Episode 22: The Truth About Depression: Pain, Healing, and the Power to Stay

Send us Fan Mail The Truth About Depression: Pain, Healing, and the Power to Stay In this deeply personal and compassionate episode, Professor Jeff Hastings takes an unflinching look at depression—what it is, why it happens, and most importantly, how healing begins. Drawing on science, personal stories, and the wisdom of thought leaders like the Dalai Lama and Dr. Carol Dweck, this episode explores the biology, psychology, and lived experience of depression with clarity, empathy, and hope.Whether you're struggling yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply want to understand mental health more deeply, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and practical tools. You’ll learn how depression distorts thinking, how to interrupt the spiral, and why small steps—like mindfulness, movement, and reaching out—can be truly life-changing.This isn’t just about coping. It’s about transformation. About rediscovering the parts of you that pain has buried, and believing that joy isn’t gone—it’s just waiting.If you or someone you love is in crisis, please reach out. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone.Carol Dweck: "The power of believing that you can improve" Martin Seligman: "The new era of positive psychology" Psychology for Students — understanding your mind, your world, and your future — one episode at a time.