SHOW / EPISODE

15: When Everything Feels Heavy (Symptoms and Diagnoses of Depression)

Season 1 | Episode 15
51m | Aug 12, 2026

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!

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