

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

Oct 17, 2025 • 25min
Do I Have ADHD, Depression Or Both?
Navigating ADHD and depression can be tricky, as their symptoms often overlap. Both conditions can impair motivation, but the triggers differ—ADHD struggles are usually tied to external events, while depression can strike without cause. The discussion also highlights how too many options can paralyze those with ADHD, while depression brings a sense of powerlessness. To manage both, practical strategies like sleep hygiene, physical movement, and immediate rewards are suggested, making this conversation both insightful and actionable.

Oct 13, 2025 • 15min
5 Coping Skills For Depression You (Probably) Aren’t Using - But Should Be!
Discover five unique techniques to combat depression that often go unutilized. Learn how exposure therapy can help you reconnect with joy and assertiveness training can boost your self-worth. Positive reinforcement strategies for self-recognition are introduced to combat negative self-talk. The importance of assessing physical health is emphasized, as it may reveal treatable causes affecting your mental state. Finally, sobriety is discussed as a vital foundation for maintaining sustainable coping mechanisms.

Oct 10, 2025 • 16min
Why Do We Hold On To Things That Hurt Us? (Sunk Cost Fallacy Explained)
Explore why we often cling to harmful jobs and relationships due to the sunk cost fallacy. Discover how the emotional toll of realized losses can trap us, and learn the concept of inverse sunk cost, where we believe it's too late to start fresh. Through relatable examples from finance and dating, understand how our past experiences, even failures, provide valuable insights. Finally, get practical tips on overcoming these mental barriers and taking action today!

Oct 6, 2025 • 15min
Why You Can Never Force Yourself To Do Anything
Feeling stuck? You’re not alone! Discover how pressure can freeze your motivation instead of igniting it. Explore the Yerkes–Dodson Law and find out why lowering expectations might help you get things done. Learn about the midbrain’s role in stress and motivation, and why forcing productivity is as futile as forcing sleep. Dr. Scott Eilers encourages self-compassion and shares techniques to manage both personal and external pressures. Ready to shift your mindset and reclaim your energy? Let's get started!

Sep 29, 2025 • 17min
Why Do So Many People With Depression Not Get Better In Therapy?
Explore the crucial connection between brain health and emotional well-being. Learn about three emotional ranges and why many get stuck in a cycle of negativity. Discover how physical health factors—like sleep, nutrition, and exercise—impact your ability to find joy. Gain insights into the role of the prefrontal cortex and why medications often provide only temporary relief. Uncover actionable strategies to enhance your brain's functioning and truly prepare for meaningful therapy.

Sep 22, 2025 • 20min
If You Don’t Know How To Stop Having Panic Attacks, Please Watch This Video
Stress less, sleep more, and live better with Calm. Use code drscott for 40% off your Calm premium subscription today.Panic attacks don’t just end when they’re over—they leave you living in fear of the next one. And that fear? It actually makes panic attacks more likely.In this video, I break down the vicious cycle of panic attacks—and why trying not to have one often backfires. More importantly, you’ll learn practical, science-based tools to recover faster and reduce their grip on your life.

Sep 15, 2025 • 29min
How To Operationalize Your Mental Health
Feeling lost in therapy? Dive into an insightful discussion on building a clear roadmap for mental health. Discover how to treat your life like a research project by focusing on time, energy, attention, and money. Learn practical strategies to audit and redirect your time to support recovery. Dr. Scott emphasizes the importance of managing physical and mental energy, directing attention to positive aspects, and investing wisely in long-term well-being. Get ready to empower your mental health journey with actionable steps!

Sep 8, 2025 • 35min
13 Controversial Opinions About Therapy
I became a therapist because I believed the field could change lives. Then I saw how it actually works behind the curtain—and realized why so many clients feel stuck. In this episode, I share 13 controversial truths about therapy, why many “standard” approaches fall flat, and what actually helps when you’re depressed, anxious, or barely holding it together.Thanks to Grow Therapy for sponsoring this video! Get my 5-day guide to reclaiming your time and energy despite mental health struggles.Get Practical tools for navigating life with depression and anxiety, delivered weekly.3 Unique ways to work with meDramatically improve your sleep in 2 steps with my new Sleep Workbook.My book: For When Everything is BurningThe caffeine-lite option for long-term boost in mood, cognition, motivation and stress management.Use Code SCOTT20 for 20% of your order.Connect with me on TikTokConnect on InstagramDisclaimer: 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.

Sep 1, 2025 • 29min
Your Anxiety Routine Is Ruining Your Life - Here’s 6 Ways To Stop It
Feeling trapped by anxiety-driven routines? Discover how they quietly rob you of time and self-trust. Learn why over-planning perpetuates feelings of incompetence. Explore six practical strategies to reclaim control, from caring for pets to intentionally breaking routines. Build confidence with mindfulness techniques and document your past successes to combat negative thinking. This intriguing conversation offers fresh insights and actionable tips to help you live a more spontaneous and fulfilling life!

Aug 25, 2025 • 23min
So You Ruined Your Life; Now What?
Facing the aftermath of poor choices can feel overwhelming. The host shares personal stories of ruin and recovery, offering seven essential strategies for rebuilding your life. From taking accountability to recommitting to core values, each tip is designed to empower and inspire. Remember to focus on what remains whole in your life while seeking support and not getting lost in catastrophizing. These practical approaches provide a hopeful path forward for anyone navigating tough times.


