15: When Everything Feels Heavy (Symptoms and Diagnoses of Depression)
Depression is much more than feeling sad. It can affect your body, your thoughts, your motivation, and the way you experience the world around you.
In this episode, Amy and licensed therapist Brittney Baxter Dameron explore the symptoms of depression, how it differs from grief and everyday sadness, why depression often overlaps with anxiety, and what it actually feels like to live with it. They also discuss practical ways to support yourself or someone you love, from building meaningful connections to finding small steps that can help break through the shutdown response.
Content Warning: This episode includes an in-depth discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation.
Crisis Text Line is a global nonprofit organization founded in 2013 that provides mental-health support through text messaging.
In the U.S., people can text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a live trained crisis counselor.
The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
They support people dealing with things like anxiety, loneliness, bullying, substance use, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
This episode was recorded on April 6, 2026 and released on August 12, 2026.
If you prefer to consume your podcasts visually, we also offer video versions on YouTube @thiswayinpodcast or at our website at https://www.thiswayinpodcast.com\
Chapter Markers
00:00 Welcome and Trigger Warning
01:07 Why Depression Defies Logic
02:46 Personal Experiences and Prevalence
04:36 Roots in Trauma and Attachment
08:51 Depression Anxiety Overlap
10:56 Gender Differences and Control
13:54 Clinical Symptoms Checklist
16:28 Suicide and Misconceptions
18:26 How Depression Feels Physically
20:25 Dark Thoughts and Self Talk
22:57 Anhedonia and Grief vs Depression
26:43 Treatment Beyond Medication
27:19 Activate Your Body
28:16 Nature As Medicine
30:29 Senses And Small Wins
32:23 Music For Connection
34:12 Loneliness And Suicide Risk
37:32 Prevention Through Connection
38:58 Medication Tradeoffs
43:20 Therapy And Deeper Work
44:53 Reaching Out To Others
48:11 After The Episode
50:09 Treat Yourself And Credits
Disclaimer
This Way In is a conversation about mental health and wellbeing, not a replacement for therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. Please never delay, disregard, or change professional recommendations because of something you hear here.
Credits:
Co-Produced and Hosted by: Brittney Baxter Dameron and Amy Lotsberg
Production, Artwork, and Editing: Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media, LLC.
Theme song. “The Journey” by Melissa West and Mixed/Mastered by Pink Flamingo Home Studio
Thank you for listening, take care of yourselves. We’ll see you next time!
