PLAY PODCASTS
Inside Mental Health

Inside Mental Health

496 episodes — Page 10 of 10

S1 Ep 47What's the REAL Link Between Anger and Violence?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss mental illness and violence. More specifically, they address the real culprit behind the vast majority of violence: anger. Their discussion dispels the myth that anger is an unhealthy emotion, teaches ways to express anger in a healthy fashion, and addresses the widely held belief that most mentally ill people are violent (and why people hold this belief). The discussion also covers the real factor in predicting whether someone might become violent and ends with suggestions on ways anyone can learn how to get control of anger in their lives. Show Highlights: [1:58] Is it okay to get angry? [2:38] How can we express anger in a healthy way? [3:57] Anger and the mentally ill. [10:23] Why are the mentally ill responsible for so much violence? [12:52] What is the real predictor of violent behavior? [14:39] Why do we associate violence with mental illness? [17:50] How can someone take control of their anger issues? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 21, 201722 min

S1 Ep 46What Does Postpartum Depression Feel Like?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales speak with guest Christine Hammond, a licensed mental health counselor who has also suffered from postpartum depression in two of her three pregnancies. She shares her story of why neither she nor her husband recognize postpartum depression in the first pregnancy, how it appeared rapidly during the second pregnancy, and the fears they both had that it would occur in the third pregnancy. Christine also speaks of the shame carried by and stigma against mothers dealing with it, as well as postpartum depression’s biggest lie. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [3:15] Christine speaks about her two instances of postpartum depression. [6:40] How postpartum took her by surprise and the shame that came with it. [8:12] The stigma of postpartum depression is profound. [10:06] Christine tells of the fear of postpartum depression during her third pregnancy. [13:55] What postpartum depression was like for Christine’s husband. [15:28] The biggest lie about postpartum depression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 14, 201721 min

S1 Ep 45How Can You Calm an Agitated Person?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales speak with guest Dr. Scott Zeller, renowned psychiatric emergency services physician and expert on agitation. Dr. Zeller explains exactly what agitation means, in the medical setting, and how it differs from other states, such as violence. He dispels a few myths about agitation, and explains how the use of physical restraints and sedation are the wrong approach in almost all situations. Most importantly, he speaks on how common agitation is, even outside the medical setting, and how anyone can learn to de-escalate the emotions of someone in a state of agitation. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:11] What do we even mean by “agitation”? [6:45] Aren’t all agitated people violent? [9:11] Dr. Zeller explains why we should rarely use restraints on agitated people. [12:47] Simple things to keep in mind when trying to calm an agitated person. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 7, 201719 min

S1 Ep 44What Does Binge Eating Disorder Feel Like?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss Binge Eating Disorder. At his heaviest, Gabe weighed 550 pounds. He describes in detail how he went from a “normal-sized” guy to being morbidly obese, his return to being “normal-sized,” and addresses the question of whether he was, in fact, addicted to food. During the second half of the show, our hosts welcome Lisa, a woman who was with Gabe during this period of his life. She shares her experience of what it was like being with someone with binge eating disorder and how he finally confronted it. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:13] What is Binge Eating Disorder? [5:27] Is Binge Eating Disorder Really a food addiction? [11:23] Lisa describes what Gabe was like at 550 pounds. [12:34] Gabe confronts binge eating disorder. [13:45] Gabe describes his gastric bypass surgery experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 31, 201723 min

S1 Ep 43Is Loneliness More Dangerous Than Smoking or Obesity?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss loneliness. It’s a very common feeling that most people experience at some point in their lives. Now, medical experts report that the effects of loneliness should be considered to be a major health danger. Our hosts discuss how this is the case. They also explain the differences between being alone and being lonely and between loneliness and solitude. Other information provided in this episode include the different types of loneliness (it’s not all about being without a romantic partner) and what steps one can take to stop being lonely. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:00] Loneliness is deadlier than smoking or obesity. [1:39] How is loneliness so dangerous? [4:27] The various types of loneliness. [14:31] The difference between being alone and being lonely. [15:30] What you can do to stop being lonely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 24, 201723 min

S1 Ep 42What Is Postpartum Depression?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome guest Dr. Emma Basch. Dr. Basch is a licensed clinical psychologist as well as the author of PsychCentral’s Maternity Matters blog. She joins our hosts (two childless men, it should be noted) to discuss the many aspects of postpartum depression. Listen in to learn some surprising facts and statistics about postpartum depression, including how common it is. Learn how it differs from “regular” depression, the ties it has to anxiety, the known causes of postpartum depression, and several suggestions for how to treat it. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [0:45] What exactly is postpartum depression? [1:23] Postpartum is more common than you might think. [4:29] Can men suffer from postpartum depression? [7:04] What causes postpartum depression? [12:19] What can be done about postpartum depression? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 17, 201718 min

S1 Ep 41Why Do We Procrastinate?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales finally tackle a topic they'd been putting off: procrastination. Pretty much everyone puts off doing distasteful tasks, but procrastination can cause a multitude of problems for us, including harming our health. During this show, you'll learn some surprising (and some not-so-surprising) facts about procrastination, including just how many people self-identify as procrastinators, and several of the most common excuses given for procrastinating. You'll also learn what the major reasons behind procrastination really are and [spoiler alert] that you can, in fact, stop procrastinating. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [2:15] - What are some things NOT responsible for procrastination? [2:50] - How many people self-identify as chronic procrastinators? [3:47] - What are some things that ARE responsible for procrastination? [4:33] - What are some common excuses given for procrastinating? [10:14] - What are some negative effects of procrastination? [11:56] - What can we do to stop procrastinating? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 10, 201722 min

S1 Ep 40How Can We Transform Stigma?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome guest Mike Veny, a mental health speaker with lived experience, creator of Transforming Stigma, and host of the Mike Veny Show podcast. In a serious examination of stigma, Mike discusses exactly what stigma really is and explains how there is a cycle that stigma takes and what we can do to break it. He gives advice on how we can all approach the uncomfortable conversations we are likely to have about mental illness. Mike also shares his story of illness and a rather unconventional path that led to his recovery. [1:28] The 3 Components of Stigma [3:23] Is Stigma Really Just Confusion? [5:51] The Cycle of Stigma – and How to Break It [13:29] Mike's Unconventional Path to Recovery [18:31] Why Now Is the Time to Speak Out About Mental Illness [20:56] How Do We Approach the Uncomfortable Conversations? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 3, 201723 min

S1 Ep 39Sleep: Are You Doing It Wrong?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales examine the many aspects of sleep. It’s a state in which we spend a third of our lives, but many of us have poor sleeping habits. In this episode, you will learn about the amount of sleep we need, which varies with age; the effects of not getting enough of it, both on your physical and mental health; and an explanation of proper sleep hygiene and why it’s important. This episode of The Psych Central Show was produced for a Facebook Live event and the video of the podcast recording can be seen here. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [0:39] How much sleep do we need, anyway? [1:34] The results of insufficient sleep. [3:04] How insufficient sleep affects our mental health. [7:12] What sleep deprivation can do to your physical health. [8:48] What is sleep hygiene and why is it so important? [16:59] A few words about sleep disorders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 27, 201722 min

S1 Ep 38What Is a Daily Practice and Why Should I Have One?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome guest counselor and author Victoria Gigante. Victoria shares the story of how she grew dissatisfied with a life that others would consider to be “perfect,” how she made huge changes by essentially walking away from it all, and in the process developed her life-changing “daily practice” approach to self-care. Victoria explains just want a daily practice is for, the different forms it can take, and how it can help each and every one of us. She gives advice on how to start one, and explores the many reasons why people think they are unable to do so. Show Highlights: [0:47] Victoria explains what a daily practice for self-care is. [2:18] Sharing some examples of daily practices. [3:02] Why people can’t seem to find the time for self-care. [4:17] Victoria explains why a daily practice is so important. [10:46] Victoria shares how and why she broke away from her “picture perfect life.” [13:02] How to develop a daily practice. [15:01] The value of maintaining a daily practice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 20, 201718 min

S1 Ep 36What’s It Like to Live with Schizophrenia?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome guest Tanara Simpson, a young woman who was diagnosed with schizophrenia in her 20s. In this interview, Tanara shares the story of her diagnosis, including the symptoms that led her from doctor to doctor, landed her in jail, and ultimately led to a physician who helped her get on the road to recovery. She talks about her partnership with Janssen Pharmaceuticals in helping her to get the word out about her story, and she shares how she maintains a positive attitude in spite of having a life-altering disease and works as a certified peer support specialist, helping others who have also been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Tanara's story is truly an inspirational one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 6, 201720 min

S1 Ep 35What Can We Learn from the Michelle Carter Texting Suicide Case?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales examine the recent case of Michelle Carter, a young woman in Massachusetts who was tried for involuntary manslaughter in the suicide of her eighteen-year old friend, Conrad Roy, based primarily on a series of text messages and phone calls. In what came as a shock to many, Carter was found guilty. The trial focused on extensive messages between the two, especially in the month leading up to Roy’s death, in which it is shown that the then seventeen-year old Carter went from urging Roy to seek help to actively helping him plan for his own death and, finally, to blatantly urging him to take his own life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 29, 201722 min

S1 Ep 34Should Religious Figures Give Advice on Mental Illness?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome Katie Dale, a young woman with bipolar disorder who was convinced by a pastor to discontinue her medication and instead put her faith in God to heal her. Unsurprisingly, going off her meds plunged Katie into a serious bipolar episode. She resumed her medications and has been living well ever since. Katie shares with listeners a touching, yet very pointed, letter that she wrote to this pastor, explaining how she understood his motives. But, she cautions, this doesn’t change the fact that his advice was harmful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 22, 201722 min

S1 Ep 33What Is Persistent Depressive Order Like?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, host Gabe Howard interviews his co-host, Vincent M. Wales, about living with persistent depressive disorder (formerly known as dysthymia). Vincent speaks candidly about how he came to realize that he had chronic depression, the mistakes he made in treating it, his suicidal years in college, and how living with depression affected his writing, especially with regard to the creation of his character, Dynamistress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 15, 201720 min

S1 Ep 32What’s Certified Peer Support Really All About?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss the role of certified peer supporters in the recovery journeys of those with mental illness. Gabe dispels many of the misconceptions about peer support by explaining the peer certification process in Ohio (it varies from state to state), what peer supporters do and what they cannot do, and how vital they can be to a person’s recovery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 8, 201720 min

S1 Ep 31Anxiety Lies Constantly – How to Stop Listening

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome Jodi Aman, popular psychotherapist, anxiety expert, blogger, radio host, and author of You 1, Anxiety 0: Winning Your Life Back From Fear and Panic. Jodi explains how she cured herself of anxiety and shares great tips on how you can get control over your own anxiety and panic attacks. She also explains anxiety and panic in ways you might never have heard before, giving you a better understanding of what’s really going on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 1, 201719 min

S1 Ep 30Talking to Paul Gilmartin (Host of The Mental Illness Happy Hour Podcast)

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome Paul Gilmartin, host of The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast. Paul shares his story of how the popular podcast came into existence and shares information on some of his favorite episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 25, 201721 min

S1 Ep 29Mental Health Awareness Is Not Enough (Special Guest: President/CEO of Mental Health America)

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome Paul Gionfriddo, President & CEO of Mental Health America. They discuss the origins of Mental Health Awareness Month and the MHA Bell. The understanding and acceptance of mental illness has come a long way in our society, but there is still much room for improvement. Listen as these issues are discussed in depth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 18, 201720 min

S1 Ep 28Things Anyone Can Do to Support Mental Health Awareness Month

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales talk about Mental Health Awareness Month. Specifically, they offer suggestions on some easy – and some not-so-easy – things that anyone can do to support Mental Health Awareness Month. Listen and learn how you can do your part. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 11, 201720 min

S1 Ep 27NoStigmas – Peer Support Movement for Mental Health Awareness

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales chat with Jacob Moore, founder of NoStigmas.org, a social movement for mental health awareness and peer support. NoStigmas is a place for people to connect, share stories, and learn about mental health without feeling alone or ashamed. Jacob speaks and writes on the topics of mental wellness, suicide prevention, stigmas, peer support, and holistic health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 3, 201720 min

S1 Ep 26OC87 Recovery Diaries – Real People, Real Stories

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, host Gabe Howard talks with Glenn Holsten and Gabriel Nathan. Glenn is the award-winning director of OC87, the groundbreaking film that led to the OC87 Recovery Diaries website, of which Gabriel is the editor-in-chief. The OC, in this case, refers not Orange County, but Obsessive-Compulsive. The website features mental health music, art, interviews, movie reviews, essays, recovery videos, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 26, 201722 min

S1 Ep 25What Does a Panic Attack (and Anxiety) Feel Like?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss anxiety disorders, which can be debilitating on many levels and strain even the closest relationships, often due to a lack of understanding of what anxiety disorder is like. Listen as our hosts describe what it’s like, from mild social anxiety to full-blown, sweat-dripping panic attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 23, 201723 min

S1 Ep 24Hypersexuality – An Ignored and Misrepresented Symptom of Bipolar

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales address the frequently ignored and often misrepresented aspect of bipolar disorder – hypersexuality. Many seem to view this as a desirable state, believing it to be little more than having frequent sex. It is often treated as a punchline (when it is addressed at all). In reality, it is a horror of compulsion and pain, with devastating consequences, both physical and mental, that no one should wish to have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 13, 201719 min

S1 Ep 23Discussing Abandonment Issues & Attachment Disorder

In this episode of The Psych Central Show, our hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss abandonment issues & attachment disorder. Listen in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 5, 201718 min

S1 Ep 22Teen Creates Peer Support Network for Teens, Run by Teens

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales conclude a 3-part series about the Palo Alto suicides and some of the things that came about after and, at least partially, as a result of them. Returning this episode is Sammy Kotmel, joined by Nadia Ghaffari, founder of TeenzTalk a teen-run peer support website with users all over the world. Listen as she shares how and why this site was created and hear about its success stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 30, 201721 min

S1 Ep 21Hospital After-School Program Teaches Life Skills for Youth with Mental Illness

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales continue a 3-part series about the Palo Alto suicides and some of the things that came about after and, at least partially, as a result of them. Returning this episode is Sammy Kotmel, joined by Michael Fitzgerald, Executive Director of Behavioral Health Services at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, California. Sammy is one of many school students to go through the hospital's ASPIRE program, which helps children, teens and young adults with anxiety, depression or other symptoms related to a mental health condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 23, 201722 min

S1 Ep 20Teen Suicide Survivor Becomes Activist

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales begin a 3-part series about the Palo Alto suicides and some of the things that came about after and, at least partially, as a result of them. The guests on this episode are Sammy Kotmel and her mother, Maja Nelson. Sammy was one of the teens who attempted suicide. She and her mother speak openly of the events leading up to her attempt, her involuntary commitment to a psychiatric hospital, and the treatment and recovery that followed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 16, 201720 min

S1 Ep 19Debunking Suicide Myths and Misconceptions

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales look at the subject of suicide and the many myths and misconceptions that surround it. A few of the missives addressed are: suicide barriers on bridges are ineffective, since the person will just find another method to take his or her life; suicide is a selfish act; if a person talks about suicide, he or she won’t actually attempt it; and several more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 9, 201721 min

S1 Ep 18Bestselling Self-Help Author Talks Bipolar Disorder

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome guest Julie Fast, a world-renowned mental health expert and bestselling author of multiple books, including Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, Get It Done When You’re Depressed, Bipolar Happens!, and The Health Cards Treatment System for Bipolar Disorder. Listen as she discusses her history with bipolar disorder, the bicycle accident that saved her life, and her role as consultant for the television show, Homeland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 2, 201720 min

S1 Ep 17Understanding Depression – What It Is and What It Isn’t

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss depression and why so many people don’t understand this insidious disease. They speak of their own versions of depression (bipolar depression and persistent depressive disorder) and why terminology matters. Despite hundreds of millions of people worldwide suffering from depression, the average person still thinks of depression as nothing more than “sadness.” Listen and find out why this is exceedingly inadequate to explain depression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 23, 201718 min

S1 Ep 16Why Does the Narcissist Always Get the Girl?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales have a candid discussion about narcissists with Ramani Durvasula, PhD. In this information-packed interview, she gives the harsh truth about narcissists, including addressing the questions: What’s the difference between narcissism and self-confidence? Can women be narcissists? Are there more narcissists today than in the past? What happens when two narcissists are in a relationship? and, of course, Why does the narcissist always get the girl? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 16, 201723 min

S1 Ep 15Should Your Spouse Care That Your Ex is Still Your Friend?

Are you friends with an ex? Is your wife friends with an ex? What if your wife was friends with your ex? How would that work out? Is it even possible? In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales share the microphone with two special guests: Gabe’s wife, Kendall, and Gabe’s ex-wife, Lisa. The unlikely trio discusses the surprising amount of criticism they receive for getting along. Have societal expectations and criticism changed the way you wanted to end a relationship? Then listen as Gabe, Lisa, and Kendall offer an alternative ending to what is often an unhappy story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 9, 201720 min

S1 Ep 14Mental Illness: To Disclose or Not to Disclose?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss the pros and cons of disclosure with regard to mental illness. Should you “come out” as mentally ill? And if so, to whom? These are questions everyone living with a metal illness has to answer eventually. There are benefits to being completely honest about your medical history (e.g., not having to hide, helping the overarching cause), but it can also be detrimental to your career and damage your personal relationships. Whether you are still under a coat in the back of the closet, or hosting a podcast about mental illness, revealing your illness (or not) is a minefield. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 2, 201719 min

S1 Ep 13Interview With Sarah Schuster, Mental Health Editor for The Mighty

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales speak with Sarah Schuster, mental health editor for The Mighty, Psych Central's partner and story-based health community focused on improving the lives of people facing disease, disorder, and disability. The Mighty publishes real stories about real people facing real challenges. Sarah graduated with a journalism degree from Syracuse University, and currently lives in Los Angeles. You can find her on Twitter @saraheliztweets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 26, 201721 min

S1 Ep 12What’s the Difference Between Mental Health and Physical Health?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss the perception that mental health is fundamentally different from physical health. They discuss the lack of biochemical “markers” that can identify physical illnesses and whether we will ever have a simple lab test to diagnose depression, for example. They discuss how physical illness can affect mental health (and vice versa), and ultimately agree that the difference comes down to just one thing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 19, 201720 min

S1 Ep 11What Does the 21st Century Cures Act Mean For the Mentally Ill?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome mental health researcher and Psych Central Founder, Dr. John Grohol, to discuss the newly passed 21st Century Cures Act. In addition to other bills, the Act integrated parts of what was previously known as The Murphy Bill or Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. There has been a lot of talk in the mental health community about how, exactly, the news laws will help people living with mental illness. Listen as Dr. Grohol explains what impact this law will have on treating mental illness in America. He also explains, in layman’s terms, the details of the new law and offers his expert analysis of how the new laws will affect HIPAA regulations, assisted outpatient treatment, research, and SAMHSA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 12, 201723 min

S1 Ep 10Remembering Carrie Fisher – Mental Health Advocate

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss the recent passing of Carrie Fisher. To most, she was Princess Leia from the Star Wars films. To some, she was a witty novelist. But to many, she was a staunch mental health advocate, unapologetic and committed to helping make things better for those with mental illness. Our hosts discuss their own personal views of Carrie’s life and end with how her activism can help inspire our own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 5, 201719 min

S1 Ep 9How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss New Year’s Resolutions: why we make them, but frequently abandon them long before the year is over. They share some interesting statistics on the most common reasons for such failures. In addition to talking about their own personal failures with resolutions, Gabe and Vincent share some easy ways to make keeping your resolutions much, much easier, including the key factor of knowing yourself better... with a little help from PsychCentral blogger, Sharon Martin, LCSW, and her article, "26 Questions to Help You Know Yourself Better." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 23, 201619 min

S1 Ep 8Why Do Some People View Mental Illness as a Gift?

In this week’s Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss how some individuals with mental illness view their condition as beneficial, such as giving them enhanced creativity, deeper empathy, more insightful, and so on. They share their own personal stories and anecdotes heard from others. They discuss the reasons behind why some people believe this and why others do not. Ultimately, they offer their own opinions on whether mental illness is more of a giver or a taker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 21, 201619 min

S1 Ep 7Aspirin, Yes; Psych Meds, No – Why the Difference?

In this week’s Psych Central Show, our hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss why so many people stop taking medication for psychiatric disorders or even refuse to start on them at all. In a society that is always searching for a “magic pill,” why are so many people resistant to the idea of taking medication to treat mental illness? Why do doctors and others so easily dismiss the complaints of side effects? And does stigma prevent many from getting the treatment they need? Gabe and Vincent give advice and reassurance on how to cope with the many pitfalls of being “med compliant.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 14, 201621 min

S1 Ep 6Why Does Depression Make Us Feel Guilt or Shame?

In this week’s Psych Central Show, Our hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss feelings of guilt surrounding a mental illness diagnosis. Lots of us feel guilty about our diagnosis or our symptoms. We feel badly for the effect it has on our loved ones, especially when they don’t sympathize. Where does this stigma come from? Why does society make us feel guilty for being sick? Mental illness is something that happens to us, not something we do to ourselves, so why do we feel like failures? How do we help our loved ones understand, and how do we move past this self-condemnation? Listen in to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 7, 201620 min

S1 Ep 5Discussion with Award-Winning Bipolar Author and Blogger

In this week’s Psych Central Show, Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales interview popular bipolar author and blogger, Natasha Tracy. Natasha Tracy is an award-winning writer and speaker living with bipolar disorder. She has written more than 1000 articles on mental health and is considered a subject matter expert in bipolar disorder. She has also been published in the peer reviewed journal, Primary Care Companion CNS Disorders. She was the winner of the Beatrice Stern Media Award presented by Didi Hirsch for her work in reducing prejudice against the those with mental illness. Natasha writes the award-winning blog Bipolar Burble at NatashaTracy.com and her writings are also featured on many other sites. She recently released the book Lost Marbles: Insights into My Life with Depression & Bipolar which one reviewer said will “certainly save lives.” Her book is being received very positively by those with bipolar disorder or depression, their loved ones and even healthcare professionals. Lost Marbles and its reviews can be found on Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 29, 201620 min

S1 Ep 4Do Suicides Increase During the Holidays?

In this week’s Psych Central Show, our hosts Gabe and Vincent address the persistent and widespread myth that suicides increase during the holiday season. They discuss which seasons see the highest suicide rates, what month has the lowest rate, and what we as a society can do to educate ourselves about, and ultimately prevent, suicide. Vincent, a former suicide hotline counselor, covers some common warning signs that indicate possible suicidal thoughts and what a person can expect when calling a suicide hotline. The conversation includes a brief history of American automobile safety standards, as well as some surprising statistics about death in in the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 23, 201621 min

S1 Ep 3Does Person-First Language Reduce Mental Illness Stigma?

In this week’s Psych Central Show, Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss the use of person-first language in mental health advocacy. Person-First refers to a form of etiquette that calls for language to be structured “person” first, “disability” second. For example: “people with diabetes” versus “diabetic.” It changes language to replace “to be” (mentally ill) with “to have” (mental illness). Our hosts discuss the relative merits and disadvantages of this supposedly empowering strategy. They question whether this is needed, whether it’s helping, or whether it is just one more way to stigmatize people who have been diagnosed with mental illness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 17, 201620 min

S1 Ep 2Podcast: My Mental Illness vs. Yours – Whose Is Worse?

In this episode of The Psych Central Show, our hosts discuss how society sees different mental health diagnoses. Gabe Howard has bipolar disorder and Vincent M. Wales has persistent depressive disorder (also known as dysthymia). In addition to each discussing his diagnosis, they compare how the conditions are similar and how are they different, and what each thinks of the other’s diagnosis. Ultimately, they ask the question: Is one worse than the other? And if so, in what ways? Listen to this excellent conversation that is sure to provide many points to consider when it comes to thinking about and reacting to people living with mental illness. Show Webpage: PsychCentral.com/show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 9, 201620 min

S1 Ep 1Podcast: Interview With Psych Central Founder Dr. John Grohol

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 1, 201621 min