Inside Mental Health

Up to 20% of Americans who have suffered trauma will go on to develop PTSD. And it’s not just veterans. Our guest presents a type of treatment that promises to do more than just treat the symptoms, but help people not to just survive PTSD, but to thrive in spite of it. Hosted by Gabe Howard (www.gabehoward.com) and Vincent M. Wales (www.vincentmwales.com). Previous episodes can be found at psychcentral.com/show or on your favorite podcast player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is it about money that makes it such a sensitive topic with couples? Why do we not have conversations about finances the way we have discussions about so many other things? And most of all, how can we prevent money issues from wreaking havoc in our relationships? Listen for answers to these questions and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When her mother, after a lifetime of threats, died by suicide, Linda Meyers decided that the best way to give meaning to her mother’s death was to make changes to her own life. She left her marriage, went to college, and established a career. Listen to her remarkable story. Hosted by Gabe Howard (www.gabehoward.com) and Vincent M. Wales (www.vincentmwales.com). Previous episodes can be found at psychcentral.com/show or on your favorite podcast player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part two of the live recording of the Psych Central Show at HealtheVoices 2018. Our four panelists share more tales of their advocacy efforts, dispelling misunderstandings and false assumptions and comparing the similarities in their advocacy work. Hosted by Gabe Howard (www.gabehoward.com) and Vincent M. Wales (www.vincentmwales.com). Previous episodes can be found at psychcentral.com/show or on your favorite podcast player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part one of the first ever live recording of the Psych Central Show at HealtheVoices 2018. Four advocates of different health conditions join for a panel discussion on a variety of advocacy topics. Hosted by Gabe Howard (www.gabehoward.com) and Vincent M. Wales (www.vincentmwales.com). Previous episodes can be found at psychcentral.com/show or on your favorite podcast player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After having opened 15 mental health centers, Steve Fields, Executive Director of The Progress Foundation, has a good idea on how to prevent community opposition to such facilities. Listen to part 2 of 2 on dealing with NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) opposition. Hosted by Gabe Howard (www.gabehoward.com) and Vincent M. Wales (www.vincentmwales.com). Previous episodes can be found at psychcentral.com/show or on your favorite podcast player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A small minority of vocal people can do a lot of damage when they act out of fear. Listen to how NIMBYism forced a non-profit facility to relocate, leaving a large hole in vital services provided in the community they left behind. Hosted by Gabe Howard (www.gabehoward.com) and Vincent M. Wales (www.vincentmwales.com). Previous episodes can be found at psychcentral.com/show or on your favorite podcast player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Strangely enough, Gabe Howard hosts a podcast with someone other than Vincent M. Wales! Michelle Hammer joins for a discussion about A Bipolar, a Schizophrenic, and a Podcast, including the positive and negative reactions they’ve received from listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The onset of mental illness can upend our lives in many ways. In this episode, we speak with a young man living with schizophrenia and hear about the impact it has had on him and his family. Hosted by Gabe Howard (www.gabehoward.com) and Vincent M. Wales (www.vincentmwales.com). Previous episodes can be found at psychcentral.com/show or on your favorite podcast player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do so many people feel a disconnect between themselves and their physicians? And what can be done about it? Participatory medicine shows just how connected a doctor and patient should be, and the kind of great results that can come of it. Hosted by Gabe Howard (www.gabehoward.com) and Vincent M. Wales (www.vincentmwales.com). Previous episodes can be found at psychcentral.com/show or on your favorite podcast player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why in the world is it so difficult for so many people to get the mental health care that they need? And how do we change that? The Well Being Trust has some solid suggestions on how anyone can work to fix our broken system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered about the advice columns in papers and on websites? Like, how many questions they receive, how they deal with different issues, and so on? Two of Psych Central’s experts from “Ask the Therapist” join us to share their experiences answering questions online. Hosted by Gabe Howard (www.gabehoward.com) and Vincent M. Wales (www.vincentmwales.com). Previous episodes can be found at psychcentral.com/show or on your favorite podcast player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why doesn’t Canada have a homeless crisis as does the U.S.? What can we do about the shortage of psychiatrists? These questions and more are discussed with the Medical Director of the National Council for Behavioral Health. Listen in to learn some surprising facts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many employers provide health benefits to their workers that go above and beyond the typical medical insurance. This may take the form of incentive programs for improving health, discounts on fitness centers, or employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide various health-related services. But there’s a new star on the health horizon called LifeSpeak. This is an entire wellness platform that employers can make available to employees, giving them free, anonymous access to an enormous library of health information, discussion forums, and even live interaction with health experts on a variety of topics, including a great deal related to mental health. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [0:55] What is LifeSpeak and what does it do? [3:50] Examples of LifeSpeak’s mental health resources. [5:38] LifeSpeak’s approach to mental health. [8:13] The effect of mental health on work attendance. [13:56] Differences in how Canada and the US treat mental health in the workplace. [20:54] Assistance in real time. [24:08] How LifeSpeak finds experts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social anxiety is more common than most of us realize. Around 80% of us have experienced it at some point in our lives. In this episode, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen shares her insights into social anxiety, including how it is experienced by different sorts of people, and how we can reduce its impact on us. She explains about safety behaviors and how they can work against us in overcoming anxiety, as well as addresses specific anxious behaviors, such as avoiding eye contact. As she explains, a little social anxiety isn’t anything to worry about. It’s when social anxiety causes us to avoid certain situations or interactions that we should be concerned. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:37] What’s the difference between social anxiety and shyness? [4:15] Social anxiety with introverts & extraverts. [5:58] The two lies of social anxiety. [9:49] How do we lessen the impact of social anxiety? [15:23] Writing the book on social anxiety. [21:29] Looking social anxiety in the eye. [26:32] What are safety behaviors? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keith O’Neil lived with undiagnosed bipolar disorder throughout his NFL career, including his final year with the Indianapolis Colts as they won the Super Bowl in 2006. After his diagnosis, Keith became an advocate, starting the 4th and Forever Foundation, which is dedicated to assisting those living with and affected by mental health conditions, through programs that raise awareness, promote education and fund research to alleviate mental illness. Keith tours the country, speaking to high school students. He shares with us his secret to getting through to them, and the single most frequent question they ask. He also speaks candidly about writing his book and about the people in his life who helped him, both before and after diagnosis. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:19] Being bipolar in the NFL. [4:27] Coming out as bipolar on Facebook. [6:29] Keith O’Neil’s 4th and Forever Foundation. [7:05] The secret to getting through to high schoolers. [12:15] Keith’s suicide attempt. [14:40] Keith’s book, Under My Helmet. [17:00] “Beating the Demon.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More and more apps are showing up that are geared toward mental health. One such app is called, simply, “Happy.” This simple to use app allows a user to speak with a “giver” (an emotional support individual) to discuss whatever happens to be troubling the user. In this episode, we speak with the company’s CEO, who explains how the app works, the vetting process of the givers, and plans for the future of the app. The importance of emotional support is also discussed, as are specifics on how the app works, including how a user is matched with a giver. HAPPY THE APP SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:46] What exactly is this app for? [6:07] How does a user get matched with a “giver”? [10:16] How important is emotional support, really? [17:50] How does the app work? [19:24] Do the givers get paid? [20:37] How does one become a giver? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pete Earley returns to talk more about mental health advocacy and lots of other things. He tells of how he came to co-author a book with Jessie Close and talks of his days writing his own spy novels and several books with former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich. He also shares stories from his days as a reporter with the Washington Post, including being part of a “special” squad of reporters. Pete shares some information on some of his forthcoming books and projects, and finally, he advises everyone of what we can do to help advocate for mental health in our own ways. PETE EARLEY SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [0:35] Pete speaks about writing a book with Jessie Close. [2:31] Pete Earley: The Spy Writer [5:59] Tales from the Washington Post [11:49] Information on forthcoming projects. [19:21] Advice on what you can do to advocate for mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pulitzer finalist and former Washington Post reporter Pete Earley joins for the first of two shows. Pete talks about his popular blog and how he worked to make it more balanced than the average blog. He also speaks of the many obstacles and excuses he encountered in getting treatment for his son’s bipolar disorder, which led him to write the book, Crazy: A Father's Search Through America's Mental Health Madness. Also discussed is how “seriously mentally ill” is such a subjective diagnosis and why it seems that some mentally ill individuals can only receive treatment if they commit a crime. PETE EARLEY SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:42] Pete talks of creating a “balanced” blog. [6:41] Why must many mentally ill commit crimes in order to receive treatment? [10:03] What is “Seriously Mentally Ill,” anyway? [12:45] Pete tells how Crazy came to be written. [19:04] The importance of partnership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After years of being bullied in school and having to eat alone – often not even in the cafeteria – Natalie Hampton decided to something to help others in similar situations. She created the Sit With Us anti-bullying app, which allows a user to locate a table in their school’s cafeteria where they will be welcome, so that no one needs to eat alone. In this episode, Natalie explains how the app came to exist, and how it’s being used by more than just schools. Additionally, she offers her views on why bullying is so prevalent in some schools. Hosted by Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales. SIT WITH US SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:33] What is Sit With Us and what does it do? [4:13] The unexpected success of the app, and how it happened. [5:49] How being bullied led Natalie to create the app. [7:06] Natalie’s other anti-bullying activities. [7:53] Why is bullying so prevalent in some schools? [12:38] Natalie’s TEDx Teen talk. [15:45] How someone becomes a bully, and how to stop it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome Dr. Gleb Tsipursky to look at why some people hold their opinions, despite factual evidence to the contrary. In addition to explaining the reasons why some people ignore facts, the show offers suggestions on how to go about changing the mind of someone who does this, using the EGRIP approach. He also gives examples of how we can become more evolved thinkers, ourselves. Dr. Tsipursky also encourages the hosts to sign the Pro-Truth Pledge, a commitment to truth-oriented behavior. (Spoiler: they both already had!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss the potentially disastrous effects of mental illness on romantic relationships, especially those in which one individual has a mental illness and the other does not. Drawing from their own failed marriages (two each), Gabe and Vincent talk about the role mental illness played in the ending of the relationships, including when they were undiagnosed or diagnosed but with little or no treatment. Gabe also shares advice for those in such relationships on how to minimize the impact of mental illness on the relationships themselves, based on his successful third marriage. MENTAL ILLNESS IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:40] What are the difficulties in having a relationship with a mentally ill person? [2:51] Examining the role of mental illness in Gabe’s marriages. [9:00] Examining the role of mental illness in Vincent’s marriages. [10:41] Honesty and education about mental illness are vital for relationships. [13:43] Making mistakes in the relationships. [14:16] What a potential romantic partner needs to know before becoming involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales talk with Lisa Klein, director of the powerful documentary about suicide, The S Word. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly everyone has lost someone to suicide, whether a family member, friend, coworker, etc. Despite this, we don’t talk about it enough. In this episode, the director speaks of why she chose to make this film and how it affected her personally. Additionally, she talks about some of the stories that didn’t make it into the movie, the diverse perspectives featured, and more. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:16] Where the concept for the film came from. [3:25] Working with the Live Through This project. [7:12] Some stories not featured in the film. [12:53] In recovery, there are still bad days. [15:55] The diverse perspectives featured in the film. [17:52] How making the film affected the director herself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales talk about friendship. Specifically, why we find it so much more difficult to make friends as adults than when we were young. Among the points covered was the fact that not everyone has the same definition of “friend.” Also discussed are the various pools of people available to us as friends and the ways in which we meet them. Most pertinent, though, is the major difference in how children and adults tend to determine who is worthy of being a friend. (Hint: kids might have a better grasp on it.) SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:25] What do we really mean by “friends”? [5:15] Do adults focus on different things when seeking friends? [7:05] How do we change how we disqualify others as friends? [9:52] Do we fragment our friendships in our personal lives? [10:51] Friends vs. friendly acquaintances. [12:57] The difference in how adults and kids find “groups.” [16:49] The (unrealistic?) expectations of adults. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome Psych Central CEO and founder Dr. John Grohol to discuss marijuana and its potential benefits for treating various types of mental illnesses, from major depression to bipolar disorder. Dr. Grohol explains why there has been so little research in this field and why it will be quite some time before a significant body of data is accumulated. Also discussed is the question of why many people seem to believe cannabis is a “miracle drug,” and which age group should be most careful about the use of marijuana (or any mind-altering substance). SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [2:40] Will marijuana help someone with major depression? [6:12] Why is there so little research on the effects of medical marijuana? [8:26] What are the detrimental effects of marijuana? [11:18] Why do people believe it to be a miracle drug? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales tackle Christmas. Specifically, how to survive it. For all the wonderful aspects of holidays, they are not without stressful aspects, especially for people who live with anxiety or depression. In this podcast, you’ll learn about some specific triggers that can make the holidays stressful, and how to mitigate or even avoid them. Such triggers include being alone over the holiday, false expectations we seem to have, toxic people, and the stress that comes along with our bank statements. Listen in to hear some helpful suggestions, and have a safe and happy holiday season. SURVIVING CHRISTMAS SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [3:00] Gabe’s plan for surviving Christmas [3:55] Being alone on Christmas [5:24] The false expectations of Christmas [7:42] Is it okay to not care about Christmas? [10:02] The stress of overspending [13:34] Avoiding toxic people [16:58] The reason for the season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss online counseling. Joining them is Haesue Jo of BetterHelp.com, which offers online counseling and is also the sponsor of The Psych Central Show. In addition to answering specific questions about Better Help, the conversation discusses how online counseling differs from in-person therapy, what types of issues are (and are not) good fits for this type of counseling, and what someone can expect from this kind of service. Also discussed is why some people are still skeptical of online therapy (or other types of virtual medical services) and why they shouldn’t be. ONLINE COUNSELING SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:32] What exactly is online therapy? [5:53] Why are some people so skeptical of online therapy? [10:37] What is online therapy NOT good for? [11:57] What about insurance and how much does it cost? [15:38] How many counselors and patients does BetterHelp have? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome Jessie Close, sister of acclaimed actress Glenn Close. Jessie shares the story of her son’s diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, followed by her own diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Spurred by a desire to make people more aware of the stigma surrounding mental illness, Jessie reached out to Glenn for help. The result of this was the founding of Bring Change to Mind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging dialogue about mental health, and to raising awareness, understanding, and empathy. Jessie tells of the making of the incredible public service announcement, directed by Ron Howard, and featuring Glenn, Jessie, and Jessie’s son, Calen. JESSIE CLOSE SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:55] Jessie tells of her diagnosis, late in life [4:58] How her son’s diagnosis affected her own recovery [9:25] Jessie talks about Bring Change to Mind and the PSA featuring Glenn Close and directed by Ron Howard [17:23] How worried was Glenn that her activism would affect her career? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome as their guest, Rachel Star, a stunt girl and YouTube sensation who lives with schizophrenia. Rachel had schizophrenia as a child, but was not diagnosed until her early twenties. She describes what it was like as a child and the moment she realize that the things she saw weren’t seen by others. Later in life, as an early adopter of online media, she began posting videos of herself doing outlandish things. The videos became quite popular, even being studied in classes at universities! And yes, she talks about being set on fire. RACHEL STAR SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [3:29] Rachel realized no one else actually sees monsters under the bed. [4:49] Finally, the diagnosis. [6:00] Telling the parents… on a trampoline. [7:35] How her father finally “got it.” [10:10] Rachel Star: Human Torch [13:55] How Rachel became a stuntwoman. [14:10] From YouTube star to college study subject. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss the pros and cons on “retail therapy,” the practice of shopping solely for the purpose of making ourselves feel better. They discuss the many benefits of such purchases, while also warning of the dangers of “comfort purchases.” Gabe warns especially of such purchases when in the manic phase of disorder, leading to hyperspending. Each of them share personal stories of their own purchases, both large and (comparatively) small. Other items discussed are oniomania, why we feel a “need” for retail therapy, window shopping, and some unexpected fringe benefits of retail therapy. RETAIL THERAPY SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:43] What triggers the need for retail therapy? [5:00] What’s the difference between “good” retail therapy and “bad”? [7:40] Retail Therapy + Bipolar Disorders = Hyperspending [10:26] What is oniomania? [12:09] My therapist made me buy a Rolex [15:21] Buying nostalgia on eBay [19:02] The fringe benefits of retail therapy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales, inspired by the TV show, Kevin Probably Saves the World, discuss how exactly one would go about choosing a small number of people to help them rule the world. They discuss many of the different factors that should be considered when choosing the composition of a group, including the balance between the sexes, races, ideology, skill sets, and more. It also touches on nepotism, cronyism, and other personal biases, and examines the ways in which we come to agreements and reach decisions as a group. RULING THE WORLD SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:14] How would Gabe choose others to help him rule the world? [3:10] Should you pick others who would agree with you? [4:01] Should you choose those who share your political views? [5:09] Should you have an equal number of men and women? [6:18] What about group balance and decision-making? [6:46] A few words about consensus decision-making and elections. [11:37] What about including people you hate? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome back Dr. Ramani Durvasula to discuss narcissism… this time, in the workplace. Everyone believes they’ve got a narcissist as a coworker and, often, they’re correct. In this episode, you’ll learn how to tell if your coworker is a narcissist, how common this is (especially among executives), and how to handle them, even if it’s your boss. You’ll learn about gaslighting and the link between narcissism and low self-esteem. Dr. Ramani also warns what can happen to a person who remains in the sort of toxic workplace environment created by narcissists. WORKPLACE NARCISSISM SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [2:02] What exactly is narcissism? [3:48] How common is narcissism among business executives? [4:35] What if your boss is a narcissist? [6:19] What is “gaslighting”? [8:33] What sort of behavior do narcissists exhibit in the workplace? [11:57] What’s the connection between low self-esteem and narcissism? [16:08] Can a person with low self-esteem become a narcissist? Join our Facebook group! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome Dr. Lori Russell-Chapin, who shares her experiences working in the field of neurofeedback. Specifically, she speaks on how technology – especially the intense use of handheld technology such as texting on smartphones – is affecting our brains. Dr. Russell-Chapin describes the differences that can be seen in the brain waves of a heavy texter as opposed to a “normal” baseline brain, how we seem to be losing our paralinguistic abilities, and offers insight to ways in which we can achieve a better balance in our lives by changing the way in which we use such technology. TEXTING SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:13] How texting is changing the structure and function of our brains. [6:41] Are we losing our paralinguistic abilities because of texting? [11:30] How does one get into the field of studying brain function? [12:51] What do we mean by “dysregulation” of the brain? [14:04] How do we know what the proper baseline is for brain function? [18:47] How do we achieve better balance? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome guest Brent Williams, author of Out of the Woods, a graphic novel that tells the story of his battle with depression. Williams, a human rights attorney in New Zealand, “hit a wall” that derailed his life. It took years for him to understand that depression was the cause and what he needed to do about it. He speaks of how journaling was a great help to him in the recovery process and how it led to the idea of doing a graphic novel. He also speaks of how his battle with cancer was “a breeze” compared to fighting depression. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [3:25] Hitting the wall. [4:02] Why it took years to understand that it was depression that was ruining his life. [9:01] How journaling helped in his recovery from depression. [13:43] Brent talks about the graphic novel process. [16:27] Cancer was “a breeze” compared to depression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss conspiracy theories with guest Dr. John Grohol, founder of Psych Central. Dr. Grohol explains what exactly is meant by “conspiracy theory” and where they come from. Discussion includes questions of whether they are ways for people to rationalize why horrific tragedies occur, if they are based on distrust of authority figures, and if those who believe them are just attention seekers. Ultimately, the question is raised of how to address them. Can we convince believers that they’re wrong and, if so, how do we do so? SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:05] What is a conspiracy theory and where do they come from? [2:19] Are conspiracy theories just a way to “make sense” of horrific tragedies? [6:50] What’s the connection between conspiracy theories and distrust of authority? [8:44] Are believers really just attention seekers? [12:12] The role of cognitive bias in the belief of conspiracy theories. [13:01] Are conspiracy theories invented just to mess with people? [14:15] How do we convince believers in conspiracy theories that they’re wrong? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss the myths and realities of being admitted to an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Gabe shares his personal experience of voluntarily entering a psychiatric hospital when he was suicidal. He tells of how his expectations of the situation differed from what he actually experienced. He shares what he found to be the most frightening aspects of his stay, as well as how he passed the time while there. He shares how his family reacted to his admission to the psychiatric hospital, and the aspect to the stay that he describes as “life-altering.” BEING IN A PSYCH HOSPITAL SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [3:43] The scariest part of being in a psych ward. [7:48] Gabe’s shocking discovery about psych hospitals. [10:57] Is it like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest? [13:05] How do you pass the time in a psych hospital? [14:49] Gabe’s expectations vs. reality. [16:53] The life-altering aspect of Gabe’s psychiatric stay. [18:45] How Gabe’s family reacted to his admission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss the challenges of returning to the workplace after being out for an extended amount of time, such as while recovering from mental illness. Gabe shares his first-hand experience of returning to work after four years, including the difficulties he faced, the resources he relied on, and what he wished he’d done differently. Also discussed are workplace discrimination, advocating for yourself, and the question of whether or not you should disclose your mental illness to your coworkers (and if so, to whom and when). RETURNING TO WORK AFTER MENTAL ILLNESS SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [0:59] Gabe shares the story of returning to work after four years. [4:55] How your therapist can help with your return to work. [6:37] Skills and resources to make your return easier. [8:07] Gabe tells of his experience with workplace discrimination. [9:14] Should you disclose your mental illness to your coworkers? [11:02] Potential positive results of disclosing your mental illness. [14:23] What do we mean by “reasonable accommodations”? [18:36] Tips on being your own advocate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales welcome Andy Behrman, veteran mental health speaker, writer, and advocate who is the author of Electroboy: A Memoir of Mania. Andy shares his views on how mental health advocacy has changed over the past fifteen years and the ways in which our views of stigma have evolved. He also shares the story of his interview with noted actor and bipolar advocate Stephen Fry, his ideas on how to help fund advocacy groups, and his experiences with electroconvulsive therapy and memory loss. And, yes, he tells us how he got the nickname of "Electroboy." MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:48] How has mental health advocacy changed? [3:15] Is mental illness less stigmatized now? [9:10] Electroboy talks about ECT and memory loss. [11:22] Andy Berhman's Stephen Fry experience. [13:39] Andy shares his plans to help fund smaller advocacy groups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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