Podcast about mental health, perfectionism, and the face of depression with Margaret Rutherford

A Favorite Theme Revisited — The Perfect Mask: What Hides Behind the Face of Depression with Margaret Rutherford PhD

Original Air Date Wednesday, August 30, 2023

For many people, life can be a bit overwhelming at times. Yet, isn’t it surprising how many people seem to have it all together? With depression and suicide rates rising in almost every age group, it may be that more people are hiding their mental health issues behind a mask of perfection.

To identify the connection between perfectionism and depression, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a clinical psychologist and author who has made it her life’s work to demystify depression, Margaret Rutherford PhD.

Dr. Margaret Rutherford uncovers the connection between perfectionism and suicide, and shares the core tenets from her book Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression.

Tune in:

Lisa Cypers Kamen · The Perfect Mask: What Hides Behind the Face of Depression with Margaret Rutherford PhD

Meet Our Guest:

Born in Pine Bluff Arkansas, Dr Margaret Rutherford began her career after graduating from Rhodes College in Memphis with a degree in French. After living abroad, she worked as a jingle singer, also performing Jazz at night. Her career path transitioned upon earning a Music Therapy Degree from SMU, leading her to a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Texas, and she has been practicing ever since.

Book: Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression

Dr. Margaret Rutherford — The Face of Depression:

Dr. Rutherford describes the link between perfectionism, mental health, detachment, and suicide. {3:43}
How to start conversations with friends, family, or others about needing help with our vulnerabilities? {9:36}
Why perfectionism is highly overrated. {18:59}
Syndromes and distortions of the mind remind us that depression can be very dark. {22:47}
The role of therapists and the importance of having support systems. {25:14}

Follow Dr. Margaret Rutherford:

Shareables:

“They are finding strong correlations between suicide and perfectionism.” Dr. Margaret Rutherford on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “This younger generation isn't killing each other more; they are killing themselves more.” Dr. Margaret Rutherford on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “What parents need to do is talk about their own vulnerabilities to their children.” Dr. Margaret Rutherford on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “I like to think that therapists are consultants. It just so happens that the topic happens to be the Self.” Dr. Margaret Rutherford on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now?

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day.