Dr. Goldstein: Neuroscience and Mindfulness (Archived Interview)

That's the heart of what I'm trying to say. Say the word "antidepressant" and most people picture a tablet. A pill is only one form, though. For some people it genuinely opens the door to doing this work, and I'd never dismiss that. But each of us carries a whole range of natural antidepressants we can reach for. Once we notice they're there and start drawing on them, we begin to find that deeper, steadier happiness underneath, that quiet confidence that was always present. Over time you end up building what I'd call an antidepressant brain, a more resilient one. So that's really where it all comes together.

Erik: Elisha, thank you for walking us through that. Before we close out, is there anything you'd like to leave people with, or something we didn't touch on?

Dr. Goldstein: One thing I'd push people toward, unless caregiving already fills your days, is spending more time figuring out what actually matters to you and then living next to that sense of purpose. The more we nudge ourselves and the people around us in that direction, the better off everyone is. On my site at elishagoldstein.com there's a free 21 days of purpose course. It costs nothing, partly because offering it is my own way of giving, and giving feeds me right back. The course is meant to support you in bringing more purposeful, compassionate action into your days. It helps you find happiness, and it does a little to make the world kinder along the way.

Erik: Elisha, thank you for being part of A Psychology of the Future, and for helping spread word of the conference to your community. I'll reach out after our call to check in. And for everyone listening, if you'd like to dig deeper into Dr. Goldstein's work, the link below will take you to elishagoldstein.com. Thanks for spending this time with us.

Dr. Goldstein: Thank you.