Stanford's Robert Sapolsky On Depression

(edited for improved sound: noise and stereo issues, and miscellaneous parts taken out)
Stanford Professor Robert Sapolsky, posits that depression is the most damaging disease that you can experience. Right now it is the number four cause of disability in the US and it is becoming more common. Sapolsky states that depression is as real of a biological disease as is diabetes.
Stanford University:
www.stanford.edu/
Stanford University Channel on KZbin:
/ stanford

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

I appreciate the amount of intelligence and compassion this man breathes in his lectures. He's someone who's very smart, but also someone who really seems to care for the human condition.

[@antdx316]

+Micah Buzan Take proper essential plant derived vitamins and minerals. Take protein. Do corrective exercise. Practice good morals. Rest. Done

[@someone5895]

I lift 5 times a week, sleep 9 or 10 hours a day and eat a very healthy diet. Still depressed as shit.

[@jackjones3657]

I'm not sure it's so much compassion. I've had episodes of depression, perhaps clinical, and found exercise and careful dietary choices and healthy social interactions far more beneficial than any medications and their many side effects.

[@lisayoni5990]

because emotinal intellect is even more important than iq. understanding someones' feelings is kind of a hard work

[@BIONDABLONDES]

+ some one aaww sweety! ;-)

[@jones1351]

I'm not being hyperbolic when I say I don't know what I'd do without KZbin, especially when it comes to videos like this. I'd never heard of Robert Sapolsky before now and the chances of hearing from him were even more remote. His lectures are fascinating. Thank you.

[@mrlennybruce]

+jones1351 I know exactly what you mean :)

[@ngs8022]

It has to do with the structure of our society. KZbin, or the internet for that matter, has added that established, permanent communication channel where the useful minority - those who care for others, those with something valuable to say - can reach out. In traditional, ancient and/or primitive societies that channel existed in the form of /belonging/ (to a group): to the tribe, to the town, to the local superfamily. In modern society, on the other hand, individualism isolates, atomizes.

[@RayoAtra]

should see his stuff in the first part of the third zeitgeist film. That 30 mins are excellent.

[@javiceres]

jones1351 You'd probably walk into a book store and ask about a book about your interests and worries

[@feralbluee]

me, too. i love his thinking - sometimes he goes so fast i have a hard time keeping up, but i'm sure it's because i haven't read the curriculum material. i just inhale psych and biopsych and he is fascinating and 'geniosity' (sic) itself . . .

[@account-gp4sn]

Sapolsky is not only a brilliant scientist but also a brilliant storyteller and comedian... academia (and the world) needs more humans like him!

[@Youhavenopowerherelucas]

Learning's so much easier when you've got an engaging lecturer like this man.

[@Cara.314]

You have no power here Agreed; Dr. Sapolsky is an amazing teacher.

[@antdx316]

Take proper essential plant derived vitamins and minerals. Take protein. Do corrective exercise. Practice good morals. Rest. Done

[@davidflash603]

Anthony Abelardo any ideas for plant derived votamins

[@antdx316]

David Flash intramax but what they don't tell you is I think half or more of the stuff gets burnt up from the acid in the stomach the best way would be to IV the liquid multivitamin for 95% absorption but who does that?

[@zes3813]

wrong, idts. and no such thing as easx or not, do anyx nmw

[@rosebudd5724]

When he talked about sleeping, he forgot to mention that depressed people often sleep too much. When you have major depression, sleeping is literally your only escape from the horrific psychological pain. And the minute you wake and open your eyes, the pain returns like it never left.

[@hajmohamad232]

true

[@saltypsychosis4093]

true

[@specialdefect00]

True.....and often u just pray to never wake up

[@dcaraway3809]

I go in these cycles of sleeping all the time to not being able to sleep because of anxiety

[@rb93077039]

Yep. I'm exactly there in my life at the moment. Having slept through the entire day, woke at 5pm, I'm now here typing this at gone 3am.

[@LaRush62]

I have been good friends with Robert's wife since high school and have spent time with both of them many times, but, though I knew he was very smart, had written books about stress, studied animals, was a professor, etc...I only knew him socially. I came upon this lecture and am totally blown away, not just by his knowledge, but also by how understandable he made everything. I'm going to watch a few others...and then we'll have lots to talk about when I see him again!

[@kehkeh92821]

that's so cool! Yea I honestly haven't seen any of my friends in their work environment- I'm sure I'd see them in a totally new light as well

[@spiritualmaven]

This lecture was a Godsend for me-and hopefully, for those in my life. I’m grateful. When you see him, please tell so.

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

If you see him tell him i cried watching this video because he recognized Depression as an illness and explained what it did as an illness. I wish the people that are in government, Business, Human resources and public aid would see this video.

[@Samanthamoemoes]

How neat, I am jealous in a very happy way. Enjoy for me!

[@russianwithmasha6992]

Lucky you

[@Mexighetti]

It is enjoyable to hear a university lecture and not stress about an upcoming exam!

[@julian281198]

true

[@vandolmatzis8146]

Your Thesis is due next week...lol

[@garrukwildspeaker7960]

I've been suffering with crippling depression for 9 years now, and every time I have a phase during which I'm better, I have to use it to get help. I have no one, so it usually doesn't go anywhere, but every depressive phase that follows gets darker and longer. If you're suffering from depression, get help and continue to go. Just go, don't waste years of your life like I did.

[@alphadarkocharlie9312]

inject some testosterone, eat more good fats, go workout. this will help in a good way for sure

[@garrukwildspeaker7960]

Been lifting weights 4 times/week for 3 years now, it doesn't help. I'm on SSRI's now and starting therapy, that is the way for me. I'm sure working out can help in cases that aren't as severe as mine, good advice.

[@ZoeGeorge84]

It is great to hear that you are starting therapy. I hope this is the start of a beautiful recovery journey for you. Stick with it, I'm sure there will be difficult times throughout, but the growth that comes from life's greatest challenges and pain is the most remarkable growth there is... thinking of you and sending you lots of strength.

[@bulletsfordinner8307]

I battle depression for more than 10 years and I had 3 major breakdown phases and this last one has been so crippling and dark. I have depression and anxiety, on top of that Ptsd and resulting panick attacks, hypervigilance and second time with Severe Agoraphobia the full party 😩 Don't wish this hell on anyone.. I agree if you have it just go full with your therapy it is desperating long and will sometimes drive you insane on how slow progress is made but it's better to be on and off for so many years. The best of luck. Don't give up.

[@lolableu319]

Garruk Wildspeaker, Hi there, I'm watching this video 07/08/2018 and I read your comment..... how are you doing?

[@ionodoe1830]

I was always ashamed of depression. I never sought help. I'm so thankful for this man and this video for educating me. Thank you

[@greendogg83]

This man just blew me away, I have been depressed for about 15 years, and I have never met a doctor in my life that knows me like his man does.

[@ventura433]

this guy just saved my life, am gonna see a doctor as soon as possible.

[@josephsaad7721]

+Christian Ventura Hope you feel better brother

[@arete7884]

Read power of now

[@smushiurrahman1943]

There are several components to studying human anatomy. One plan I found which successfully combines these is the Sebs Study Crammer (google it if you're interested) definately the no.1 course that I have ever seen. look at this awesome resource.

[@woutkoopman]

You should watch the video...

[@BarthelemyLesaint]

How are you today ?

[@begie3006]

I have experienced emotional trauma as a child, struggled with depression since I was 12 and have been mourning the loss of my beautiful 39 year old daughter for 4 years. You are the first person I have heard who gets it. Not sleeping, not eating, open heart surgery, lost most of my hair and other health issues. My extended family thinks I should "just get over it and move on." Impossible. Thank you so much for lecture.

[@Alice_Walker]

How awesome is the internet that I can find this for free. Amazing lecture. Ties everything together so insightfully and thoroughly but is still accessible. I wish everyone who has or knows someone with depression would watch it.

[@michalchik]

I have been thorough major depression. There is no doubt that it is real. Serious. Debilitating. I have had significant manifestations of all the symptoms he mentions. Nevertheless, I think that some psychologists push to far in saying that there is no role in encouraging and even pushing people to engage in normal activities. It is very difficult but I see it like physical therapy is for someone who has had a broken leg or back surgery. Yes, there is a lot of pain; no you can't expect normal function; but you still need the exercise and stretching in you are going to make it back to somewhat normal function. People who are depressed need,in addition to medication and counselling, some daylight, some social interaction, some exercise, some grooming, some responsibility, some productivity, some recreation. All within the context that we need to respect the fact that all these things can be very difficult for them.

[@GrayUncle1]

+michalchik yeah.

[@IsaacAsimov1992]

+michalchik Yes, you're right, in everything you say -I couldn't have expressed it better.

[@MisterBinx]

True but some people are only able to do so much when they are at rock bottom. You might expect someone with a sprained ankle to push through the pain. Those expectations are unrealistic if the person broke both their legs. Every situation is different. I'd say let each person decide when they're ready to get moving. But you have a point about inertia. It's always best to try to keep moving when you're able.

[@robfield2302]

Well spoken, thank you very much!

[@josephpereira8542]

michalchik it is. Electro shock didn’t work but I began ketamine infusion therapy, and while expensive a)within two sessions max you will know if you respond to it or not and b) Just to keep me alive at one point methampthine (Desoxyn) was needed . The infusion therapy was like a rain cloud going away . And while I am not anti drug therapy for major depressive disorder I don’t need any more, just look at all

[@brothberg]

I have had depression off and on for many years. Here are the non-pharma things that help: - Go for a long bike ride. - Get outside. Even in the cold weather, it helps. Actually, the cold intensifies the effect. - Meditate. Concentrating on little things like the feel of your body on a chair resets your mind. This can be overrated, and is by some. But it's a plus.

[@debnn4854]

Thanks I agree just getting out....helps to get out of negative thoughts... like those ideas alot esp cause it's Oct and 2 snows already lol...I walk everyday btw

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

I do the five senses self soothe and improve. I light candles, light incense instead of smoking, I write, I work out in my own room. I hardly ever leave my room and going outside without someone i trust scares me. Just thinking about it raises my heart beat. I watch ASMR videos and do ASMR as like a ritual. I have a bunch of things in a box.

[@gregoryrogerino277]

This gentlemen summarized this complex and challenging disease the best. The most professional and and articulate explanation I have ever experience. Thank you!!!

[@calpurniawhitney8193]

The best lecture on depression I ever heard. I suffered it for twenty years. Just to hear that it is a real illness filos me with gratefulness towards Profesor Sapolsky. TFS

[@larsekman8244]

How did you come out? Therapy? Drugs? Both? None of the above?

[@tylertyler82]

@@larsekman8244 bump

[@markrudis305]

The Bob Ross of being smart.

[@SuperGuanine]

who is Bob Ross?

[@alwaysskepticalforever2718]

Stress response in major depression explained so extraordinarily. One is not a immovable blob but overstimulated with the stress hormones and overwhelmed. .

[@bearifiablepau2095]

"Depression is aggression turned inward." - Dr. Sapolsky. min 40:46 Came in expecting little to nothing (based on my experience with modern psychological treatments). Ended up pleasantly surprised with quotes such as the one above. It's profound because it also explains why isolation is so destructive to a person. Thank you for the upload @Hear the Reasons. It's been nearly six years but truth is timeless. God bless.

[@bearifiablepau2095]

Another soundbite, like music to my hears: "Depression is learned helplessness." - min. 42:32

[@planetpeter917]

i could watch this guy all day... for real

[@highteklow-lyfe4831]

+planetpeter917 i have.. very interesting subject one that everyone should know in my opinion.

[@antdx316]

Take proper essential plant derived vitamins and minerals. Take protein. Do corrective exercise. Practice good morals. Rest. Done

[@sinisamajetic]

+Anthony Abelardo bullshit you are so much of a fucking idiot that you can't even understand the extent to which your crusade is arrogant and insulting!!!

[@antdx316]

sinisa majetic ty for responding?

[@highteklow-lyfe4831]

+Anthony Abelardo good health can definitely help with depression in a lot of people; chronic depression and other mental health disorders should be addressed by a doctor though. Philosophy (mainly stoic stuff) is great as well.

[@paulgent9203]

He's brilliant, I'd never heard of him. Wish I'd understood this about depression about 10 years ago. We need guys like this a lot more.

[@shinzantetsu]

This man is brilliant.

[@ChosenWon]

shinzantetsu Yes. Super interesting to listen to.

[@Surms41]

Why don't these have millions of views? THIS IS A FULL COURSE OF STANFORD EDUCATION ON KZbin!

[@Warlanda]

+Surms41 because people place more value on entertainment than education which is remarkably sad. depression pun not intended.

[@BarthelemyLesaint]

There is a game on TV dude !

[@Warlanda]

Rob B thank you!

[@Surms41]

Ahh, I see. Thank you! Still a low amount of views for the content of it.

[@BUCKETHEADache]

@@Surms41 not everyone sees the value in things

[@shawnsun8450]

I learned more about depression in this lecture than anywhere else. Thanks for sharing

[@auroraschember9631]

httpswwwyoutubecomwatchvtevpEbTE8

[@cjgreen3836]

When I suffered a long bout of depression, where nothing seemed to work in bringing me out, I turned to physical exercise. I started slow and increased the exercise, I pushed myself very hard and this worked for me. As a sufferer of real depression, I can fully appreciate the negative effect it has on a human. I still continue to exercise and push myself when I do it, which thank god, continues to worked for me.

[@cichlidsid]

Is that a poodle sitting in the front row? I know they say they are one of the smartest dog breeds, but I didn't think they attended lectures.

[@peedinkus389]

She is there for the bulge in the speaker's genes.

[@djurlivet]

that is hilarious. well-spotted. and she or he seems really interested!

[@ifonlyunu994]

emotional support animals are commonly requested for mental or physically disabled students. he/she didn't disrupt. its probably there to ease her anxiety in class.

[@GuilhermeFerreira-ev3oh]

HAHAHHA just came down here looking for this, thank you

[@SarahAllenHumboldt]

@@peedinkus389 There are three bulges in his jeans; the two on the sides are distracting.

[@TEAtimesTHREEE]

I went to UC Berkeley and Stanford is our rival lol but I wanted to thank this professor for allowing his lectures to be recorded and shared. Watching this reminds me why I loved school and how vital a good professor is to the success and inspiration of a student. Thank you professor! You are inspiring young people every day and will be someone who truly makes a difference in the lives of your students.

[@ladywrench04]

EVERYONE should watch this!!! The world would be so much better if we understood ourselves and each other

[@Linusrox123]

Never has there been a more compelling, comprehensive 50 minute primer on depression, THANK YOU. Also, thanks for editing out that beginning where folks are being seated, Hard enough to get people to focus on this without having that lag.

[@Wicked1865]

I'm post-rehab, having been diagnosed with major depression by what seemed an adept psych. My life has been riddled with failure of the most debilitating and embarassing nature you could likely imagine. I've pulled myself through the dirt via sheer will. It's a terrible plight that has its dire soul crunching, bottom of the belly pain that echoes throughout your body and your mind like a uncooked grenade on its journey to your still grave. AND yet, I've not given up; nor will I ever. I'll end up in the woods with a swiss knife in my teeth and 2 feet of snow beneath my feet before I leave the smell of morning dew or the sight of a beautiful woman smiling at me across a smoky room. I've weightlifted this anchor of shit for far too long to retire myself to the dirt. Imma make this happen bitches; too much to do. Let the fear brew; lap up against the brim of your courage and crack a smile...cuz this shit is too spectacular and rare to throw into the abyss. Godspeed fuckers

[@bojan705]

" I've weightlifted this anchor of shit for far too long to retire myself to the dirt"- Brandow Rowe 2018 Thanks man, guys like you remind me to punch life back in the balls.

[@worldwithoutwar8622]

Wishing you JOY, and wishing you BEAUTY

[@shephherd]

@Brandon Rowe.....mine is a very similar story. I crawled out of a deep well of s**t about 20 years ago and did fairly well for myself....sadly a series of setbacks pushed me back into the same place....I am now trying hard to get that will again....and admire your grit in dealing with your situation. I wish you all the best.

[@davidlaksa]

This lecture changed my perception of deppresses people, I cannot save them alone. This is another reason to get to know someone over time. I lost my mom at four but I did not remember it being a loss until the age of six, I had overheard people saying 'poor kid'. So I believe it's between the age of 5-10 that... Stress. Perhaps having a step mom neutralized most of my loss.

[@dabay200]

Amazing lecture by a person who is not only is an expert but clearly has compassion and can communicate in an engaging way.

[@lilflamingo9529]

I've had severe depression for a long time.....it is truly consuming and debilitating. It's as if it's swallow my soul.....

[@redragongaming]

Oh it will, trust me.

[@Steve1000ish]

I think one of the keys is taking care of yourself with improving mentally and physically. I lost my father to illness and suicide when I was 5, delt with depression throughout most of my life and the times I felt good were times where I was working on myself. I've now made working out a habit in my life, been at it persistantly for the last 4 months and I can say without a doubt that it has helped me out with feelings of depression. I've also been reading A LOT more than what I'm use to and I feel that has helped tremendously. I just got done reading a book on Mindset and how we often get fixed on this idea of who we are and how we should be when really we should marvel at how special we are as humans and how we have the capacity to evolve ourselves if we just let go of our fixed mindset about who we are. That book was a huge eye-opener for me. Anyways, I wish you guys the best and hope one day you can get out of feeling depressed. There are many ways to combat it we just gotta take that first step.

[@gurusik]

This lecture comes from a chapter in his Book "Why Zebras don´t get ulcers", highly recommended (also his new Book "Behave", amazing). Sapolsky is a genius, his brilliance comes from his ability to understand complex issues and explain them in a clear, entertaining manner

[@prettycaramel9237]

Im a psych RN, and future PMHNP, this is so helpful. It'll help me document better, be more empathetic with pts as a floor nurse, and help me do more thorough assessments and prescribe meds more accurately as a NP. I love this.

[@fakeplastic1826]

Depression: a beige room with fluorescent lights.

[@karlwhalls2915]

Fake Plastic um this is my bedroom...

[@YungKhalifaa]

Accurate

[@svonkie]

With one plastic lawn chair.

[@iammenotu8483]

With no windows

[@cherriercheung]

Oh that’s so true! Last year when I toured schools for my daughter I couldn’t ignore my instincts that some of the schools with good reputation seem just so depressing to me! Almost designed like prison cells! I didn’t grow up in America. For us classrooms were always full of natural sunlight with big windows. We opened windows to exchange air everyday, even in severe Siberian cold winters. We watched season changes, rain and snow, birds and flowers. I refused to accept those beige rooms with fluorescent lights to be where my daughter would spend her precious 6 years of childhood!

[@thewidgetqueen]

Dr. Sapolsky is one of the most talented educators working today! I've been watching his lectures/classes, watched documentaries that feature him and his research(the best of his are on stress!), and have read some of his books(his writings are so relatable and humorous, but it is his compassion for all creatures of nature(including mankind) that truly makes his many labors of love shine the brightest and I know it's just my humble opinion, but I really believe that it is this overflowing compassion that could be the source of his immense curiosity which gives him such an immense momentum for his wise use of energy for his research purposes for years now, and what would normally be a really tough class to keep up with ends up being entirely doable due to the relatable examples, clarity in his use of diagrams, and his command of the rare skill set of translating med school terminology to what the common people can readily understand if we focus enough, and hey! Its on youtube, so we can pause and repeat parts of a lecture/class as many times as is necessary! He gives me great hope in the very real possibility of increasing scientific literacy among the masses! It is a pressing need! This field of scientific study also directly helps me in my aim of completing training as a peer recovery support specialist....pushing for realistic harm reduction strategies as new policy solutions, advocating for drug policy and law reform, especially decriminalization, really declassifying addiction as a moral failing in need of jailtime...(jailing addicts is the WORST possible thing you can do to them, it makes them WAY more likely to accidentally OD when they get out and jail is intensively traumatizing...one is more likely to use almost any substance to numb the intense emotional pain. The vast majority of folks with the most acute cases of addiction have had multiple exposures to intense traumas since childhood(violence/death/rape/unimaginable cruelty, etc etc etc) throughout their lives. This creates problems with chronic illness as well as co-occuring mental health issues(anxiety/ptsd/depression/bipolar disorder/psychosis/dissociation/etc etc etc) and Dr. Sapolsky is just so great at looking at issues such as addiction/depression/etc and seeing it from all angles...not just one scientific specialty...which is how we need to approach it if we truly want to fix this issue, not just ship folks off to expensive 12 step cult retreats (AA/NA/etc etc has about a 2% success rate for clients after the 1 year mark ... if that was a treatment offered by a doctor that doc wouldve had his license revoked so fast his head wouldve spun...yet here we keep sending folks to meetings that work for 2% of people longterm...ugh. we are about 50 years behind Europe/Canada in addiction medicine research due to our failed war on drugs and reliance on that thrown together "12 step program" that refuses to update itself...created by an evangelist pastor with no scientific background whose goal was to create as many new Christians out of addicts as he could...just look up tge history...12 step is only "growing" in developing countries that both lack access to consistent medical care in poorer populations and that have high rates of religiosity and superstition. In Europe and Canada 12 step is on the way out, with groups replacing them that focus on making better rational choices and discovering the inner self sabotaging beliefs about ourselves and the world that keep us in the cycle of using...but that can also be used for helping with depression too i suppose...damn this is long, sorry! In summation Sapolsky=🌈🤓

[@bkw11]

Too bad this guy doesn't have his own KZbin channel. This is amazing stuff

[@mattriddle1408]

This helped my family so much. All the things I couldn’t verbalize for decades. Thank you sir, and God Bless.

[@goodperson5707]

Thank you very much. Great insight into causes of depression. Also, it is a relief to know that depression is accepted as a bio-chemical illness that people cannot control and that can cause severe disabilities and it is no longer an attribute to accuse sufferers of being simply lazy and useless. It is an awful state and condition and God forbid anyone to experience it.

[@TheJeanette53]

Love listening to Robert. Can’t get enough of him. Very valuable insights gained. I feel I can call him by his first name because I’ve been going to bed every night listening to his voice. Love it.

[@jimg2948]

Amazing and informative, beautifully and simplisticly expressed, thank you for helping me understand my wife's lifelong struggles, with debilitating depression, I have such a better understanding and compassion for the years of pain she has endured and hopefully I can help her weather the next storm. Jim G.

[@Zogtee]

I wish I could find a doctor with a fraction of the insight and compassion of this man. I've been trying to get help for years, but no one seems overly interested.

[@onipot9639]

I would love to see a lecture like this but on anxiety disorders like OCD. This was so wonderful :).

[@Nickydo111]

This is what I needed when I try to explain what it’s like to other people what it’s like to be depressed. Amazingly concise.

[@watercoolernews7656]

since depression is usually caused by a traumatic event or repeated events (stress) then maybe going into depression is a type response from the brain that promotes survival. Because your brain might realize that you have released too many stress hormones for too long and now it's time to go into a state of depression which would then prevent further neuron damage

[@cfrka114]

brilliantly put

[@HeavyMetalMonkey]

@Zangief The Red but maybe, like an allergic person reacting to peanut butter, depression is an overreaction that spirals out of control. Like if a loved one passes, perhaps a few weeks of emotional numbness is a helpful strategy for the brain to cope. But when a few weeks of mild emotional numbness spiral into months of total lack of emotion, it's the survival response losing control. Just my thoughts, I'm probably completely wrong.

[@wearejungians]

Zangief The Red just because you yourself have stress mixed together with depression isn’t cause enough to write off his theory. Also, it was just that, a theory.

[@SC2Drmayo]

Thank you, until I saw this I never realized how depression has affected my life or even that I was depressed at all. More people should see this.

[@Kudal196]

We should focus on daily treatment to offset depression....what works best for me is daily excercise; 1 or 2 mile jogs, weightlifting (produces endorfins!); no drugs (nicotine, alcohol etc...) only coffee in the morning, 1 diet pepsi in the afternoons; not getting too lonely, angry, isolated, hungry, tired or working too much; making time each day to do my hobbies; not thinking too much and thinking positive! I have not listed everything...there is more...anyway this works for me!

[@sofiar8910]

I miss my uncle. He was a graduate student at stanford and he is very similar to this professor in the way he talks and thinks. very intelligent, empathetic people. i need to try to make more time for family

[@Achrononmaster]

When I was clinically depressed I was advised to take the common anti-depressants. Terrible idea! Only treating a symptom. Doctors should be put on trial for prescribing those SSRI's NRI's and tricyclics, it is gross malpractice. They boost the neurotransmitters fine, for short term relief, but the root cause is often shrunken glutamate receptors, which those drugs do not remedy. Ketamine and similar drugs are the ones to take to repair glutamate receptor damage. Then compliment with excessive, good diet, CBT and writing a journal, etc., and you have a pretty good remedy, and routine exercise to help get out psychomotor retardation. And have the courage to quit your stressful job, for me that was one of the hardest solutions, but it really helped a lot to start my recovery.

[@mikedolen3626]

Bijou Smith ketamine brought me out of a 7 year very dark depression. Gave me my life back!

[@AmberAmber]

I'm glad it worked for you. Anti depressants have worked for me, & I've been on them for 25 yrs. I'm using pot, & I tried MDMA too. They helped as well. I don't believe SSRIs work for all, but I'm very lucky they did stop me from dying by suicide. Again, TY for sharing your methods. I'm interested in trying ketamine & and also microdosing lsd? XO

[@anna-laurahocker5570]

Ketamine? I've never heard it mentioned during discussion of depression. I'm glad you are doing well.

[@haidengeary8277]

Medications *can* work, they are not guaranteed. If you take them, tho, you *must* take them in conjunction with seeing a therapist.

[@deepermind4884]

@@AmberAmber I'm curious, have you ever tried titrating down to get off the meds, and if not, why not?

[@Ash_The_Great]

This video has the best audio of all the versions of this video Also, this guy knows what depression really is, and it sucks that the word "Depressed" is so overused to the point where people confuse being miserable with being depressed.

[@Hottica82]

I was looking for help to understand why my 16 year old daughter is cutting, this has been going on for sometime but I am going to get her the help that she needs. So happy that I found someone that knows what they are talking about and not some doop in a random video!

[@redragongaming]

That's because you're harming the host, that means me, when you'll gonna understand that taking charge over my body means destroying it, you're treating it like a thing because your self has no substance, it's dead, only a memory from games that the host learned. So, either you all die willingly and allow the host to assume direct control or suffer.

[@pedroakjr2371]

you can see he could elaborate of each sentence he spoke for hours and hours, but he managed to summarize it all in less than an hour. such a dense topic, but I feel like I learned a lot without losing the feeling that there's still much to learn.

[@MEGATestberichte]

This is what i call internet "gold"

[@deborahstroman2987]

Genetic disorder!!! Mom, committed suicide . Grandmother depressed, great grandmother, Me, and daughter. This is incredible , so educational and interesting to listen to. A genius, and caring individual. You make so much sense! Inability to feel pleasure!

[@LardGargantuus]

Depression is pretty awful, but terminal MS and cluster headaches I think are the worst diseases you could ever succumb to, the former is akin to having ALS but instead of phantom limbs you're in excruciating searing nerve pain over your entire body at all times. And cluster headaches are so terrifying that I occasionally lose sleep at night dwelling on the remote 1/1000 chance I develop them in my lifetime. This is coming from someone with pretty severe depression.

[@hollycline2427]

I am so sorry you have MS My mother sucummbed to it at 50. It was so sad too see her in pain all the time, she also had depression too. I wish you the best life you can have. ♥️

[@LardGargantuus]

@@hollycline2427 Im so sorry about your mother. you are very kind, but I do not have ms or cluster headaches, only moderate to severe depression, sorry for the confusion. I'm just pointing out that there are diseases worse than depression.

[@peacefulisland67]

So far I've come to discover that as soon as I get the slightest hint of relief from suffering, rushing to share that with another who suffers, gives meaning to both the suffering and relief. The other does not need to be like me, simply there, and in need because they exist. By doing this with no expectation or reliance on reputation, with no picking and choosing of who is worthy, my own relief is sustained without effort. This can be extremely difficult to consider without a point of reference, without having seen it in action and internalized it. It has taken me half a century just in this life to change my mind ever so slightly, but this is so much more rewarding and inspiring than all the experiences of before. Good luck and blessings to you all.

[@KubaJ100]

Great lecture. Now I see to even bigger extent how this illness is devastating, and influences various aspects of one's life. My depression had been triggered by years of abuse in my childhood. Now, at age 26 I braced myself and started therapy, though I don't really hope to ever be able to go back to "normality". Ah well, worth trying, I guess.

[@GrayUncle1]

+KubaJ100 No one can predict recovery for another. But go for it is my advice. I've done better as I've faced my demons.

[@ericgeorge1077]

What an extraordinary approach to teaching. Emphasis, breadth, humor.

[@malubasic2267]

Wow thank God for this man and the internet.

[@iamqueenpyt6526]

Now I understand why... This was a great lecture!

[@AlamMahmood]

I never spent this long on an youtube video. I love this lecture

[@kayrosis5523]

I read his book Behave, and it was absolutely fascinating. I know I have major depression, and he hits every nail on the head.

[@jokeer14]

I've been through severe depression a few years ago even though everything in my life is going well for me: love life, family, job and money, etc. It went to a point where I could not get out of bed and was only able to keep milk and orange juice down as I threw up everything else I tried to eat. It was mental torture, I suffered so much I thought the earth was another worlds' hell that I'd been sent to to suffer for my crimes/sins from another life. I was always thinking if I could only could get just get more sleep even though I slept all day. I do not wish this to my worst enemy and I have thought a whole lot about about how any God could create a world in which this condition could even be possible and that He would have to beg for my mercy if I had to off myself because of the suffering. If someone is suffering with this around me, I hope I get the chance to hear about it and be there for them not to suffer in silence.

[@chadslocombe9587]

Depression is a metaphysical derivative of life's sick sense of humor!!! As a fellow sufferer, i wouldn't wish this pernicious disease on anyone, not even my own worst enemy.

[@SuperGuanine]

@@chadslocombe9587 i would.

[@spetersen2173]

WOW. last year I had a major major life event and I just realized I was majorly depressed for weeks. I had all of these symptoms. No energy to do anything, I didn’t eat for weeks, I couldn’t do anything. I had all of the symptoms he talks about. Thank god I could pull myself out of it. I feel so bad for people who have this all the time. It was absolutely the worst time of my life and was extremely frightening. If you have constant depression, seek help ❤️ don’t be ashamed ❤️

[@BloomingFireHeart]

This is likely the worst disease ever. I can’t even feel love although various people do love me. Idk everything seems pointless including love

[@ilovegeenadavis]

the moment he brought up sleep patterns of major depressives i lost it. i’ve already been diagnosed at a young age, but hearing him confirm my disease isn’t just in my head and that it really does physically affect me is although not a great feeling, but i do feel validated.

[@deephouseforever]

I think he's oversimplifying depression at times. Both agitation and lack of energy can exist in people with depression, so can reduced appetite or increased appetite (uncontrolled eating), so can early awakening and difficulties awakening and getting out of bed. I think of depression as a brain disorder with varied facets across persons as each brain is unique, that is, individual disorders which have some important symptoms in common such as a toppled balance of positive and negative emotions, accompanied by distorted perception and thinking patterns (powerfully towards the negative).

[@tonimedlen4489]

I agree with you that Depression is uniquely expressed through each person. As a lecturer it is IMPOSSIBLE not to generalise about a topic in a 50 minute session. Perhaps he should have emphasised that he would be generalising. However, when teaching concepts, one does have to simplify to new groups.

[@dbrinkm1]

He only has 52 minutes to cover the whole subject. He is introducing a great amount of information and data into this 52 min.lecture.While at Graduate school we covered the whole Freudian aspect of behavior alone and, took a month of hour lectures to accomplish same.He does a great job and is quite learned in the field. .

[@worldwithoutwar8622]

He many times, said he is "oversimplifying" @@tonimedlen4489

[@xanbell7723]

I think he did a wonderful job for the parameters.. It may have appeared to be oversimplified because he didn't really have the time, a 2 or 3 hour lecture would have been nice. Side note, I find it kind of ironic how you then go on to oversimplify depression lol

[@tonimedlen4489]

@@worldwithoutwar8622 fair enough !

[@caromapu18]

Thank you so much for this. Mr. Sapolsky is incredibly well spoken, makes the concepts easily understood, weaves in anecdotes and makes it humane as well as backs up his ever developing argument with the hard sciences. This is everything and more. I am so grateful to have come upon this video.

[@davidwilkie9551]

In Ancient Athens two timeless mottos were, "Know yourself", and "To your own self be true". Prof Sapolsky's lectures are essential information in the most effective abstract format to begin extending personal awareness of one's personal limitations into the general context of the perceived human culture. Meditation is a "what if" state of self identification separating (and never succeeding) personal self from the combined existence of Humanity. So a self-determining of position and influences of how and why you are what you are, in the "Nature and Nurture", context, is always a personal responsibility. _____ So, first listen to Professor Sapolsky's lectures, (know your physical self), then at least have some "skill" in emptying the physical mechanism of here-now thinking so that the longer-term memory and environmental context of personal experience is rebalanced, (to your own self be true). A personal existence is unique within local environments of uniqueness, in expanding circles of influence, the Universe is a principle of QM-Time modulation/resonance, "unbelievably" complex, so maintaining a personal stability is the responsible thing to do, in the general context. _____ Our brains are loaded with circuitry that recognise/resonate our environment through the perceptions of our senses, and those circuits are predisposed to emulate, empathise and sympathise with the human social environment so that our individual personalities are an approximate sum-of-all-histories of ideas from others around us, starting with parents and siblings. As a Society degenerates, it becomes more difficult to choose, (need free will to make changes), the optimum role models for "making up your mind" as to how to take responsibility for the actual world we live in as a reliable custodian, in general. Social media is probably not to be recommend. Careful self-education is, judge by the results. Because if you observe how a newborn baby develops over the weeks, months and years, gaining mental control (free will) by initiating actions and Learning by experimental experiences, then the development in later life by meditation and "observing the breath etc" to extend the mental expectations from experienced probabilities to potential calculated possibilities for controled reaction to circumstances, is continuance in the natural occurring environment of Eternity-now.., riding the wave of existence.

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

TL;DR

[@bifftv1975]

I'm not that well educated but he seemed to make the hard to understand very understandable. If all teachers were that much into their teaching, maybe we would all be more understanding. Great job Robert.

[@jekalambert9412]

Our minds influence our genetic expression. Yes, there's a hereditary predisposition to depression because our families not only teach us how to respond, but it is encoded into our genetics. There's a famous study where rats were exposed to the fragrance of cherry blossoms while being shocked. Several generations later the offspring, who had never been shocked, exhibited the same stress responses when exposed to the fragrance of cherry blossoms as the rats who had been shocked. Our genes are programmable. If we can be taught to react a certain way to a particular stimulus, we can learn/be taught to change our reactions. People with depression can, with conscious effort and discipline change their genetics thru cognitive practices instead of relying on drugs which alter brain chemistry in unwanted ways. Along with the highly addictive nature of anti-depressants, there is a statistical correlation between anti-depressant use and an increase in suicide rates. These are NOT acceptable "side effects". When will the psychiatric community begin to work cognitively/wholistically to actually heal people instead of dispensing pharmaceuticals?

[@ccspiceolife1788]

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[@amdphreak]

Finally! A comprehensive overview and in depth explanation of the research on depression, all up to date as well! I have suffered from depression, and probably still do to a degree. I have found the brain can adapt in strange ways by splitting emotions and consciousness into pieces...depression sucks.

[@jmrbug9623]

I think a lot more people would take depression more seriously if it was explained in depth and detail like this and not just summarized layman's terms.

[@joelspaulding5964]

What a pleasure and privilege to watch. So refreshing to watch a lecture by someone who's both engaging and so knowledgeable as to need minimal visual aids.( and no Powepoint!)

[@johnmiller7453]

Look at the world, look at all the suffering. Why would anyone consider depression an unreasonable outlook on a world like this? The only time I'm not depressed is when I'm asleep. It's also better when I'm far out in the desert alone with my dogs. The rest of the time I find life, culture and my species totally depressing. If I was a courageous type I'd off myself but the truth is I'm a coward so I'm stuck living this BS out to the bitter end. YMMV

[@msinvincible2000]

Same here!

[@katuk8173]

Think of your dogs! The love of a dog is worth living for.

[@katherineyoung1401]

john miller Same here. I go in to the wilderness with my dog.

[@pocnit]

The world has never been safer, richer or doing better than it is now. Look into some of the work of Steven Pinker. Instead of considering depression reasonable, how about you learn from the people who make the world a better place and join their efforts?

[@deepermind4884]

It's easier said than done, but your outlook on living should come from within you, not ultimately controlled by outside realities. Maybe that's why it's called an 'outlook'. Even with all the pain, struggle & hardship in the world, the great stuff still exists, life is still ASTOUNDINGLY beautiful. It's not one or the other. "Our Perception of life is the one thing no one can take away from you." This was said by Viktor Frankel, and he was in a German concentration camp!!! All the best!

[@philiprowney]

I was supposed to find this video tonight. I find the quality of audio is excellent, thank you for your work.

[@briangman3]

Is that a dog (poodle) in the corner 19: 19 , Dam I knew they were smart! Dr. Glassman

[@1flovera]

Amazing lecture. It's amazing when you see someone who knows something so well.

[@Thinkivist]

that's it! The cortex having too many sad thoughts and getting the rest of the brain to follow along with the drama. Thanks so much Professor ;-)

[@2202Winterful]

I started to watch the video and then had a thought and wanted to share it. Ask yourself these questions: Where does depression come from? Your mind. Where is your mind? In your brain. Where is your brain? In your body. And how do you feed your body? You feed your body through multiple channels: eyes, ears, and mouth. Be aware of what you watch on tv and what kind of music you listen to. And equally important, eat healthy. There are so many chemicals in our foods and drinks and especially all man made medicines. People with depression take anti depressants. Look up what those meds are made of. The body is one strong, magnificent, living thing. It’s amazing how it survives so long with all the damage we do to it. Think about this and do some research. Watch forks over knives and what the health on Netflix. I believe that if we start taking better care of ourselves than we can dilute or completely eliminate depression. Be smart and take care of yourself.

[@rebeccaweberling6884]

This guy is walking talking hair. That said, depression sucks. I've suffered with it since I was a child. No medication has been able to touch it. My life has been a nightmare. I'm continually having horrible crap happen. It's not just me not being able to dig myself out of a funk. It fucking sucks and most days I long for the peaceful nothingness of death.

[@Betternow1974]

Depression is scary as hell. Im 44 yrs old and have survived many many depressions, i blacked out in 2001 was hospitalized and the drug lamictal kicked me out of it. SCARY THIS LECTURER IS 100 RIGHT.

[@janedoe1146]

How about adrenal exhaustion from secreting all that glucocorticoids due to excessive stress? Couldn't that get depleted? Can't have an unlimited supply unless there's a way to help replace it. I've had years of stress starting with childhood trauma and exhaustion is equal to the label depression. Just my 2 cents.

[@mumblerocks77]

Adrenal fatigue isn't a real affliction, just something made up so people could peddle their diet/homeopathic medicine/essential oils bs. I know you might not believe me but this is scientific fact.

[@ivanmamula7588]

@@mumblerocks77 yet addison's disease aka adrenal insufficiency is a real disease? You're saying that there is no spectrum of adrenal fatigue just either 100% normal or full blown addison's?

[@MrKFNeverGiveUp]

I have battled with very severe depression and anxiety for decades, and I tried so many medications and therapies etc, but nothing ever worked!, in fact, many meds made me so much worse. I use medicinal Cannabis now. I grow my own medicinal Cannabis simply because it actually works for me. If it wasn't for moderate medicinal Cannabis use, I'd have committed suicide years ago. I no longer take any pharma medications. I still battle with my mental health, but at least I can kinda have a life now thanks to natures herb. By the way, Robert is amazing at explaining depression, he's brilliant. Everyone should watch this video.

[@AdamBechtol]

Hell yeah!, you go Mr. K F. Glad you find cannabis works for you and that you're able to grow and use it. I hope we can all work together to reform much of the worlds laws on this helpful plant ( Here in the USA at least) and legalize it's use for all in need.

[@mathewpasalskyj4784]

I suffered from clinical depression for 14years! Everyday can be a battle but with meds I'm doing ok 😀

[@hellooga]

Which meds are you taking?

[@retrohipster994]

The amount of precision in which this video describes my emotional and mental state has completely dispelled any chance of me believing that what I feel is just some emotional thing.

[@karolelombar1758]

Yeah, I saw it several times and learned a lot. Very good lecture.

[@jaroslavblagojevic3379]

Karole Lombar Siri hustwed

[@jaroslavblagojevic3379]

Siri hustwed

[@jaroslavblagojevic3379]

One story not anather

[@jaroslavblagojevic3379]

Siri hustwed one story

[@jaroslavblagojevic3379]

Siri hustwed

[@ReverseLBlock]

43:01 - the most powerful moment for me "What depression, what learned helplessness is, is taking a circumstance whereby any logic, again, you should be saying, "this is awful, but it is not the whole world." And due to this cognitive distortion, decide, "this is, indeed, the entire world. And I have no control. I am always helpless. I am always hopeless." This is the psychology of what a depression is about."

[@lunari1408]

The mind is a fascinating thing. thank you for this post.

[@yearofthegarden]

I've been depressed most of my life growing up, and found that gardening helps distract me with it's work to reward characteristics. So I quit my sedentary lifestyle behind the computer and started farming. Now I get seasonally depressed twice a year, a deep depression with few interests or emotion during the winter when I have little productive purpose as well as when my birthday comes and goes with little event or friends to share it with. Then in the spring I get a huge blast of motivation and happily work 18 hours a day on my farm, enjoying life, cold and wet. Then I get depressed a second time in summer when the stress of keeping up with my farm leaves me in bed almost all day, and I realize my food doesn't bring the community around me as I subconsciously pursue it for, plus the fact that I have near zero friends outside of my business exchanges. I remain aimlessly depressed until fall when the weather and workload cool off and I am motivated to cap off the farm so I may pursue activities in another fashion to engage with people because it didn't work that way by farming. Though I soon realize the hurdle there is to reignite friendship in my 30's so I slump into winter depression again and hibernate in wait for that spring motivation once again.. I have noticed a lot of the best farmers have childhood disasters they are running from and are loners to an extent even if they're married. It is a great way to put depression to the side but doesn't fix the issue. now I better understand the action, reaction going on in my brain and how there are different symptoms of depression. So now I hope to better prepare for the pattern I have trained myself to slump into by starting a new mushroom growing business this fall and move away from my old patterns.

[@lionsze]

Amazing stuff. Discovered only in 2018

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

Sapolsky is one of the most important researchers working today. I just love his work.

[@rosarioperez7509]

Great video on the breakdown of depression.

[@mrJohnDesiderio]

Sapolsky is a terrific teacher and thinker!

[@DampLover]

A few weeks or months?! 14 years.

[@jeanettesilhouette5678]

Someone please give me advice if you can. I have sought out help for years and not gotten adequate help. I've been on every medication under the sun, counselling....blah blah blah. I feel like this man really understands me! Where do I get help with someone who has such a knowledge of this disease? Where do I go where someone could really help me? I am in the Detroit area. Thanks

[@emmanuelntezeyombi3306]

Does his wisdom come from his beard? Should I grow a beard?

[@redragongaming]

Wisdom? Maybe you mean trolling.

[@hajmohamad232]

One of the most outstanding lecturers I have ever come across on youtube.A great mind speaks.

[@samray3297]

No. U'v got to grow your hair also! And wear the same spectacles. Don't forget to get the same watch (with an alarm). Especially do pace up & down non-stop! Lol!

[@worldwithoutwar8622]

No. Apparently lots of lots, years and years of 12-hour working days.

[@spinnetti]

I love his lecture style, pacing, tonality etc... great stuff.