The simplistic acts of effort driven rewards activate and engage the brain in more dynamic and relevant ways than the antidepressants designed to alter a single neurochemical out of the context of our real lives. Today, when we work long hours sitting passively at our desks so that we can earn money to avoid physical activity in our daily lives (e.g., cooking, cleaning, landscaping), our brains must be more than a little confused. With the mental health industry's fascination of "mental" therapies in the form of talk therapy and drugs that alter neurochemistry, we have left our bodies behind. The idea that effort-driven rewards activate our brain reward area and motivate us to interact within the context of our environments in interesting and productive ways is the basis of Lifting Depression. The involvement of these physical activities in our more cerebral lifestyles reminds the brain of its relevance in obtaining resources in our daily lives. Knitting a sweater, cooking dinner, working in our gardens and creating a sculpture all activate the effort-driven reward brain circuitry and produce a tangible product that the brain recognizes as valuable. As our brains perceive that we have more control over the environment around us it reduces the chaotic stress that so often overcomes us--building resilience against the onset of depression.
In Lifting Depression I incorporate the latest scientific findings in psychology, neurobiology, anthropology, and evolutionary biology to introduce you to the effort-driven rewards theory. This "real-life" theory of emotional health is strengthened by the real life stories of several fascinating individuals who teach us meaningful lessons about building resilience against depression. Further evidence comes from unlikely sources: you'll learn how a Rainbow vacuum cleaner provided therapeutic relief in my own personal life and how the "trust fund" and “flexible” rats in my laboratory continue to teach my students and me valuable lessons about dealing with the many challenges we face in our chaotic lives. Thus, the evidence suggests that effort-driven rewards dispensed in strategic doses may be the best antidepressants!
