The Science Behind Depression and Anxiety | with Dr. D and Dr. Michael Mark

When discussing depression and anxiety, it’s not uncommon to hear people say things like, “Why don’t you just snap out of it!” or, “You just need to get some sleep and you’ll be fine.” But unfortunately for many people like myself, depression and anxiety come part and parcel with being blessed with creative talents. There is no simple way to “snap out of” depression or “sleep off” anxiety if you have the genetic predisposition towards both of these ailments or if your biochemistry has been altered due to external events or circumstances. In this episode I have an in-depth conversation with not one but two experts on the topics of depression and anxiety, Dr. Edison de Mello and Dr. Michael Mark. We talk about the science and biology behind depression and anxiety which can hopefully help you understand why feeling depressed or anxious isn’t “all your fault.” More importantly, beyond simply understanding the neurobiology, we also discuss several treatment protocols that go well beyond simply “popping pills.”

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Here's What You'll Learn:

• Why there is so much anxiety and “circumstantial" depression in the film industry
• How diet and psychology factor into treating depression beyond pharmacology
• What is cortisol, why you need it, and why too much is bad for you
• Using qEEG and LORETTA to measure neuroelectrical signals in the brain and identify depression or anxiety
• How depression and anxiety are quantifiable
• How to identify whether you need to see a professional or if you just need “a good night’s sleep”
• The cultural expectation that men can’t be “sad” and women can’t be “angry”
• The generalized picture of a introductory session in integrative medicine
• A generalized treatment protocol for a new patient who has anxiety or depression
• What an initial session looks like for neurofeedback to treat anxiety or depression
• Neurofeedback is just “playing a game, and your brain is the joystick”
• What a “default brain network” is in laymen’s terms
• The brain being a combination of fast & slow frequencies and how they relate to anxiety and depression
• Using biofeedback and Heartmath to reduce anxiety
• How to properly breathe from the belly to increase oxygen intake

Useful Resources Mentioned:

The Akasha Center

NeuroEdge Centers

What is a qEEG?

What is LORETTA?

Heartmath emWave Pro

Our Generous Sponsors:

This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Michael Mark is a neuropsychologist, legal professional, and the co-founder of NeuroEdge Inc, a sports concussion and brain treatment center in Southern California. He holds degrees from UCLA and ABSI in Political Science and Neuropsychology, as well as a Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University. He has been an entertainment manager, a professional sports agent, and a lawyer for industry elites. But his current specialty is treating traumatic brain injuries, neurological disorders, and optimizing human performance.

Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.