The Low Down on Depression: A Conversation with Intelligence on the Rocks
We hear the word “depression” so often that many people have become desensitized to what it really means and how deeply it can affect our lives. In my recent guest appearance on the Intelligence on the Rocks podcast, I had the chance to talk with Lizzy about why it’s so important to truly understand depression, how it shows up in the body, and why healing requires more than just a prescription or pep talk.
Depression Isn’t Always Obvious
One of the most misunderstood truths about depression is that it doesn’t always look like sadness. In fact, many of the clients I work with describe it more as emotional numbness, physical exhaustion, or persistent irritability. For kids, it can show up as stomachaches, headaches, or trouble keeping up with school and friendships. For adults, it often feels like going through the motions while feeling disconnected from joy, energy, or meaning.
The clinical definition of depression includes persistent low mood and at least five symptoms that interfere with daily life, such as sleep disruption, loss of interest, low self-worth, or hopelessness. But we also need to recognize the more subtle signs: a lack of motivation, isolating from others, or just feeling “off” for weeks at a time.
Why Depression Is on the Rise
According to the CDC, more than 13% of individuals aged 12 and up are experiencing some form of depression—and that number has risen sharply in recent years. Why? One of the biggest reasons I see in my clinic is disconnection. We’re more digitally connected than ever, yet increasingly isolated in real life. That social isolation, combined with chronic stress, sedentary lifestyles, and inflammatory diets, contributes to a growing mental health crisis.
We’re mammals. We’re wired for connection. And when that’s missing, our nervous systems begin to shut down in ways that can look—and feel—a lot like depression.
Lifestyle and the Body-Mind Connection
At Well Mind Body, we use tools like the Vanderbilt Wellness Wheel to help clients understand the full picture of their health—body, mind, and lifestyle. Depression doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It often builds slowly from habits, stressors, or situations that wear down our resilience over time.
We talk about movement, nutrition, rest, social support, even genetics. Through nutrigenomic and pharmacogenomic testing, we can help identify how inflammation, nutritional imbalances, or certain medications may be impacting mood. When we address these areas with curiosity and compassion, healing becomes much more attainable.
It’s OK to Ask for Help
There’s no shame in feeling stuck. There’s no failure in asking for support. Depression can be heavy, and sometimes the hardest part is reaching out. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s a friend, a loved one, or a mental health professional, reaching out can be the beginning of real change.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. You can book an appointment with a therapist here at Well Mind Body or call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for support.
You can listen to the full episode, “The Low Down on Depression,” on the Intelligence on the Rocks podcast—available on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen.
Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where I’ll be talking about the Osher Center’s Wellness Wheel and how it’s changed the way we approach mental health.
Thank you for being here!
