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104. Depression, Anxiety, & the Illusion of Separation (Depression and Anxiety Coping Skills Podcourse)

In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, Dr. Henry Emmons highlights the concept of the 'illusion of separation,' explaining that we are not isolated beings but deeply connected to each other and the world around us. In the context of easing depression and anxiety, this concept emphasizes the critical role of human connection, kindness, love, and self-compassion. 

About Joy Lab: Find your joy with the Joy Lab Podcast - practical tools, mindfulness techniques, and positive psychology to help you manage stress, calm anxiety, uplift mood, and live with more meaning and resilience.

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Sources and Notes:

  • This episode is part of our Podcourse! To get the most of the course, you may want to follow along in order, beginning with episode #78 and you can visit the Podcourse Page to find all the episodes. However, these episodes can be listened to in any order and you can take action with any strategy that you feel connected to. 

  •  Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.

  •  Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at Joylab.coach for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.

  •  Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: Bookshop.org

  • Book mentioned in this podcast: House of Belonging by David White

 

Key Moments:

00:41 Unveiling the Illusion of Separation
01:16 Creating Connection and Belonging
01:53 The Power of Love and Connection
03:06 The Human Heart: A Sea Anemone Metaphor
04:38 The Importance of Opening Up
05:57 The Illusion of Separation and Our Deep Connection
06:51 Building a House of Belonging
07:28 Creating Community: A Personal Story
09:23 How to Build Your House of Belonging
09:40 Practicing Heart Opening Meditation and Sympathetic Joy

     

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

Please see our terms for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at [email protected]. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Find more mental health resources here.


On Jan 1st, 2025, the Joy Lab Podcast and Program moved from Natural Mental Health to the nonprofit Pathways North.