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COVID-19 pandemic continues to induce a significant amount of worry, fear, uncertainty, and stress in the hearts and minds of people. It has put people who are struggling with depression at a greater risk now more than ever.

To provide some much-needed guidance as we deal with this pressing issue, we have with us again Dr. Jennifer Thomas. Dr. Jen is a TEDx speaker, leadership consultant, bestselling author, and psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology.

In the previous episode, we talked about the fact why depression is one of the largest health issues in the world, whether it is genetically inherited and whether it is curable.

In this episode Dr. Jen shares her thoughts on the use of antidepressant medications and why some benefit from them while others don’t. She discusses with the host Helen Todd the possible reasons why certain segments of population are more at risk and what aspects of life can protect us from depression and suicidal thoughts. Dr Jen discusses the warning signs in a person struggling with depression and how a friend or a family member can help.

 Key Takeaways:

2:21 Dr. Jen’s concern about prescription medications for depression

3:01 Dr. Jen’s thoughts on genetic research to discover the cause of depression

4:11 Dr. Jen explains how antidepressants work

8:08 Dr. Jen shares her thoughts why teenagers and females are at a higher risk for having suicidal thoughts

10:15 What provides a protective effect from depression later in life

11:15 How to help a loved one with depression and the warning signs to look for

16:19 The fine line between being supportive and co-dependent

19:00 Dr. Jen’s favorite Bible verse to encourage hope

 Helpful resources:

The first step in suicide prevention is awareness — knowing when someone is in crisis. That’s often not obvious, because many people suffer in silence or give no sign that they might harm themselves. As a family member, friend, neighbor, or colleague, you can make a difference by using the Columbia Protocol — also known as Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) — to help determine when someone is at risk for suicide and how to help.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

1-800-273-8255

Genetic testing and antidepressants (article on Mayo Clinic website)

 Article on pharmacogenomics

Dr Jen Thomas used 23andMe to learn about her genetics. Here is her referral link: https://refer.23andme.com/s/sorrytube

Personal and professional coaching sessions with Dr. Jennifer Thomas are available by telephone. For details, send an email with “Coaching” in the subject line to [email protected].

Buy the book “When sorry isn’t enough” by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Jennifer Thomas :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802407048?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0802407048&linkCode=xm2&tag=drjenthomas-20  

 Email us your questions and comments at [email protected]

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