Not Another Depressed Teen

Genes Aren’t Destiny: The Science of Substance Use and Addiction

Why do some people develop an addiction while others who use the same substances don’t? Pranjal talks with Dr. Rohan Palmer, director of Emory’s Behavioral Genetics of Addiction lab, about how genes and environment interact, why the teen brain is especially vulnerable, and how anxiety, depression, and trauma can drive substance use. Dr. Palmer also shares advice for parents on spotting warning signs, why open communication beats punishment, and how to break the shame that keeps people from seeking help. Need someone to talk to? Email us at notanotherdepressedteen@gmail.com.

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Dr. Treadway on the Neuroscience of Motivation and Depression

Pranjal interviews Dr. Michael Treadway, a cognitive neuroscientist and clinical psychologist who leads the TREAD Lab, where he studies the brain mechanisms underlying motivation and depression. They discuss why depression can make it feel almost impossible to do things, even things you once enjoyed, and how scientists distinguish between losing pleasure and losing motivation. Dr. Treadway explains the role of dopamine and the brain’s reward circuitry, how researchers measure motivation in the laboratory, and why depression may have different biological causes in different people. They also discuss how chronic stress can alter the brain, what this might teach us about resilience, and what it could mean for the future of more personalized treatments for depression. Dr. Treadway shares advice for families supporting a child who seems unmotivated and explains why a sudden change in motivation may be an important sign to pay attention to. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at notanotherdepressedteen@gmail.com or reach out to our instagram (@notanotherdepressedteen).

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You Can Help Yourself: Teen Resilience with Dr. Ran Anbar

In this episode, Pranjal sits down with Dr. Ran Anbar, a pediatric pulmonologist and author of Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to Be Healthy, Happy and Confident. They discuss how teenagers can build resilience and take control of their own wellbeing. Dr. Anbar breaks down the power of mindset (why believing you'll fail makes failure more likely), the real science behind self-hypnosis, and shares striking patient stories. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, or would like a free copy of the Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to Be Healthy, Happy and Confident, message us on instagram (@notanotherdepressedteen) or via email (notanotherdepressedteen@gmail.com)

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From Surviving to Speaking: Lawrence’s Journey Through Childhood Abuse

In this episode, Pranjal speaks with 19-year-old youth speaker Lawrence C. Harris about overcoming childhood abuse, building resilience, and learning self-love. Lawrence shares how journaling, imagination, and small daily actions helped him survive, and how he now uses his story to inspire others. We also talk about how to support friends in abusive situations and the importance of reconnecting with yourself after trauma. Follow Lawrence on social media @lawrencec.empowers or visit lawrencecharris.com. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is out there.

Living with Schizophrenia: Dr. Elyn Saks on Law, Treatment, and Hope

In this episode, Pranjal speaks with Dr. Elyn Saks, Distinguished Professor of Law, Psychology, and Psychiatry at USC and author of the acclaimed memoir The Center Cannot Hold. Dr. Saks shares her journey living with schizophrenia while building a groundbreaking career in mental health law. Together, they explore the challenges of navigating treatment, the importance of peer support, and what needs to change in the U.S. mental health system to better support people with serious mental illness. Whether you're new to understanding schizophrenia or deeply familiar, this episode offers insights into the lived experience, the science, and the policy—through the eyes of someone who's shaped all three.

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How to Find a Therapist

Struggling to find the right therapist? In this episode of Not Another Depressed Teen, Pranjal chats with Andrea Muraskin, NPR contributor and mental health advocate, about overcoming barriers to accessing therapy. Andrea shares tips on navigating insurance, telehealth, community resources, and finding affordable options. Here is the link to Andrea's original article on finding a therapist: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/07/02/1185661348/start-therapy-find-therapist-how-to Here is a link to Andrea's Instagram if you would like to dm her with questions: https://www.instagram.com/andreamuraskin?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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Growing into Adulthood with Dr. Meg Jay

In this episode of Not Another Depressed Teen, Aanya speaks with Dr. Meg Jay, a renowned clinical psychologist with a doctorate from Berkeley and multiple bestselling books. Dr. Jay shares her expertise on the pivotal 20s, discusses the concept of "Personal Capital," the role of therapy today, and advice for parents, budding therapists, and young adults navigating this critical stage of life.

Forms of Therapy

In this episode of 'Not Another Depressed Teen,' Pranjal speaks with Dr. Samantha Schindelheim, a licensed clinical social worker and adjunct assistant professor at Columbia University School of Social Work. They discuss various forms of therapy, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBTA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Parent Management Training (PMT). Dr. Schindelheim provides deep insights into her work with children, teens, and families, specifically focusing on improving mental health, behavior challenges, and family relationships. Here is Dr. Schindelheim's email: dr.samanthaschindelheim@tmbpsychservices.com Here is her website page: https://tmbpsychservices.com/therapy/samantha-schindelheim/

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Emotionally Intelligent Career Advice

In this episode of Not Another Depressed Teen, Aanya speaks with Richard Hua, Worldwide Head at Amazon Web Services, Innovation Ambassador, and Chief Emotional Intelligence Evangelist, as they explore the crucial role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in career success. With a degree from UC Berkeley's renowned EECS program, Hua brings experience and insight to the table. From defining emotional intelligence and its impact on career trajectories to sharing personal anecdotes of how EQ shaped his journey, Hua offers invaluable advice for navigating career transitions and academic pressures, especially for young listeners embarking on their college journeys. Through practical tips and thoughtful reflections, he emphasizes the importance of fostering emotional intelligence in today's “grind culture” and shares actionable steps to enhance EQ. Beyond career success, Hua sheds light on the balance between IQ and EQ, highlighting the significance of personal values and fulfillment. Tune in for a transformative discussion on boosting emotional intelligence for a fulfilling career and life.

Breaking the Stigma: Personal Stories of Living with OCD (pt. 2)

This episode is a continuation of episode 10, where Pranjal and Natalie dive into their personal experiences living with OCD. The episode highlights the challenges and successes individuals have when coping with OCD, emphasizing the importance of support systems and understanding. They also discuss how to learn more about OCD, offer non-judgmental support, and explore resources for managing OCD effectively. Here is a link to Nathan Peterson's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ClvnrcrC-3wr27fz_HlIQ

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Breaking the Stigma: Personal Stories of Living with OCD

This episode features a candid conversation between Pranjal and Natalie, two friends sharing their personal experiences with OCD. They delve into the unique challenges of living with OCD, discussing intrusive thoughts, compulsions, therapy, and treatment options.

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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

In this episode Pranjal interviews Dr. Sanne van Rooij, a leading researcher on PTSD and trauma recovery. They discuss what PTSD is, the factors that contribute to developing PTSD, and the potential treatment options. Additionally, Dr. van Rooji explains her ongoing research at the Grady Trauma Project. Lastly, the conversation touches upon the importance of early intervention and support for individuals with PTSD.

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Navigating Change: Tips for College Transitions pt. 2

This episode is a continuation of the conversation Pranjal had with Dr. Tenille Gaines and Dr. RaiNesha Miller last episode. The three of them discuss mental health struggles in college and provide resources and tips for seeking support. They explore topics such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, eating disorders, and the importance of self-care. They also mention Emory's counseling services and encourages listeners to embrace their journey, be gentle with themselves, and seek help when needed.

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Navigating Change: Tips for College Transitions pt. 1

In this episode, Pranjal invites Dr. Tenille Gaines and Dr. RaiNesha Miller, both specialists in mental health services, to talk about the mental strains of transitioning to college life. They delve into various topics like the fear of change, managing too much change at once, navigating personality and racial identities, and dealing with homesickness. They also discuss the importance of vulnerability in forming connections and debunk several myths surrounding college life, including pressures of perfection and social expectations.

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The Neuroscientific Connection Between Learning and Mental Health

This episode features Dr. Burcin Ikiz, a neuroscientist and writer from Stanford and Columbia universities' invaluable insights on the in depth neuroscience of learning and how it relates to mental health. Tune in to learn more about learning your way to better mental health, neuroplasticity, and easy applications to your daily life!

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The Connection Between Mental and Physical Health

This episode features Patrick Ting, a senior at San Ramon Valley High School and founder of the non-profit Youth Health Focus. Patrick discusses what inspired him to start Youth Health Focus, the three components of a healthy lifestyle, and the relationship between mental and physical health. To learn more about Youth Health Focus, visit https://youthhealthfocus.org/

Supporting Children with ADHD

In this episode, Pranjal and Aanya interview Mrs. Faitel, a psychology teacher at Irvington High School. Mrs. Faitel discusses her experiences with ADHD as a child, the research she completed in college regarding ADHD in girls vs. boys, and advice she has for parents and educators.

Breaking Down Diagnoses

This episode features Sahar Jahanikia, a leading researcher in the field of neuroscience at the Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP). Sahar discusses the journey which led her to neuroscience, her ongoing projects at ASDRP, and the nuances of mental illness diagnoses.

How Can We Promote Healthy Self-Esteem?

In this episode, we discuss self-esteem and how to encourage it with Sapna Saha, an experienced therapist and clinical director. We'll talk about the importance of self-esteem and how to achieve a healthy self-image. We'll cover the topics of: What self-esteem is Positive vs negative self talk How to promote healthy self-image and more! Make sure to check out our website: notanotherdepressedteen.com and social medias: @notanotherdepressedteen_

What is Mental Health?

In this episode, we discuss what mental health is with Leticia Velazco, a school counselor at Irvington High. We'll cover the importance of mental health, the nuances of labels and stigma around it, and how to parent accordingly. We'll cover the topics of: Mental health labels and stigma What factors contribute to mental illness How to promote mental health and more! Make sure to check out our website: notanotherdepressedteen.com and social medias: @notanotherdepressedteen_