The Health Reset Podcast
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The Health Reset Podcast
Uncovering the Hidden Facets of Depression: Beyond Sadness to Recovery
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All right. So today let's do a deep dive into something that I think a lot of people are curious about.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:And that is the sneaky ways that depression can show up.
Speaker 2:Right. Besides, just you know feeling down in the dumps yeah.
Speaker 1:You know we all have those days where we feel a little bit sad or whatever you sent in this article. You know 11 mental signs you might have depression.
Speaker 2:Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1:And so clearly you're curious about you know 11 mental signs you might have depression. And so clearly you're curious about you know those, those less obvious signs?
Speaker 2:Yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 1:And, believe me, some of these really surprised me when I when I was reading through this.
Speaker 2:Yeah, depression can be a bit of a chameleon. You know, it doesn't always present in the stereotypical way. It really doesn't, yeah.
Speaker 1:Like, for example, did you know that constipation could be linked to depression, or that, like getting lost in nostalgia could actually be your brain trying to coach with something?
Speaker 2:Right, like who knew? Yeah, those are definitely some of the more unexpected signs, for sure.
Speaker 1:Totally. But you know, let's start with something I think we can all relate to, okay, and that is irritability.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:We all have those days.
Speaker 2:For sure.
Speaker 1:Where you know we're just a little bit short-fused.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:But how do we know if it's just a bad day or, you know, if it's something more?
Speaker 2:That's a great question, and I think with depression, the irritability tends to be more intense, more frequent and triggered by things that wouldn't normally bother you.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:So it's almost like your emotional volume knob is permanently turned up, so even minor annoyances can feel completely over Volume knob.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, so is that what you're saying? Like those days when you find yourself snapping at your loved ones over spilled milk or something.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:That could be a sign. It very well could be, especially if it's happening, you know, more often than usual, or if it feels really out of proportion to the situation at hand Right. Ok, so this next one I have to admit, this one really threw me for a loop. Really Nostalgia. I always thought reminiscing about the good old days was like a healthy thing.
Speaker 2:Right Like a good way to beast your mood, but this article suggests yeah, that it can actually be a sign of depression it can be, and it's actually quite fascinating because nostalgia can be a very powerful coping mechanism, because it allows us to temporary, temporarily escape present difficulties by retreating to a mental space right where we felt happier or more secure so like self soothing exactly but with memories yeah, and our brains are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:So it's natural to gravitate towards thoughts and memories that make us feel good. Sure, the problem is that when we dwell on the past excessively, it can prevent us from dealing with present challenges and moving forward.
Speaker 1:Okay. So how do we know then if our nostalgia is healthy or if it's kind of veering into unhealthy territory?
Speaker 2:I think it's a matter of degree and intention.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So you know, occasional trips down memory lane are perfectly normal, even beneficial. But if you find yourself constantly longing for the past, using it to avoid current responsibilities or relationships, or feeling stuck in a cycle of what ifs and if only, Wow. That's a sign that the nostalgia might be masking deeper issues.
Speaker 1:It's like using rose colored glasses.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Like blur out the present.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and that can be a slippery slope, because it prevents us from fully engaging with our lives and working through challenges that need to be addressed.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that makes total sense.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, this next one is a little bit of a head scratcher for me. I'm not going to lie.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Constipation and depression.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:How are those two even remotely connected? This?
Speaker 2:one seems a little strange, I know, but there's growing evidence of a strong link between gut health and mental health. Did you know that a significant portion of our neurotransmitters, those chemicals that regulate mood, are actually produced in the gut?
Speaker 1:Wait, really. Yeah, I had no idea.
Speaker 2:So what's happening in our digester system can actually impact how we feel emotionally.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about feeling backed up. It could actually be a sign of a deeper imbalance.
Speaker 2:Exactly and in fact one study found that a third of constipated people showed signs of major depressive disorder.
Speaker 1:Wow, that's a pretty strong correlation.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:So you know, while not everyone with constipation is depressed, right, of course, it's definitely something we're paying attention to, yeah.
Speaker 2:It really highlights the importance of taking a holistic view of health.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And understanding how seemingly unrelated systems in our bodies can influence each other.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and that actually kind of leads perfectly into this next one, which is something I think a lot of us can relate to, which is stress during downtime.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah.
Speaker 1:So you know, you finally have that week off work. Right, you've cleared your schedule, yeah, and instead of feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, yeah. You're suddenly hit with this wave of anxiety.
Speaker 2:It seems so counterintuitive right. We crave a break from the daily grind.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:But for some people, unstructured time can actually be a trigger for anxiety and low mood Right, especially if they're struggling with depression.
Speaker 1:Is it because, like all of a sudden, there's nothing to distract you from your own thoughts?
Speaker 2:That's definitely part of it. You know, when we're constantly busy, we have all these external distractions that keep our minds occupied. But when those distractions disappear, our internal world can become much louder.
Speaker 1:And for someone with depression, that internal world might be filled with, you know, negative thoughts, self-doubt, lack of motivation.
Speaker 2:Depression can really zap your energy and make it hard to engage in activity you used to enjoy. So when faced with an empty schedule, instead of feeling excited about all the possibilities, you might just feel overwhelmed and lost, and even more aware of those negative feelings.
Speaker 1:It's like your brain goes into overdrive trying to fill the void, but all it can come up with is more negativity more aware of those negative feelings.
Speaker 2:It's like your brain goes into overdrive. It does, trying to fill the void. Yeah.
Speaker 1:But all it can come up with is more negativity.
Speaker 2:That's a great way to put it. And without the structure and routine of work or other commitments, it's easier to fall into patterns of rumination and negative self-talk.
Speaker 1:Oh, for sure.
Speaker 2:Which can make those depression symptoms even worse. Yeah, totally, yeah, okay, so.
Speaker 1:Yeah, totally yeah. Ok, so it's almost like that unstructured time can become like a breeding ground for negative thoughts.
Speaker 2:You can't be careful yeah.
Speaker 1:Speaking of mental struggles, let's talk about concentration.
Speaker 2:OK.
Speaker 1:You know that feeling when you're trying to like read a book or watch a movie, right, but your mind just keeps wandering.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Like you just can't seem to focus.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that difficulty concentrating is a very common symptom of depression. Is it just like I'm not interested, or is there something more going on? It's definitely more than just a lack of interest. Depression can actually impair your cognitive abilities, including your ability to focus and sustain attention.
Speaker 1:So it's not just me being easily distracted, it's like an actual thing with my brain.
Speaker 2:It is Wow. When you're depressed, your mind is often preoccupied with negative thoughts and worries.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's like having a constant background noise that makes it difficult to tune into anything else.
Speaker 1:And we article made a really important distinction about this not being the same as ADHD.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Can you elaborate on that a little bit yeah?
Speaker 2:So, while both conditions can involve difficulty concentrating, they have different underlying causes and require different approaches to treatment. Gotcha ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention and impulse control.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Whereas in depression the difficulty concentrating is often a symptom of the underlying mood disorder, so it's important to get the right diagnosis. It is Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Because, you know, a treatment that might work for one might not work for the other.
Speaker 2:Exactly Okay. Understanding that root cause is really key Makes sense yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, let's shift gears a bit. Okay, talk about something that might be a little bit more fun. Okay, impulsive behavior, all right, have, we'll talk about something that might be a little bit more fun. Okay, impulsive behavior, all right. Have you ever found yourself like scrolling online?
Speaker 2:Oh yeah.
Speaker 1:And then, all of a sudden, you've added like a dozen things to your shopping cart, yep, that you definitely don't need.
Speaker 2:The allure of online shopping. I know it gets at all.
Speaker 1:So is that what's happening there? It's like impulsive behavior. It's a way to seek immediate gratification.
Speaker 2:Yeah, a temporary escape from negative feelings.
Speaker 1:So it's like that quick hit of dopamine.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and you know, a little retail therapy now and then can be harmless.
Speaker 1:Of course.
Speaker 2:But if you find yourself engaging in these impulsive behaviors more frequently or in ways that are causing problems in your life, it might be worth examining those underlying motivations.
Speaker 1:So like maybe you're trying to fill an emotional void Exactly or distract yourself from something that's uncomfortable.
Speaker 2:Precisely Understanding that root cause can help you develop healthier coping mechanisms and make more conscious choices.
Speaker 1:Okay, this one's fascinating and kind of scary at the same time. Unexplained aches and pains.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:The article mentioned that people with depression often experience physical pain.
Speaker 2:They do.
Speaker 1:Why is that?
Speaker 2:It all comes back to that powerful mind-body connection you were talking about earlier.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Depression doesn't just impact our mental state Uh-huh. It can have very real physical effects on our bodies as well.
Speaker 2:But how can something like sadness, like because actual physical pain, Well, when we're depressed, our bodies are in this bitten state of stress okay, and this can lead to inflammation, muscle tension and changes in our nervous system that manifest as physical discomfort so it's not just that people are like imagining the pain right it's like a physiological response to the emotional state exactly, and so, while it's important to rule out any underlying medical conditions, it's also crucial to acknowledge the role that mental health plays in our overall well-being.
Speaker 1:Makes a lot of sense. Okay, let's talk about guilt.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:We all make mistakes.
Speaker 2:Of course.
Speaker 1:But sometimes that guilt can feel so all-consuming. It can Like you just can't shake it off.
Speaker 2:Yeah, like a heavy weight that you're carrying around and that persistent excessive guilt is actually a hallmark symptom of depression.
Speaker 1:Really.
Speaker 2:The American Psychological Association even defines it as misinterpreting everyday events as evidence of personal defects. Wow, leading to this overwhelming sense of responsibility and self-blame.
Speaker 1:So it's like you're constantly beating yourself up. Right, or that other people wouldn't even think twice about.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and this excessive guilt can seep into every aspect of your life, making it difficult to enjoy things, connect with others or even function effectively.
Speaker 1:It's a heavy burden to carry.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:Okay, get ready for this one.
Speaker 2:All right.
Speaker 1:Psoriasis and depression.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:So it's an end problem? Yeah, this one might seem like a strange pairing it does.
Speaker 2:But research has shown a significant overlap between these two conditions.
Speaker 1:Interesting.
Speaker 2:Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And inflammation is increasingly being linked to mood disorders like depression.
Speaker 1:So is it the inflammation itself that's affecting mood, or is it more the stress of dealing with a chronic condition?
Speaker 2:It's likely a combination of factors.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:The inflammation itself may trigger changes in the brain that contribute to depression, interesting and the psychological toll of living with a visible money. Yeah, often painful condition Right Can also take its toll on mental health.
Speaker 1:So it's like a double whammy.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:So it's important to address both the physical and the emotional.
Speaker 2:Treating the psoriasis can help improve mood Right, and managing the depression can make it easier to cope with the challenges of the skin condition.
Speaker 1:Okay, we're in the home stretch now.
Speaker 2:All right.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about work.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:We all want to feel successful and competent at our jobs.
Speaker 2:Yeah, talk about work. Okay, we all want to feel successful and competent at our jobs.
Speaker 1:But sometimes those feelings of inadequacy can run pretty deep.
Speaker 2:They can, and depression can amplify those feelings Right, making it difficult to see your accomplishments.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Value your contributions.
Speaker 1:So even if you're objectively doing well, Exactly. You might still feel like a failure.
Speaker 2:Depression can really distort your perception Wow, making it hard to recognize your strengths and focus on your successes. It can also sap your motivation and energy, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
Speaker 1:And that can create a vicious cycle. It can. Because the more you feel like you're failing, the worse the depression gets. The harder it is to actually function at work.
Speaker 2:It's important to break that cycle by challenging those negative thoughts focusing on small wins and seeking support from colleagues or supervisors.
Speaker 1:Okay, last but not least, we need to address kind of a sensitive topic, but it's an important one. Yeah, changes in personal hygiene Okay, we all have those days where we, you know, hit the snooze button one too many times.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And maybe skip the shower. Sure, but when does it become a red flag?
Speaker 2:That's a good question, and it's one of those subtle signs that can easily be overlooked.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Depression can really drain your energy and motivation to the point that even basic self-care tasks feel overwhelming.
Speaker 1:So it's not about being lazy. Not at all Not caring about your appearance.
Speaker 2:It's about recognizing that depression can impact your ability to function in even the most basic ways.
Speaker 1:Like your brain is in survival mode.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:And showering just doesn't make it onto the priority list, and it's important to remember this isn't a personal failing.
Speaker 2:It's a symptom of an illness that needs to be addressed.
Speaker 1:Wow, it's amazing how many different ways depression can show up. It really is, and it's so important to recognize those subtle signs.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Not just in ourselves, but in the people we care about as well.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. The more we understand about depression, the better equipped we are to support ourselves and those around us.
Speaker 1:This deep dive has definitely opened my eyes to the complexity of mental health. It's not just about feeling sad, it's about how those feelings can manifest in our bodies, our behaviors, even our relationship.
Speaker 2:It's a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Speaker 1:For sure.
Speaker 2:There's no shame in reaching out for support when you're struggling.
Speaker 1:So, if you're resonating with any of these signs that we've discussed today, what would you recommend as like a first step?
Speaker 2:The most important thing is to talk to someone.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It could be a trusted friend a family member, a therapist or your doctor Okay, Just sharing your experiences and feelings with someone you trust can be incredibly helpful.
Speaker 1:And there are so many resources available now.
Speaker 2:There are.
Speaker 1:To help people who are struggling with depression right.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. There are effective treatments like therapy and medication, as well as lifestyle changes, that can make a big difference.
Speaker 1:And with the rise of telehealth, it seems like accessing mental health care is becoming more and more convenient and accessible.
Speaker 2:Much more than it used to be, than ever before.
Speaker 1:It feels like the stigma surrounding mental health is finally starting to fade.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I think so too.
Speaker 1:And people are feeling more comfortable reaching out for help.
Speaker 2:It's definitely a positive shift and it's creating this ripple effect of awareness and compassion.
Speaker 1:Right and the more we talk about mental health the more we normalize it and the less alone people feel.
Speaker 2:I think that's so important.
Speaker 1:So to kind of wrap things up here, let's go back to why you sent in this article in the first place. You were curious about the less obvious signs of depression.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:We've explored 11 of them in detail today.
Speaker 2:We have.
Speaker 1:What are some things that particularly stood out to you?
Speaker 2:Yeah, what surprised you.
Speaker 1:What surprised you?
Speaker 2:Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1:I think what surprised me the most was the connection between gut health and mental health.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:I never really realized how much our digestive system could actually impact our mood.
Speaker 2:It's fascinating, isn't it? It really is. Our gut microbiome plays such a crucial role in our overall well-being.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's made me think twice about what I'm putting into my body.
Speaker 2:That's a great takeaway.
Speaker 1:What about you?
Speaker 2:Well, I think for me the section on nostalgia really resonated. Okay, I think for me the section on nostalgia really resonated.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You know I've definitely caught myself using memories as a way to escape from present challenges, so I'm going to try to be more mindful of that moving forward.
Speaker 1:Yeah, me too. I think it's so important to be aware of those coping mechanisms, yeah, and to make sure they're not preventing us from really living fully in the present moment.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Well, this deep dive has been incredibly insightful. It has, and I really hope it's been helpful for our listeners as well.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I hope so.
Speaker 1:Just remember taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:And if you're struggling, please know that you're not alone.
Speaker 2:You're not. There is help available, there is.
Speaker 1:And recovery is possible. There and recovery is possible he is, so don't hesitate to reach out for support.
Speaker 2:Thank you for joining us on this deep dive.
Speaker 1:It's been great having you.
Speaker 2:Until next time, keep learning, keep exploring and keep taking care of yourselves.
Speaker 1:I've just had it.