Depression is often misunderstood as “just feeling sad” — but clinically, it can affect energy, motivation, sleep, concentration, pleasure, and your sense of self.

In this episode of Schoen Clinic Unscripted, host Greg Anderson is joined by Dr Isabelle (Izzy) Mercer, Clinical Psychologist at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, to explore what depression really feels like, what’s happening in the brain, and why recovery is rarely a straight line.

We cover:

What depression can feel like (beyond sadness): emptiness, heaviness, loss of joy

How depression differs from low mood (duration, intensity, and impact) Links between depression, trauma and PTSD (and why symptoms can overlap)

Why progress can come in ups and downs — not a perfect upward line

What the brain is doing in depression (reward system, dopamine, motivation)

Why sleep matters (and how sleep problems can maintain low mood)

Practical approaches used in therapy: breaking tasks into manageable steps, behavioural activation, reducing shame/self-criticism How support networks help (and why small check-ins can matter)

A hopeful message for anyone struggling right now If you’re feeling low, you’re not alone — and support is available. 🧡

Learn more about our specialists and services:

Schoen Clinic Chelsea (UK): https://www.schoen-clinic.co.uk/chelsea

Dr Isabelle Mercer: https://www.schoen-clinic.co.uk/specialists/dr-isabelle-mercer

If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need it.

Important note: This podcast is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you need urgent help, contact emergency services or local crisis support in your country.

🏥 About Schoen Clinic Chelsea This episode was recorded at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, a leading private mental health clinic in London. Our expert team of consultant psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists and therapists provide world-class care for conditions such as ADHD, trauma, depression, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, burnout and more.

We offer fast, confidential self-booking appointments and a full range of outpatient therapies to support recovery.

In this episode of Schoen Clinic Unscripted, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Daniel Masud and Clinical Psychologist Dr Bradley Powell sit down for a deep and honest conversation about life as mental health professionals.

They explore:

• Their career journeys into psychiatry and psychology
• What it’s like working in the NHS vs the private sector
• The role of psychiatrists vs psychologists – and how to know which you might need
• How therapy really works, from building a safe relationship to practicing between sessions
• Insights on ADHD, trauma, addictions and neurodiversity
• How clinicians protect their own wellbeing and avoid burnout
• Practical advice for people considering a career in mental health
• When to seek support – and how to find a qualified therapist or psychiatrist you can trust

Whether you’re a clinician, a student, or simply curious about mental health, this episode offers practical wisdom, professional reflections, and hope for anyone struggling.

Join Consultant Paediatrician Dr Joe Datt and Family Psychotherapist Emma in this honest and insightful conversation about supporting children, young people, and families through developmental challenges, screen time struggles, sleep issues and more. From full neurodevelopmental assessments to school collaboration and practical parenting strategies, this video explores how multidisciplinary, compassionate care makes all the difference. 💬

Topics covered include:

• Developmental assessments in children and teens

• Working with schools and teachers

• Screen time boundaries and teenage phone use

• Sleep hygiene and melatonin for kids

• Parenting with connection vs conflict

• Trauma-informed family therapy approaches (NVR, DBT, EMDR)

• Childhood mental health & neurodivergence.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, therapist, or clinician, this video is packed with practical insights to help children thrive.

👇 Subscribe to learn more about:

Paediatrics & child development

Mental health & neurodiversity

Family therapy tools

School collaboration strategies

🔗 Learn more about our experts at https://www.schoen-clinic.co.uk/specialists

Visit https://www.sleepaction.org (as referenced int his video by Dr Datt.