Addressing Depression in the Digital Age
In briefAI summary — tap to read
Psychologist Candice Thompson discusses how depression manifests in the digital age, exploring its causes, the role of technology in mental health, and practical strategies for support. She emphasizes the importance of reducing screen time, building in-person connections, and approaching mental health with compassion and openness.
Key takeaways
- Depression affects approximately 29% of Americans at some point in their lives, with symptoms including persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, sleep/appetite changes, low energy, and suicidal thoughts.
- Technology contributes to depression through isolation, overstimulation from global news, comparison culture on social media, and constant pressure to stay connected, despite some helpful digital mental health tools.
- Recognizing suicide risk factors—such as hopelessness, social withdrawal, self-harm, and medication changes—allows you to intervene with compassion by asking direct questions and connecting people to resources like the 988 hotline.
- Simple preventive actions include limiting screen time, going outdoors, reaching out to others, and building small momentum through manageable 10-minute goals rather than overwhelming tasks.
- When supporting someone struggling with depression, approach with curiosity and compassion; avoid comparing suffering or jumping to silver linings, and instead validate their feelings by listening without judgment.
About Candice ThompsonCandice Thompson is a psychologist with a special interest in the intersection of modern technology and mental health.
AI-generated from the meeting recording — AI can make mistakes, so check the recording for anything important.
MEETING FOR THE WEEK OF Mar 18, 2024
This Meeting at a Glance:
Program: Addressing Depression in the Digital Age
Speaker: Candice Thompson
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Send Happy DollarsProgram: Addressing Depression in the Digital Age
Speaker: Candice Thompson
Every week we bring you a new program on innovation, entrepreneurship, and education, and how those contribute to service to others.
The Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley seeks to explore perspectives on service from across the world. The views of the speakers in our programs are their own, and unless stated otherwise, are not necessarily reflective of the views of our eClub or Rotary International.
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Have you ever wondered why the rates of depression have skyrocketed over the past decade? Mental health has been deemed a public global crisis. And increased rates of depression are linked to higher rates of suicide.
Candice will present on addressing depression in the digital age. Listeners will leave being able to recognize depressive symptoms and signs of suicidal ideation; understand the impact of the current technological culture on the rising rates of mental illness; and how to support yourself or someone in your life who is struggling with their depression. Candice will also provide resources and some practical tools for developing mental wellness.
Our speaker, Candice Thompson, is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice. She holds a dual license in California and Oregon. In addition to her practice, she is a frequent guest speaker for organizations in the Silicon Valley.
Over the past 20 years, she has studied and worked in the field of psychology; 15 years practicing psychotherapy. She currently works with young adults and beyond in individual and couples therapy. Her clinical focus includes anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, relational distress, spiritual abuse, life transitions, and identity formation. She has a clinical interest in attachment-based therapy and interpersonal neurobiology. She takes an integrated, insight-oriented approach to her work.
Counseling and teaching in the space of inner healing is an honor that she holds with deep regard. She invites you to reach out if you are interested in having her speak at your organization or company on topics related to mental wellness and the workplace.
Members and guests, please welcome Candice Thompson!
Candice Thompson is a psychotherapist in private practice in Silicon Valley. To learn more about her services, please visit:
https://www.candicethompson.com
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