

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 21, 2024 • 13min
How To Cope With Feeling Under Appreciated And Invisible
Feeling invisible can be a heavy emotional burden. Humans often struggle with seeking appreciation, which can lead to misery when lacking it. Explore the tendency to undervalue others' efforts while overinflating our own, creating rifts in relationships. Discover three practical strategies to shift your mindset and enhance recognition from others. The importance of self-worth is emphasized, encouraging open communication and self-advocacy to foster appreciation in your life, without waiting for others to change.

Nov 18, 2024 • 14min
6 Reasons Your Depression Isn’t Getting Better
Discover why your depression may persist beyond typical treatments. Uncover the crucial link between brain health and recovery, emphasizing physical wellbeing and self-compassion. Learn about the damaging effects of internalized shame and the importance of positive self-talk. Explore barriers to joy and the role of vulnerability in healing. The discussion also highlights the need for mental boundaries and recognizes personality types that may face unique recovery challenges. Insights from years of clinical experience illuminate your path to better mental health.

Nov 14, 2024 • 11min
Why Therapy Doesn’t Work For Mentally Ill People
Traditional therapy often fails those with severe mental health challenges, likened to a lack of actionable solutions in physical therapy. The discussion highlights the need for reform, stressing that understanding one's history alone isn’t enough for healing. Finding the right therapist can be a daunting task, with specialized skills lacking in many practitioners. Listeners are encouraged to have realistic expectations and to embrace patience on their journey to effective therapy.

Nov 11, 2024 • 8min
What The Years You Lost To Mental Illness Say About You
Society tells us lost years are wasted years. In reality, these painful periods of mental illness are not our fault, but a natural outcome of battling an invisible enemy.
My own decade-long struggle with mental health taught me that recovery begins when we stop blaming ourselves. Through this journey, I discovered that managing mental illness often requires doing the opposite of what our minds tell us to do.
In this video, I'll show you why your "lost years" don't define your worth and share practical insights for moving forward. I'll help you understand that your struggles aren't a reflection of failure, but a testament to your resilience.
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Mood Bloom games for depression and anxiety (I have partnered with this brand)
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My book: For When Everything is Burning
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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.

Nov 7, 2024 • 15min
It’s OK To Never Be OK
Not everyone finds happiness easy, and that’s completely normal. Chasing after joy can sometimes amplify feelings of misery. The focus shifts to accepting your emotional baseline rather than fighting it. Understanding your unique emotional framework, including neurodiversity, can lead to a more fulfilling life. Plus, the metaphor of emotional 'buckets' offers insight into managing joy, sadness, and anger. Practical tools are shared for navigating life's ups and downs with a fresh perspective.

Nov 4, 2024 • 17min
Fix Your Living Space, Fix Your Brain
Clutter isn't just a nuisance; it can actually reshape your brain and affect your mood. Research links chaotic living spaces to cognitive impairments, showing that a tidy environment fosters mental clarity. Discover six science-based strategies for decluttering and creating a serene atmosphere. Time-based goals can help you tackle mess without feeling overwhelmed. Transform your space and improve your mental health effectively, especially if you're dealing with anxiety or depression.

Oct 30, 2024 • 24min
Why Relaxation Techniques Don’t Work For You
Relaxation techniques often feel ineffective because they tend to address only half of the problem. Stress management requires a deeper understanding of both physiological and psychological elements. Breathing exercises and muscle relaxation are vital tools for battling anxiety. Sensory tools, like fragrances, can provide comfort, while apps like Happier offer guided meditations to ease beginners into practice. Effective strategies also emphasize setting healthy boundaries and allowing time to adapt to stressors, fostering overall emotional regulation.

Oct 28, 2024 • 19min
How To Rejoin The World After Becoming Disconnected
Mental illness can create a deep sense of alienation and worsen isolation. This discussion highlights disconnection as a natural defense mechanism rather than a sign of being broken. The speaker shares personal struggles and three practical strategies for reconnecting with the world. Emphasizing the critical role of social engagement, the talk explores overcoming barriers to communication and fostering meaningful relationships. Ultimately, it’s about finding balance between self-protection and the desire for connection.

Oct 23, 2024 • 14min
Why Am I Sad When Nothing Is Wrong
Happiness isn’t a given; some are wired to struggle for it. Isolation can sink in when surrounded by upbeat souls, revealing a deeper emotional maze. Effective coping strategies include engaging in enjoyable activities and nurturing connections. Embracing one’s uniqueness is vital, as vulnerability can lead to personal growth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding different emotional experiences, making acceptance a key part of the journey towards well-being.

Oct 16, 2024 • 13min
Why Pushing Yourself Too Hard Makes You Shut Down
Explore the complexities of procrastination and the emotional turmoil it brings. Learn how excessive pressure can backfire, diminishing motivation instead of enhancing it. Discover the crucial balance between stress and engagement for peak performance. Understand the harmful effects of self-imposed pressure and the importance of self-compassion. This enlightening conversation offers practical insights into maintaining mental health while pursuing goals.