E95: Love's Labour's Lost: An Evolutionary View of Depression w/ Dr. Andy Thomson M.D.

Recovering From Religion

In On the Origin of Species Charles Darwin wrote, “Pain or suffering of any kind, if long continued, causes depression and lessens the power of action; yet is well adapted to make a creature guard itself against any great or sudden evil.” One hundred and sixty years later we have solid theories supported by evidence that depression’s core structure arises from an adaptation, not a broken or dysfunctional brain.

Andy Thomson is a psychiatrist at University of Virginia Student Health Services. The 9.11 attacks triggered an interest in suicide terrorism, which led to the discovery of an unappreciated world of research into how and why human minds generate religious beliefs. Andy has written “Why We Believe In God(s): A Concise Guide to the Science of Faith” which brings that world to anyone interested. Hosted by Eric Wells, RfR Support Group Director, and Helen Greene, RfR Support Group Leader. Recorded on July 12, 2021

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at [e-mail].

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

[phone] in the US & Canada

If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok.

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message