condition.
Mar 22, 2023 • 23min
Challenging the lies that can ruin your life
Exploring the formation of belief systems in childhood and their impact on our perspective, discussing cognitive distortions such as overgeneralizing and black and white thinking, and providing strategies for challenging and modifying these beliefs.
Mar 17, 2023 • 20min
Unofficial symptoms of anxiety
Explore unofficial symptoms of anxiety including overeating, people pleasing, perfectionism, and sensory sensitivities. Learn about the correlation between anxiety and picky eating, as well as the traits of people with anxiety who strive to maintain peace and please others.
