Depression Cure: Recent Episodes
Matthew Thompson
Dr. Steve Ilardi is a clinical researcher, professor, and author from Kansas, USA who's work has empowered millions of people worldwide to overcome chronic mental health disorders.
Hew James is a writer and podcaster from Belfast, Northern Ireland who's been on a journey towards healing from addiction and depression over the last 15-years.
They both share a passion for helping people treat, manage and ultimately overcome depression.
https://mentalhealth.fm
In this exciting post-summer episode of Depression Cure, we are joined again by Steve Ilardi as we get to have our Q&A session that will hopefully cure your curiosity on things such as remote working– an increasing reality for many people as a result of the pandemic, and how can one really address mental health issues given the fact of deprivation of face to face meetings.
So don’t miss out and make sure to tune in!
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/remote-working
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Listen to all episodes of Mental Health Podcast at: https://mentalhealth.fm
Share with us your takeaways from this episode on social @mentalhealth.fm
“Be who you needed when you were younger.” - Hew James
In today's episode of Depression Cure, we will learn more about the writer and podcaster, Hew James as he recounts his experience with depression and his path to recovery that has inspired and empowered others.
Get to know more about Hew’s inspiring story by tuning in to this episode!
Highlights:
- (08:00) Getting to Know Hew James
- (11:48) Hew’s first encounter with depression
- (15:00) The first time the actual word “depression” came unto Hew’s radar
- (24:26) What was the big turning point in Hew’s own journey?
- (33:44) Why is Hew doing this podcast?
- (37:30) What is Hew most excited about in his current experiments in treating/managing his depression?
Links:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
- Website: https://mentalhealth.fm
- Socials: @mentalhealth.fm
In today's episode of Depression Cure, we are joined by Dr. Stephen Ilardi, a professor of clinical psychology and the Author of The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression Without Drugs, he will share how he became a depression researcher, the reason behind it, how it's like, and unravel the things that made him who he is today.
Tune in now and get to know him more!
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/steves-story
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Listen to all episodes of Mental Health Podcast at: https://mentalhealth.fm
Share with us your takeaways from this episode on social @mentalhealth.fm
In this episode of the Mental Health show, we are joined by Steve Ilardi, a clinical psychologist, researcher, professor, writer, and NBA consultant as he talks about SLEEP: what we need to know about it, the latest tools, ancient practices, cutting-edge research that will help us take back control of our emotional well-being.
Check it out.
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/sleep-for-mental-health
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Listen to all episodes of Mental Health Podcast at: https://mentalhealth.fm
Share with us your takeaways from this episode on social @mentalhealth.fm
In this series called “The Essentials”, Steve and Hew discuss what they believe are the most important tools to have in your mental health. They will discuss about why Exercise is essential — its benefits not only physical but also on mental aspects as well as the proper way and dosage of exercise.
Tune in now and learn more insightful information about exercise!
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/exercise-for-mental-health
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Listen to all episodes of Mental Health Podcast at: https://mentalhealth.fm
Share with us your takeaways from this episode on social @mentalhealth.fm
In today’s episode, Steve and Hew discuss light therapy; its importance to mental health, its potential risk, and some devices that can mimic outdoor lights.
Learn more about ‘Light Therapy’ and how it treats various mental health conditions. Check out this episode now!
In this new series called “The Essentials”, Steve and Hew discuss what they believe are the most important tools to have in your mental health. They will talk about Omega 6 and dive deep into Omega 3 - its importance, health benefits, side effects, uses, as well as dose & precautions.
Learn more insightful information about Omega 3 by checking out this episode!
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/omega-3-mental-health
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Listen to all episodes of Mental Health Podcast at: https://mentalhealth.fm
Share with us your takeaways from this episode on social @mentalhealth.fm
As civilization advances humans gain comfortable benefits. However, this comfort and developments have their corresponding disadvantages. One of these is the increase in depression rate. This leads us to the question, “What is the connection of depression to the improvement of civilization?”
In today's episode, Dr. Stephen Ilardi, a professor of clinical psychology and the author of The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression Without Drugs, talks about Depression: Its clinical difference from sadness, what causes it and why should we consider depression as a disease of a lifestyle?
Learn more about Depression and how to prevent it by checking this episode!
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/depression-is-a-disease-of-civilisation
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
In today’s episode, Steve and Hew answer a question from their Patreon supporter, Ryan, about how we can help Gen Z’s Mental challenges in this digital world. Along the way they talk about some of the reasons why Gen Z (and all the other generations) are obsessed with screen time as well as ways on how to put boundaries on technologies.
Check it out.
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/gen-z-screen-time
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Listen to all episodes of Mental Health Podcast at: https://mentalhealth.fm
Share with us your takeaways from this episode on social @mentalhealth.fm
In today’s episode, Steve and Hew answer a question from their Patreon supporters about the current research into therapeutic uses of psychedelics MDMA for PTSD in veterans and psilocybin for chronic depression. Along the way, they’ll discuss the effects and risks of using psychedelics and debunk some misconceptions.
Tune in now and learn more about psychedelics and how can it treat mental health disorders!
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/psychedelics-for-mental-health
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Listen to all episodes of Mental Health Podcast at: https://mentalhealth.fm
Share with us your takeaways from this episode on social @mentalhealth.fm
In this Q&A episode, Steve and Hew answer a question from their Patreon supporter, Peter, with regard to responding to friends in crisis. They will talk about different ways to deal with depression as well as tips for approaching someone who’s struggling with it. They’ll discuss different responses that may help us in aiding someone who might need it.
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/friend-in-crisis
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Listen to all episodes of Mental Health Podcast at: https://mentalhealth.fm
Share with us your takeaways from this episode on social @mentalhealth.fm
In this Q&A episode, Steve and Hew tackle the idea of a hierarchy within in the mental health world including:
- Do people with depression look down on others with "worse disorders?"
- Why anxiety and depression get more attention than less common disorders like bipolar
- "Empathic imagination"
- Why we judge homeless people
- And how to expand your circle of empathy
Check it out.
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/hierarchy-of-mental-health-disorders
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
In today's Q&A episode, Steve and Hew answer a fascinating listener question on the topic of self-harm.
Along the way they end up covering:
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Why people start self-harming in the first place
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How you can end up becoming addicted to self-harm
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What to do to break the cycle
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How attitudes towards self-harm have changed over the last few decades
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And the pursuit of healthy coping mechanisms
Check it out.
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/why-do-people-self-harm
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Is it possible to shift our body clocks using light therapy?
What protocol should I use if I'm having problems falling asleep or staying asleep?
Does light therapy still work if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
All this and more in today's Q+A episode.
Enjoy!
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/light-therapy-shift-body-clock
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
For the season finale of our four-part series on depression, we've decided to focus on the long-game: the strategies, practices and lifestyle choices we can deploy to not only get out of a depressive rut, but also prevent and manage future episodes.
This episode covers a lot of ground, including:
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The power of creating a written plan
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Outsourcing decision-making/willpower to a system
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The importance of social connection & accountability
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Building routines/structures to pull you through the day
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Anti-inflammatory foods and supplements to add to your diet
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Why you should consider establishing a "screen-free-zone"
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Superpowers associated with depression
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And how to build enough momentum to spiral upwards
Thank you so much for all the love and feedback around this series so far. It's our sincere hope that these episodes end up being "the missing piece of the puzzle" (as one listener put it) in your fight against depression.
It is not easy. It will never be easy. But it is worth it — for you, the people around you and the people coming behind you.
Keep going, keep fighting and thank you for joining us on this journey.
— Steve & Hew
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/depression-101-part-four
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
After setting the stage in part one and two, this episode is all about the short-term tools, tactics, and practices you can put in place today to feel better and begin a new chapter in your battle with depression.
Along the way we discuss:
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How antidepressants barely beat placebo in trials
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Why most people end up having to increase their dose
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How to distinguish depression's voice from your own
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The limitations of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
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How to use domino decisions to get out of the "danger zone"
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New tools that are emerging from the latest research
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And a range of "break glass in case of emergency" tactics you can use to feel better right now
Check it out.
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/depression-101-part-three
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Welcome back to our four-part special on Depression. (Be sure to check out last week's episode if you haven't already where we cover major myths, core symptoms and why humans have the capacity to get depressed to begin with).
In today's episode we turn our attention to the clinical-proven causes of depression and how this informs our treatment of it.
Along the way we cover topics such as:
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How depression can be caused by inflammation
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The loss of pleasure and sex drive associated with the disease
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Why depression makes you want to withdraw
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Circadian rhythms, sleep and body clocks
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The role stress and sex hormones plays in depression
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Why a "miracle drug" doesn't exist
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And a Dr Steve Debunk™ on the idea of "Chemical Imbalances" (spolier alert: it was invented by marketers).
Check it out!
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/depression-101-part-two
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
After taking the deep dive on ADHD, Addiction and Anxiety as part of our 101 series, we've decided to take the next month of podcasting to tackle depression.
With both of us having a lifetime of experience around this issue (Steve as a professor, researcher, clinician, therapist, best-selling author and Hew as an individual who has battled it for 15-years), we know first-hand how devastating the illness can be — but also how complete recovery is possible.
In this first episode, we will be specifically focusing on:
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The biggest myths about depression
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How it compares with other diseases like cancer
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Different types of depression people can experience
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The 9 official symptoms on the diagnosis checklist
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Why the rates of depression are higher than ever
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And how depression is a disease of civilisation.
This four-part special is essential listening for anyone who's currently suffering with depression or walking alongside someone who is.
We really hope you find it beneficial and that it marks a new chapter in your journey towards healing.
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For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/depression-101-part-one
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
In our first ever Q+A episode, we tackle a listener question around the topic of rumination, overthinking and the constant replaying of scenarios in our heads. Check it out! //
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/stop-replaying-thoughts
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
In part two of our Anxiety 101 special, we're diving deep into the treatments, tools and practices you can use in your fight against anxiety — including many you can implement right away.
The three main areas we cover are:
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Drugs (including why depression meds are used to treat anxiety)
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"Break Glass In Case Of Emergency Tactics" for when you're spiralling
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And long-term practices you can put in place to not only treat anxiety, but also prevent it.
Check it out!
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/anxiety-101-part-two
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the world, (having recently overtaken depression in the last few years).
Yet, despite how widespread it is, there’s still a lot of misunderstanding about what anxiety actually is, what causes it and even what it feels like to experience it.
So, today we’re doing the podcast deep as part of our 101 Series to explore and validate why you — or someone you love — feels anxious, AND more importantly what you can do about it.
Along the way Steve and Hew answer questions like:
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Why do we humans get anxious?
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Is it ever helpful?
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How do we diagnose anxiety?
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What actually causes anxiety in the first place?
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And how do causes change the way we go about treating it?
Thanks so much for being here and we really hope you enjoy.
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/anxiety-101-part-one
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
As we wrap up our Addiction 101 deep dive, we thought it would be a good time to share this extremely rare and insightful interview with a 70-year old member of AA who goes by the name of “Alan.”
“Alan,” is an alcoholic who turned to Alcoholics Anonymous for help over 40-years ago and has been sober ever since
In this episode, we ask about everything you’ve always wanted to know about AA including:
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Is it really like how the movies/TV shows depict?
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What actually happens at meetings?
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What is a sponsor and why is it an essential part of the program?
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Why is it anonymous?
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Can people be allergic to alcohol?
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And why AA has worked for so many people around the world.
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/alcoholics-anonymous-podcast-interview
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Welcome back to our 101 deep dive on addiction where we’re discussing the causes, cures and potential superpowers of this incredibly common mental disorder.
In part one we talked about the neuroscience behind why drugs and behaviours can hijack our brains in the first place and in this episode, we cover:
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How you can actually fight some drug addictions with other drugs
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Why 12-Step programs like AA are so powerful
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How willpower doesn’t work (and what we should do instead of white-knuckling)
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Healthy habits that help with addiction
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Sitting with our pain rather than trying to escape from it (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
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And the superpower addicts possess.
Thanks so much for being here and we really hope you enjoy.
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/addiction-101-willpower-drugs-twelve-steps
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Addiction is something that affects us all — whether it’s a close friend, family member or the person looking back at us in the mirror.
Plus with substance abuse at an all-time post-pandemic (not to mention the sharp rise of digital addictions like gambling, pornography and video games), addiction is no longer something that happens to “those people over there,” but rather a “normal” part of our modern culture.
But what actually is addiction? Why can our brains get addicted to stuff in the first place? And how can we find our way out of the vortex that steals so many hours, weeks and years of life in mild cases, and actual life in the extreme?
These are some of the questions myself and Steve wrestle with in today’s conversation alongside:
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Why did humans evolve to have addiction-prone brains?
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How does addiction hijack our neurochemistry?
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Why do drug addictions get more attention than some of the behavioural addictions stampeding through our culture?
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What role does dopamine and D2 receptors play in this process?
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And whether or not genetics can tell us the full story.
Thanks so much for being here and we really hope you enjoy.
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/addiction-101-how-drugs-behaviours-hijack-our-brain
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Welcome back to our deep dive on the causes, treatments and potential superpowers of Attention Deficit Disorder, more commonly known as ADHD.
In part two, we talk about:
- Success, limitations and considerations for the most common ADHD drugs
- Tools to manage the dark side of ADHD
- Practices that lead to deep work and extreme focus
- Microdosing exercise
- And the evolutionary advantage of attention disorders
Thanks so much for being here and we really hope you enjoy.
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/adhd-101-how-to-focus-part-two
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Today we’re launching our brand new ‘101 Series’ where each episode we’ll be taking a deep dive into causes, treatments and potential superpowers for some of the most common mental disorders on the planet.
To start off, Steve and I explore the world of ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder), including:
- Some of the most famous/successful people throughout history with ADHD
- The difference between inattention and hyperactivity
- Social and relational drawbacks of the disorder beyond the classroom/workplace
- What’s going on in the brain of somebody who has ADHD
- And why people with ADHD have the ability to hyperfocus (including how you can tap into that!)
Really hope you enjoy and be sure to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform to be notified when we drop part two next week.
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/adhd-101-how-to-focus-part-one
Support the show on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Today we're sharing a very special interview Hew managed to land featuring one of the world's leading experts on dopamine and addiction — Dr Anna Lembke!
Over the last few years, Anna has appeared in Netflix documentaries like The Social Dilemma and podcasts like The Rich Roll Podcast, The Huberman Lab and The Joe Rogan Experience.
Her new book, Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence was an instant New York Times bestseller and explores how to moderate compulsive overconsumption in a dopamine-overloaded world.
In this conversation we cover:
- What dopamine actually is
- How it governs our lives
- Why the pursuit of pleasure is actually the pursuit of pain
- How a dopamine fast can help reset our brains
- And practical tools for overcoming addiction
Check it out.
https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/anna-lembke-dopamine
https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
Over the last two years, there have been extreme measures put in place to try and get us through the pandemic — some that have worked, and others that haven’t.
We believe it’s been the same for our mental health: with many of us adopting a wide range of habits, rituals and behaviours to get us through these challenging times — some healthy, others not so much.
But now we're closer to the end of the pandemic, we thought it would be a good idea to take some time to reflect on the tools we want to carry forward from this experience, and which one’s we’d like to leave behind.
So, in this final episode of our pandemic mini-series, join us for a run-down of ten essential practices and habits we think you should consider adding to your Mental Health toolkit to help you thrive during the pandemic (and beyond!)
Thanks so much for all your feedback so far. We’re so excited for what’s next!
— Steve & Hew
https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/thriving-in-the-pandemic
https://www.patreon.com/mentalhealthpodcast
PART TWO: Be sure to check out the previous episode for the full context of what we talk about today.
Some of the things covered in this conversation are:
- The importance of establishing rhythms with the people you care about
- Tools for meeting new people and connecting with your neighbours
- Finding ways to make digital work for you
- And habit-stacking wellness practices with social connection
Check it out!
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/social-connection-pandemic-part-two
Human beings are the most social animals on the planet — and we don’t need to tell you how devastating it can be when our sense of social connection and belonging are taken away from us (say in the instance of a 2-year+ global pandemic!)
As we all attempt to put the pieces of our relational lives back together (or maybe even some of us for the first time), Steve and I believe that the pandemic has uncovered some essential insights into what it means to be human, and most importantly, how we can develop robust relationships that can survive whatever life throws our way.
In today’s episode, we caught up to chat about:
- Why the human brain NEEDS connection
- The impact COVID has had on our sense of community
- Deep vs Wide relationships
- And the difference between connection and belonging
This is a two-part special we’re super excited to share with you and really hope that it empowers you to take some positive action in your own life.
Check it out!
//
For show notes, supplement list and links to everything we talk about today please visit: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/social-connection-pandemic-part-one
Last week, we took a deep dive into the surprising link between COVID-19 and Depression — including the mind-bending fact that the chances of developing a depressive episode doubles post-infection.
In this episode, we talk all about anxiety including:
- Some of the different coping mechanisms we both adopted in the first lockdown
- Why a global pandemic was the perfect storm for already sky-high anxiety levels
- How the virus itself can leave us more vulnerable to anxiety post-infection
- Striking the balance between staying informed and over-consuming pandemic-related news/media
- And tools/practices you can put into place to manage anxiety in your daily life.
Thanks so much for being here and we really hope you enjoy!
https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/connection-between-anxiety-and-covid
In today’s first-ever, special pilot, episode Steve and Hew catch up to chat about:
- Why the risk of depression doubles after a COVID infection
- How COVID affects the brain (including why we lose our sense of taste/smell)
- And what we can do to protect ourselves and the people we love from this rarely talked about side-effect.
Thanks so much for being here and we really hope you enjoy!
//
For show notes, supplement list and a photo of Hew's broken nose check out: https://mentalhealth.fm/episodes/link-between-covid-and-depression