Decoding Depression: Is Your Brain Lying to You?

What Depression Really Is, and What It Isn't Let's talk about the voice in your head that says it's your fault. That you should be stronger. That something is wrong with you. That you just need to try harder. What if that voice is the depression talking? Today's guest, a leading expert, has spent years treating depression and taking apart the myths around it. Diane McIntosh, MD, is a Vancouver psychiatrist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia. She earned a pharmacy degree, went on to medical school and a pediatric residency, then trained in adult psychiatry at Dalhousie University. She is the founder and CEO of RAPIDS Health, Chief Neuroscience Officer at TELUS, co-founder of SwitchRx, and founder of PsychedUp CME, an education program for clinicians. She hosts three podcasts and is often heard on burnout, sleep, loneliness, and trauma. She is the author of This Is Depression: A Comprehensive, Compassionate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Understand Depression. The book is a kind, evidence-based guide for anyone who has depression or loves someone who does. She also co-wrote You Belong Here. In this episode, we go past "just think positive." What is depression, really? Why does it feel so convincing? And why do so many people wait until they're at their lowest before they ask for help? This isn't about toughing it out. It's about understanding your mind, so you can start to heal. Depression is an illness, not a verdict. It can be understood, treated and resolved. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear that it's not their fault, and follow Dr. Ardeshir Mehran's Podcast. Watch the Podcast on YouTube.   TIMELINE: 2:48 — How depression distorts thinking  5:06 — Genetic and environmental causes of depression  8:34 — Gender differences in expressing emotions  10:19 — Finding the right therapist  15:20 — Misdiagnosis in psychiatry  17:58 — Diagnostic approach using clinical scales  23:00 — "Pill for an ill" problem in primary care  29:09 — Managing comorbid conditions and multiple medications  34:55 — Bipolar disorder spectrum explained  42:07 — Treatment-resistant depression and ECT   CONTACT DR. DIANE MCINTOSH: Website: https://drdianemcintosh.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-diane-mcintosh/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrDianeMcIntosh   CONTACT DR. ARDESHIR MEHRAN: Dr. Mehran Website LinkedIn Therapy Testimonials Podcasts Blogs YouTube Bestselling Book