Depression and the Intersection of Trauma and ACEs

In this episode of Delusional Optimism, Dr. B talks about depression and how it has roots in early childhood traumatic experiences. She explains the meaning of depression, types, causes, and the importance of supporting relationship-based care for children and families.

Listen in to hear Dr. B’s very personal story that largely explains how the loss of a parent can lead to depression in children of all ages. You will also hear how you can run your depression and not allow it to run you.

“The beginning has a huge impact on the middle and the end and future generations as well and that is the epigenetic contribution.” [39:20]

What You Will Learn:

[0:32] Intro
[1:14] The meaning of depression, types of depression, and symptoms of depression.
[5:43] Why women between 40-53 years are mostly affected by depression.
[10:05] Why children with ACES are more likely to suffer from depression in their adulthood.
[17:09] How to understand how past experiences affect the presence of people by bringing the subconscious into the conscious.
[19:59] The persistent ongoing adverse childhood experience trauma of losing a parent in infancy and how it can lead to depression.
[35:20] Why depression heavily embedded in childhood experiences is difficult to treat.
[36:30] The importance of treating depression right now in childhood to build resiliency.
[39:30] How to build and invest in what we know by supporting relationship-based care, invest in purposeful experiences in children and families, and invest in understanding childhood development.
[41:15] How to understand your depression by running it- process your experience of depression and run it through the lens of trauma.
[43:07] Be kind to yourself- put posted notes around the house to remind yourself that you’re important and loved.
[44:35] Integrate a music list for when you’re feeling bad i.e. particularly when you’re feeling angry or sad which will help you feel better.
[46:31] The benefits of getting treatment for your depression even at the lower level of it which will help you become better at who you’re and what you’re doing.

Relevant Links:

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