Depression. Anxiety. Two commonly cited words in today’s society. Yet these are not undistinguished terms to Dr. Jordan B. Peterson.
As a clinician, professor, and researcher, Peterson has studied depression and anxiety for more than 30 years over the course of his career. Now, he is sharing his knowledge of both methodology and practice in a new series on DailyWire+.
Pointedly titled “Depression & Anxiety,” the series aims to educate viewers on these internalizing disorders, specifically as to how they can help themselves and empathize with others. As an author, psychologist, and professor who has dedicated his life to teaching how to plot a course to meaning and identify one’s purpose, few people share Peterson’s combined background of research and clinical practice. But it is his intention of helping others holistically improve their lives that is most evident in these episodes.
“Defining Depression,” the first of five episodes, shows Peterson entering an estate-like room as the soles of his shoes echo. Complete with high ceilings, elaborately draped curtains, marble-accented architecture, refined hardwood floors, and elegant chandeliers, light pours into the room from the imposing window, but Peterson is cast in black and white, a cinematic element uniquely connected to the topics at hand. Peterson settles into a wooden-spindle chair, the only piece of furniture in the room, and begins.
“So, we could start by talking about depression,” he offers, leaning forward. Peterson defines depression, which creates the foundation for the series. He moves onto address the difference between being depressed and having a terrible life, explaining, “One of the things I tried to determine as a good behaviorist was whether the person who was suffering a dearth of positive emotion and an excess of negative emotion was suffering because they were ill in this strictly physiological sense … or whether they were suffering from the cumulative micro and macro catastrophes of life.”
WATCH: Episode 1 of Dr. Jordan B. Peterson’s new series “Depression and Anxiety” on DailyWire+
As to be expected, the first episode is somewhat fixated on feelings, as their influence on depression must be understood in order to, in turn, properly understand depression itself. Though some points Peterson makes may seem self-evident, there is a certain sense of comfort hearing such declarations from him; viewers experience relief, ease, and perhaps even gratitude in hearing their plight recognized as real. Those who are depressed “tend to feel all negative emotion simultaneously in a manner that’s paralyzing,” confirms Peterson. He furthers this information about emotion, naming the absence of positive emotion to be a factor in depression as well; nothing seems worthwhile.
Of course, Peterson does not leave his message without establishing concrete hope to be realized, sought after, and gained. His intent to motivate and empower viewers is evident as he shares the reasons why people become depressed and anxious, then he offers steps to conquer the afflictions based on their root causes. Depending on the individual’s circumstances, the proper treatment for depression varies — but is, indeed, possible. To understand the nature of the problem and to choose the antidote of suffering is to overcome depression.
From his first words in this series to his last, Peterson conveys a great sense of care with the words of wisdom he imparts. Watching the series, there is an overwhelming sense that he is a clinician positioned to guide his patient. Uniquely, the result is entertainment that does good for the world.
As individuals twist under the weight of modern-day life, Peterson comes alongside DailyWire+ to reframe depression and anxiety as approachable matters with the tangible hope of a path to healing.