Hidden Brain

Rethinking Depression

Published 16 March 2026Duration: 58m 34s
Share on X

We tend to see depression as an illness to eliminate, evidence that something has gone wrong in the brain. But what if low mood serves a purpose? Psychologist Jonathan Rottenberg examines the evolutionary roots of depression and reflects on his own painful experience with suicidal despair. He explores how depression can narrow our focus, and sometimes open the door to change.

Dialog switches78
Avg turn40s
Longest speech3m 37s
Host questions20
Guest questions19
depression74mood28john25life18support15