Inside Mental Health

Do you suffer from self doubt? Do you want to make changes in your life and develop new habits but find yourself repeating old patterns over and over? Today's guest, NY Times best selling author Jen Sincero, offers frank advice from her new book, Badass Habits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you curious about TMS therapy? What is it, exactly? In today’s show, two psychiatrists explain how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation works and how it can help many patients with depression, OCD or smoking addiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there hope after a heavy drug addiction? What if you quit but then relapse? Can you quit again? Absolutely. In today’s show, our guest Daniel McGhee shares his long, but ultimately victorious, journey through alcohol and heroin addiction, incarceration, treatment centers and relapses. Now he is giving back to the community that he feels he took so much from. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s discuss bipolar disorder. How have treatments evolved over the last two decades? In today’s podcast, we welcome Dr. Francis Mark Mondimore, a professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins and the author of Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for You and Your Loved Ones, which is now in its fourth edition. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-inside-bipolar-disorder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chronic loneliness is on the rise. But how can this be when we’re more connected now than ever? In today’s show, Dr. J.W. Freiberg, a social psychologist-turned-lawyer, explains that loneliness is not an emotion like happiness or anger. It’s a sensation like hunger or thirst. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-loneliness-and-litigation-a-lawyers-case-study Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Schizophrenia has been around since the dawn of time but actually treating it has only been around the past 100 years. In this episode host and schizophrenic Rachel Star Withers takes you through the dark and disturbing evolution of schizophrenia treatments. From systematic euthanasia to hydrotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy to the infamous lobotomy. Were these doctors "mad scientists" torturing the mentally ill or were they the only ones trying to help a population of people seen as a burden? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve made it to the end of 2020! From polarizing politics to raging fires to COVID-19, it’s been a real doozy. And now the Holidays… Do we celebrate with loved ones and risk COVID or take a pass? Today, Dr. John Grohol, founder of Psych Central, explains how this isn’t going to be our regular holiday season and that’s okay: We can make lemonade out of lemons. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-celebrating-a-covid-christmas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is your life story? Do you feel like a victim of your circumstances? And if so, how does this affect your future? In today’s show, our guest James Sweigert, who struggled out of a traumatic childhood, shares how the power of his thoughts and the spoken word changed his life. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-reframing-past-traumas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s COVID world, many mental health patients are finding themselves “forced” into seeing their doctors online, rather than in person. But how effective is telehealth? What are the benefits and disadvantages? Today’s guest, psychiatrist Dr. Frank Chen, thoroughly explains the whole new world of telemedicine and why it doesn’t have to be scary. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-is-telehealth-effective Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ouch! You stub your toe or burn your finger and a curse word comes flying out. It’s automatic -- and it probably makes you feel a little better. But have you ever considered specifically using curse words as a way to improve your mental health? That’s the idea behind our guest’s new book “Move On MF'er.” For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-can-swearing-improve-mental-health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the signs of emotional abuse? Can you be a victim or a perpetrator and not even know it? In today’s podcast, we welcome psychotherapist Beverly Engel who explains how emotional abuse can sometimes slide under the radar and may even be mistaken as care. In truth, it’s all about control. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-understanding-emotional-abuse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s talk about psychotherapy. Why hasn’t it changed much in the last century? And if a patient isn’t getting well, is it the fault of the patient, the therapist, or the therapy itself? In today’s podcast, Gabe and psychologist Barry L. Duncan discuss the idea of holding therapists more accountable when the patient isn’t getting better. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-therapist-or-patient-whos-in-charge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the worst that could happen? And who will you still be regardless of the outcome? In today’s podcast, Gabe talks with author Shira Gura about her newest method CLEAR, a tool we can all use to prepare for an upcoming event or situation that is causing anxiety. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-how-to-mentally-prepare-for-anything Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A third of all people will be a caregiver at some point in their lives. Caregiving for people with schizophrenia presents challenges that many people are ill-prepared for. Host Rachel Star and Gabe Howard break down the principles of caregiving and creative ways to navigate schizophrenia. Dr. Sarah Kopelovich joins to share schizophrenia caregiver specific training. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do your feelings about a romantic relationship or your partner change significantly when it’s over? In today’s show, Gabe talks with researcher Aidan Smyth who conducted a study probing people’s feelings about their relationships -- both during the relationship and after it was over. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-relationships-and-rose-colored-glasses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show, Gabe talks with Robert Kolker, author of the New York Times bestselling -- and Oprah's book club pick -- book Hidden Valley Road. This non-fiction biography is the true story of a mid-century American family besieged by schizophrenia. Of their 12 children, 6 struggled with the severe mental disorder. Join us for the incredible story of the family who became science's greatest hope in the quest to understand schizophrenia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is anyone single on purpose? In today’s podcast, Gabe talks with Bella DePaulo, Ph.D, a prominent thinker and author on the single life, who shatters myths about being single. She shares how many people thrive as a single person and feel their most empowered living the single life. In fact, single people often hold prominent positions in their communities. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-is-single-life-mentally-unhealthy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s talk politics, lies and fake news. Why are they so rampant today? In today’s show Gabe speaks with author and communications expert Tim Ward who explains why the truth matters so much, especially regarding our elected officials. Tim defines our cognitive biases, like the “halo” and “anchoring” effects, that can cause us to turn a blind eye and believe the lies we hear. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://www.gabehoward.com/politics-post-truth-era-psych-central-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that we’re in the middle of a pandemic, more people than ever are experiencing anxiety, especially those who struggled with mental health issues before COVID-19. And to make things even worse, many of our coping mechanisms, like going to the gym, have been taken away. Tune in now to better manage your anxiety! Jasleen Chhatwal, MD, is Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Mood Disorders Program at Sierra Tucson, a premier residential behavioral health treatment center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can people with schizophrenia love? Can they date or get married? Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard review their own past experiences. Andrew and Stephanie Downing, authors of “Marriage and Schizophrenia: Eyes on the Prize” join and share their incredible journey and love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

COVID-19 has altered our lives dramatically. Many children have lost their regular routines, and at the same time have been exposed to anxious adults who are just as unsure about what's going to happen next. In today's show, author and life coach Ada Perez shares how we can address kids' mental health issues in this strange new world we're living in. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://www.gabehoward.com/covid-anxiety-children-psych-central-podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is schizoid personality disorder? Is it like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder? In today's show, our guest, psychologist Elinor Greenberg, PhD, sheds light on schizoid personality disorder and reveals how people with this condition experience the world. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://www.gabehoward.com/what-is-schizoid-personality-disorder-psych-central-podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does law enforcement need to evolve to meet the needs of our changing society? Absolutely, according to our guest, mental health advocate Gabriel Nathan. Join us for a deep look into police culture and how it damages the community as well as the officers themselves. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-does-law-enforcement-need-mental-health-care Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the age of social media, we’re connected more than ever. So why are loneliness and sadness on the rise? Are social media friendships not fulfilling? In today’s show, Professor Tim Bono, Ph.D., an expert in psychological health and happiness, shares how we can keep a balanced perspective regarding social media and not let it lead to depression, addiction or envy. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-are-social-media-friends-real Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In both Asian and Christian communities, there remains some stigma regarding mental illness. In today’s show, Dr. Esther Park, who is both Korean and Christian, breaks down these misconceptions and encourages people in these circles to seek professional help for their mental health problems. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-stigma-in-christian-and-asian-communities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A teen’s first relationship isn’t always sweet puppy love. Just like adult relationships, sometimes these young partnerships can become emotionally abusive or violent. What are some signs of teen dating violence? And how can family and friends help? For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-dating-violence-in-young-adults Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we send verbal and non-verbal signals, we think the other person understands what we're trying to say. In reality, we need to stop assuming we know how others perceive us and vice versa. In today’s show, we discuss the 12 mental habits that can give us top-notch communication skills. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-your-gut-instinct-is-bad-for-your-relationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you have mental patterns or habits you’d like to change? Or do you want to focus on your strengths and become a better version of yourself? In today’s show, Dr. Jen Friedman explains the difference between therapy and coaching. Which would be a better fit for you? For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-is-life-coaching-the-same-as-therapy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It’s been 15 minutes -- Maybe I should check my social media, just in case.” Sound familiar? Do you have a fear of missing out? In today’s show, Gabe and psychologist Robert Duff have an enlightening discussion on how the information age is affecting our mental health. Tune in to hear specific tips on how to make social media the servant, not the master, of your reality. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-do-cell-phones-cause-anxiety Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rates of psychosis are more strongly influenced by ethnicity and socioeconomic status than any other mental health condition. In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard discuss the impact of schizophrenia in minority communities. Guest Sakinah “The Muslim Hippie” joins to share her experiences in mental health care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy 25th anniversary, Psych Central! Today we take a trip down memory lane to when Psych Central was just a twinkle in Dr. John Grohol’s eye more than a quarter century ago. Join us for a great discussion on how Psych Central went from a hobby site to the largest independent mental health resource on the Internet -- and where it will go from here. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-psych-central-turns-25-this-year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Motherhood is full of incredible rewards but wrought with struggles like self-doubt. Today, motherhood expert Katherine Wintsch discusses the dragon of “mom doubt.” Whether it’s comparing yourself to other moms or being hard on yourself for the weight you’ve gained, this feeling of being “less-than” can lead to sheer exhaustion. Find out how to slay this dragon. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-motherhood-and-the-dragon-of-self-doubt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s Psych Central Podcast, originally a live recording on Facebook, Gabe talks with Okpara Rice, MSW. They tackle all of the tough subjects: white privilege, systemic racism, disparities in education and Black Lives Matter. Tune in for an informative discussion that leaves no stone unturned. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-the-trauma-of-racism-an-open-dialogue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What exactly does a therapist do? Is therapy only for people with severe mental illness, like bipolar disorder? In this Psych Central Podcast, we welcome therapist Clay Cockrell, LCSW, who clears up any misunderstandings about therapy and explains why therapy can be good for anyone in mental pain or who simply needs to talk. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-talking-therapy-with-a-licensed-therapist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m such a loser. I can’t believe I just said that.” Sound familiar? Most of us live with a constant inner critic telling us everything we’ve done wrong. Why is this? And how can we fix it? In today’s show, author Kevin Stacey helps us reign in our brain’s natural negativity bias. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you a victim of stigma? Do you feel like you have less value in society because of your job, income, ethnicity or your mental health diagnosis? In today’s Psych Central Podcast, Gabe talks with anthropologists Alex Brewis and Amber Wutich about the negative impacts of stigma in society. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-lazy-crazy-and-disgusting-how-stigma-is-everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2006, a 19-year-old woman struggling with addiction became friends with a young man who would eventually write about their friendship and post it on Myspace. As a result, the idea for the nonprofit "To Write Love on Her Arms" was born. In today’s Psych Central Podcast, Gabe interviews its founder Jamie Tworkowski, the young man in the story. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-a-national-non-profit-is-born-from-a-random-encounter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Research has shown that nature has a profound impact on our mental health and cognition: Being in nature reduces anxiety and stress and increases creativity, attention and overall well-being. Today’s guest, Richard Louv, a journalist, author and co-founder of the nonprofit Children & Nature Network, discusses the science behind nature’s healing powers. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-using-nature-and-animals-to-manage-anxiety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of the professionals that work most with helping people with schizophrenia are nurses. There are so many types with different skill sets. Host Rachel Star Withers and Co-host Gabe Howards learn who these often overlooked healthcare workers are. Dr. Tari Dilks, Professor and President of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, joins with insight on what goes into being a psychiatric nurse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you in pain, or are you depressed? Does one lead to the other? In today’s show, Dr. Jack Stern, a board-certified neurosurgeon, explains how the two are linked. He also discusses why opioids don’t work for chronic pain and how past pain can affect our current pain levels. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-is-there-a-link-between-physical-and-mental-health. Inside Mental Health Podcast Host Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations, available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are the police often called to handle mental health crises? And what are they trained to do once they get to the scene? In today’s show, Sergeant Matt Harris of the Columbus, Ohio Police Department sheds light on the police officers’ role in the community and explains how they can help when someone is having a mental health emergency. Sgt. Harris also shares how his team tries to de-escalate the situation and what happens when de-escalation attempts fail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Got the quarantine blues? Meet Woebot, an on-demand therapy robot who talks you through your problems! Woebot’s advice is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and can help you identify distorted thinking. He even checks in on you to see if you’re OK. In today’s podcast, we talk with Woebot’s creator, Dr. Alison Darcy, who shares how this phone app came to be and how it works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know you have a magic sex number? It’s how much sex you’d prefer to have if you were with your ideal partner, says today’s guest, Marriage and Family Therapist Steven Ing. People can have vastly different numbers, of course -- from 4 times a day to once a month to never. But what happens if your partner’s number is starkly different from your own? Tune into today’s podcast to have an open discussion on how to have a sexually-healthy relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you suddenly found yourself working from home during the COVID-19 quarantine? How can you make the most of this situation? On today’s Psych Central Podcast, Gabe interviews Donald M. Rattner, architect and author of "My Creative Space: How to Design Your Home to Stimulate Ideas and Spark Innovation, 48 Science-based Techniques." Donald offers simple tips on setting up a mental-health friendly workspace that maximizes creativity and productivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’d like to hear an insider’s perspective of psychiatric hospitals by a psychologist who’s worked there for decades -- this is your podcast. Tune in to hear Gabe interview Dr. David Susman, a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years experience in a public psychiatric hospital. Gabe asks Dr. Susman all of the tough questions surrounding psychiatric inpatient care -- including why so many patients feel traumatized during their visit -- and he gets honest, compassionate answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life is a limited time offer. Are you truly living each day to the fullest? Today’s guest, Kate Manser, pioneer of the movement YOU MIGHT DIE TOMORROW, believes that in order to truly live, we need to incorporate a certain level of “mortality awareness” into our lives. Only when we face our fear of death, do we gain the freedom to truly live. Tune into today’s Psych Central podcast to hear Kate’s personal journey and her recipe for a fulfilling life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s “nothing to fear but fear itself,” said the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Fear keeps us up at night, wears down our immune system and makes some people hoard obscene amounts of toilet paper. In this global COVID-19 pandemic, we’re seeing an unprecedented level of fear, and if we let it, this fear has the power to deteriorate everyone’s mental health. In today’s podcast, our guest Dr. David Batman shares how we can protect our wellbeing in the midst of the chaos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most children encounter death at some point, whether it’s the loss of a grandparent, a pet or even finding a dead bird in the yard. In today’s podcast, Gabe interviews Patrice Karst, author of the children’s book “The Invisible String,” a story that explores the concepts of separation, death and the eternal connection of love. When a child aches for a lost loved one or beloved pet, they can find comfort in knowing there is an invisible string still connecting them together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Men and women experience schizophrenia differently; from the age of onset to symptoms and how society treats those with mental disorders. Schizophrenic, Rachel Star Withers and co-host Gabe Howard continue the discussion of the differences from the last episode but change the focus to men. Jason Jepson, an author who has schizophrenia joins for a man’s perspective and Dr. Hayden Finch returns to explain the clinical side of the issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a rebellious English teacher from a dysfunctional background falls in love and runs away with a South Korean woman from a rich, controlling family? In today’s podcast, you’ll find out, as these were the true life events of author Mark Diehl who documented his experiences in the book "Stealing Cinderella: How I Became an International Fugitive for Love." From daily harassment to ultimately running for their lives, his true life story is more cliffhanging than fiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices