Dr. Deborah Serani (she/her)

Dr. Serani joined Momma on October 30, 2023 live on Twitch to talk about Depression from a Patient AND Provider Viewpoint

About Deborah

Dr. Deborah Serani is an American Psychologist whose clinical specialty is depression. She's an award-winning author of several self help books on mood disorders, where she writes about understanding depression personally, as well as treating it professionally. Dr. Serani is also professor at Adelphi University in New York in the US and has been a technical advisor for the television show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. 

Socials / Links for Guest Connection

• Website - https://www.drdeborahserani.com

• Twitter / X - @DeborahSerani

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drdeborahserani/

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058273082100

• Email - deborahserani@gmail.com

• Publisher link - https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538179826/Living-with-Depression-Why-Biology-and-Biography-Matter-Along-the-Path-to-Hope-and-Healing-2nd-Edition

• TedX Talk Serani - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUJnu92zIO8

References / Things Mentioned During the Stream

• Book Recommendation: The Ninth Session

• True Crime Obsession: Gilgo Beach Serial Killings

• ICD vs DSM

• Show Recommendation: Maid

• Good News Network

• What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• What is Insight-oriented Psychotherapy

• Linda Peeno

• Show Recommendation: Sicko

• Genesight: https://genesight.com/for-patients/

• Genomind: https://genomind.com/who-we-support/individuals/

Episode Summary

Join me and Dr. Deborah Serani as we dive deep into the dual perspectives of depression from both patient and provider viewpoints - a must-listen for anyone seeking insights, support, or simply a fresh perspective on mental health!

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire welcomed Dr. Deborah Serani as her guest to discuss "Depression from a Patient AND Provider Viewpoint." Throughout the conversation, they focused on shedding light on the complexities of depression and the importance of holistic approaches to treatment and support.

Key Takeaways:

• Finding a therapist with whom you feel safe and comfortable is crucial for effective treatment.

• Consistency in mental health treatment, including medication adherence and self-care, is essential for managing depression.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy and insight-oriented therapy are evidence-based approaches for addressing negative thinking patterns and unresolved traumas.

• Genetic testing can help identify medications that are most likely to be effective for an individual's depression.

• Reducing stigma around mental health requires education, advocacy, and creating safe spaces for open conversations.

• Supporting someone with depression involves active listening, empathy, and providing a non-judgmental presence.

• Practical strategies for managing depression include seeking natural light, engaging the senses, and prioritizing self-care.

Dr. Serani emphasized the significance of finding a therapist with whom one feels safe and comfortable. She highlighted the essential role of consistency in mental health treatment, including medication adherence and self-care practices. The conversation delved into evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and insight-oriented therapy, which address negative thinking patterns and unresolved traumas.

A notable point of discussion was the role of genetic testing in identifying medications that are most likely to be effective for an individual's depression. Dr. Serani shared insights into the benefits of genetic testing, emphasizing its potential to personalize treatment and improve outcomes for patients.

The conversation also touched on the importance of reducing stigma around mental health through education, advocacy, and creating safe spaces for open conversations. Dr. Serani emphasized the need for increased awareness and understanding of mental illness, highlighting the impact of societal attitudes on individuals seeking help.

Supporting someone with depression was another significant topic, with Dr. Serani highlighting the importance of active listening, empathy, and providing a non-judgmental presence. Practical strategies for managing depression were discussed, including seeking natural light, engaging the senses, and prioritizing self-care.

Throughout the interview, MommaFoxFire and Dr. Serani shared personal insights and experiences, creating a relatable and empathetic atmosphere for listeners. The conversation provided valuable perspectives from both a patient and provider viewpoint, offering a comprehensive understanding of depression and its management.

This conversation highlighted the multifaceted nature of depression and underscored the importance of holistic approaches to treatment and support. By exploring evidence-based therapies, genetic testing, stigma reduction efforts, and practical strategies for managing depression, MommaFoxFire and Dr. Serani provided listeners with valuable insights and resources to navigate their own mental health journeys.