Not Another Depressed Teen

Pranjal interviews Dr. Michael Treadway, a cognitive neuroscientist and clinical psychologist who leads the TREAD Lab, where he studies the brain mechanisms underlying motivation and depression. They discuss why depression can make it feel almost impossible to do things, even things you once enjoyed, and how scientists distinguish between losing pleasure and losing motivation. Dr. Treadway explains the role of dopamine and the brain’s reward circuitry, how researchers measure motivation in the laboratory, and why depression may have different biological causes in different people. They also discuss how chronic stress can alter the brain, what this might teach us about resilience, and what it could mean for the future of more personalized treatments for depression. Dr. Treadway shares advice for families supporting a child who seems unmotivated and explains why a sudden change in motivation may be an important sign to pay attention to.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at [email protected] or reach out to our instagram (@notanotherdepressedteen).

In this episode, Pranjal sits down with Dr. Ran Anbar, a pediatric pulmonologist and author of Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to Be Healthy, Happy and Confident. They discuss how teenagers can build resilience and take control of their own wellbeing. Dr. Anbar breaks down the power of mindset (why believing you'll fail makes failure more likely), the real science behind self-hypnosis, and shares striking patient stories. 

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, or would like a free copy of the Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to Be Healthy, Happy and Confident, message us on instagram (@notanotherdepressedteen) or via email ([email protected]) 

In this episode, Pranjal speaks with 19-year-old youth speaker Lawrence C. Harris about overcoming childhood abuse, building resilience, and learning self-love. Lawrence shares how journaling, imagination, and small daily actions helped him survive, and how he now uses his story to inspire others. We also talk about how to support friends in abusive situations and the importance of reconnecting with yourself after trauma.

Follow Lawrence on social media @lawrencec.empowers or visit lawrencecharris.com. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is out there.

In this episode, Pranjal speaks with Dr. Elyn Saks, Distinguished Professor of Law, Psychology, and Psychiatry at USC and author of the acclaimed memoir The Center Cannot Hold. Dr. Saks shares her journey living with schizophrenia while building a groundbreaking career in mental health law. Together, they explore the challenges of navigating treatment, the importance of peer support, and what needs to change in the U.S. mental health system to better support people with serious mental illness. Whether you're new to understanding schizophrenia or deeply familiar, this episode offers insights into the lived experience, the science, and the policy—through the eyes of someone who's shaped all three.

Struggling to find the right therapist? In this episode of Not Another Depressed Teen, Pranjal chats with Andrea Muraskin, NPR contributor and mental health advocate, about overcoming barriers to accessing therapy. Andrea shares tips on navigating insurance, telehealth, community resources, and finding affordable options.

Here is the link to Andrea's original article on finding a therapist: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/07/02/1185661348/start-therapy-find-therapist-how-to

Here is a link to Andrea's Instagram if you would like to dm her with questions: https://www.instagram.com/andreamuraskin?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

In this episode of Not Another Depressed Teen, Aanya speaks with Dr. Meg Jay, a renowned clinical psychologist with a doctorate from Berkeley and multiple bestselling books. Dr. Jay shares her expertise on the pivotal 20s, discusses the concept of "Personal Capital," the role of therapy today, and advice for parents, budding therapists, and young adults navigating this critical stage of life. 

In this episode of 'Not Another Depressed Teen,' Pranjal speaks with 
Dr. Samantha Schindelheim, a licensed clinical social worker and adjunct assistant professor at Columbia University School of Social Work. They discuss various forms of therapy, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBTA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Parent Management Training (PMT). Dr. Schindelheim provides deep insights into her work with children, teens, and families, specifically focusing on improving mental health, behavior challenges, and family relationships.

Here is Dr. Schindelheim's email: [email protected]
Here is her website page: https://tmbpsychservices.com/therapy/samantha-schindelheim/

In this episode of Not Another Depressed Teen, Aanya speaks with Richard Hua, Worldwide Head at Amazon Web Services, Innovation Ambassador, and Chief Emotional Intelligence Evangelist, as they explore the crucial role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in career success. With a degree from UC Berkeley's renowned EECS program, Hua brings experience and insight to the table. From defining emotional intelligence and its impact on career trajectories to sharing personal anecdotes of how EQ shaped his journey, Hua offers invaluable advice for navigating career transitions and academic pressures, especially for young listeners embarking on their college journeys. Through practical tips and thoughtful reflections, he emphasizes the importance of fostering emotional intelligence in today's “grind culture” and shares actionable steps to enhance EQ. Beyond career success, Hua sheds light on the balance between IQ and EQ, highlighting the significance of personal values and fulfillment. Tune in for a transformative discussion on boosting emotional intelligence for a fulfilling career and life.

This episode is a continuation of episode 10, where Pranjal and Natalie dive into their personal experiences living with OCD. The episode highlights the challenges and successes individuals have when coping with OCD, emphasizing the importance of support systems and understanding. They also discuss how to learn more about OCD, offer non-judgmental support, and explore resources for managing OCD effectively.

Here is a link to Nathan Peterson's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ClvnrcrC-3wr27fz_HlIQ

This episode features a candid conversation between Pranjal and Natalie, two friends sharing their personal experiences with OCD. They delve into the unique challenges of living with OCD, discussing intrusive thoughts, compulsions, therapy, and treatment options.