Mind Over Mood: Understanding Anxiety and Depression

by Scientific American

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common conditions affecting mental health and overall quality of life, but there are tools for managing them. In this audiobook, we'll explore how depression shows up in the brain, different manifestations of depression and anxiety, various talk therapies, technological innovations, lifestyle interventions, and more.

1 pages, Audio CD

Published November 16, 2021

About the author

Scientific American , as an institutional author, is a popular science magazine founded by Rufus M. Porter and controlled by Nature Publishing Group since autumn, 2008. Mariette DiChristina has been editor-in-chief since December, 2009.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compilation of articles from Scientific American over the 5 years up to its publication in 2021, that provides a good survey of the latest scientific developments in our understanding of depression and anxiety. There are quite a lot of nuggets of knowledge including:

- It is not true that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. This is a theory pushed by the pharmaceutical companies, but there is no conclusive evidence.

- It is quite likely that depression is caused by situational factors. Strong feelings of stress and shame are also likely to be causal factors.

- Caregivers of mentally or medically unwell family members are also prone to becoming depressed

- Post-partum and para-natal anxiety is just as prevalent but much less known than depression. It can result in desire to self-harm or harm the infant.

- Exercise is very good for mental health. So are the right diets including Mediterranean, Okinawan and Nordic diets.

- Watching a lot of TV, sedentary lifestyle and western diets like fast food all increase the likelihood of depression.

- Depression could actually be an adaptation to shut out distractions and allow the mind to focus on complex problems, rather than an illness.

There are also quite a few articles about possible treatments including pharmaceuticals, electric shocks, apps, psychedelics, etc all of which have some record of success but there is no sure-fire solution that works for everyone.

Overall, a good introduction to the topic of depression and anxiety because the curated articles cover a broad range of the associated issues.

[Sara Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some interesting ideas in it. Towards the end of the book they mentioned a few things that they might be developing that might work for anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideation. Some of it might be a bit far fetched… But who knows. It was a very informative book and I feel like it would be beneficial for any one interested in anxiety and depression.