Welcome to the first episode of the Becoming Anchored podcast, where we, Laura Deneen and Lauren Jackson, licensed therapists from Brentwood, Tennessee, delve into the vast world of mental health therapy. Our mission is to foster a community for open discussion on mental health and its application in our everyday lives, covering topics from anxiety, depression, life transitions to eating disorders and grief.
In this episode, we explore understanding and managing depression, drawing on our personal and professional experiences as therapists. We share effective strategies, offer insights, and provide practical advice to help you navigate mental health challenges with hope and empowerment.
Here are six key takeaways from this episode:
- Understanding Depression: We dive deep into the complexities of depression, challenging societal stereotypes and emphasizing the spectrum of experiences. Depression isn't always about staying in bed all day; it can manifest in various forms and intensities.
- Behavioral Activation & Opposite Action: Explore practical strategies for combating low moods and depression, such as behavioral activation and DBT's opposite action. These techniques aim to help individuals take actionable steps towards feeling better by engaging in activities that can boost their mood, even when motivation is low.
- The Importance of Support: Highlighting the significance of seeking support and the therapeutic power of feeling seen and understood by others. Whether it's a professional therapist or a close friend, finding a safe space to share your experiences can be crucial for navigating through depressive episodes.
- The Spectrum of Regulation: Discussing the concept of the "window of tolerance" and how both high anxiety and low mood states indicate dysregulation. Strategies for re-regulating one's emotional state are shared, focusing on the importance of understanding and meeting your needs through various activities and social interactions.
- Empowerment Through Acknowledgment: Offering an affirmation to remind listeners that it's possible to find pockets of joy even amidst depression. The conversation encourages embracing dialectical thinking - holding space for both the struggle and moments of happiness or peace.
- Practical Homework: Engage with the material on a deeper level by reflecting on what activities contribute to lifting symptoms of depression and what might be exacerbating them. Listeners are encouraged to practice self-compassion and explore behavioral strategies that resonate with their experiences.
Launching this podcast represents a significant milestone for us, and we're thrilled to accompany you on this journey towards mental wellness. Remember, seeking help and exploring self-help strategies can coexist; it's about finding what works best for you and embracing the process of growth and healing.
Thank you for joining us in our very first episode! Stay tuned for more insights and discussions on becoming anchored in hope and mental wellness.
Lauren and Laura from the Becoming Anchored podcast are passionate about offering more than just insights and advice through their podcast. To extend their support beyond the airwaves, they've curated a selection of thoughtfully designed merch that resonates with the podcast's mission of mental wellness and hope. Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, the team offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. Embrace the Becoming Anchored community fully by subscribing to our podcast, where you'll find a wealth of resources, inspiration, and support. Connect with us for therapy services, explore our merch to carry a piece of this journey with you, and ensure you never miss an episode by subscribing today.