I Have Issues - The Mental Health Podcast From Dr Mark Rackley

Send us a textThe field of psychology and mental health is a diverse one and it covers all manner of treatments to support people who are struggling with their mental health.Music therapy is an established psychological clinical intervention, to help people whose lives have been affected by injury, illness or disability.Music therapists draw upon the innate qualities of music to support people of all ages and abilities and at all stages of life; from helping newborn babies develop healthy bonds with their parents, to offering vital, sensitive and compassionate palliative care at the end of life. In this episode I to talk to Dr Shane Cassidy. Dr Shane is a senior music therapist and the founder of Neurolinks Clinic in Ireland, which provides music therapy for people who are living with a nuerological condition, their caregivers and famalies. Dr Shane and I have a facinating chat about how music therapy effects the brain and how it it used to help people with all manner of neurological and psychological conditions. You will never listen to music the same way again after listening to Dr Shane. I'm an adolescent and adult chartered psychologist for the past two decades. This is a completely free and independant podcast, non-sponsored and ad-free to support you with your mental health. Please support this podcast by sharing and rating it. We all have issues, so let's talk about them.

Send us a textPost-Natal Depression effects 12% - 15% of women.Depression is likely to be under-recognised during pregnancy and postnatally. Mental health problems are as common in the perinatal period as they are at other times of life. In this epiosde I speak to Sarah Hoover about her new book,'The Motherload, A Memoir. Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood.'  This book is an honest and raw account of Sarah's experience of living with postpartum depression. It's also full of hope too about what recovery looks like and how healing happens.Sarah lives in New York with her husband Tom and their two children. She is an art historian, cultural critic and now a best-selling author.  Sarah and I have a terrific conversation about her book and life. Please do share this episode with anyone who you feel mey benefit from this information. I'm an adolescent and adult chartered psychologist for the past two decades. This is a completely free and independant podcast, non-sponsored and ad-free to support you with your mental health. Please support this podcast by sharing and rating it. We all have issues, so let's talk about them.

Send us a textIf you think you may have ADHD and are undiagnosed, then making sense of this can be overwleming, confusing and challenging.In this episode I talk to Alex Partridge. If you are a regular listener to this podcast, I spoke with Alex in episode 39 about his ADHD Story.Aged just 21, Alex founded UNILAD and LADBible, social news sites which now have a following of 100 million people around the globe. Aged 34, he was diagnosed with ADHD.Alex is the host of  the award-winning 'ADHD Chatter' podcast which has helped countless individuals make sense of their own ADHD diagnosis. His first book 'Now It All Makes Sense,'  is his story of ADHD and out now. His book is already a best-seller. In this episode Alex and I talk about his incredible book and discuss how he made sense of his ADHD diagnosis. His book is filled with invaluable information about his life before his diagnosis and how he learned to live and thrive with ADHD.Alex's stroy is filled with hope and this episode is not only for people who may have ADHD or undiagnosed ADHD, but also for their family and friends.Alex's book is availble to buy now and I can't recommend it highly enough!I'm an adolescent and adult chartered psychologist for the past two decades. This is a completely free and independant podcast, non-sponsored and ad-free to support you with your mental health. Please support this podcast by sharing and rating it. We all have issues, so let's talk about them.

Send us a textJames Longman is the Chief International Correspondent for ABC News, USA. He has covered middle east conflicts, royal deaths and papal appointments.In his memoir, 'The Inherited Mind: A Story of Family, Hope and the Genetics of Mental Illness', James examines his own mental health issues in the context of his family.  When James was young his father, struggling with depression and schizophrenia, sadly took his own life. As an adult, James began to question if his own bouts of depression were related and if by learning about his father, he could learn about himself. In this episode I discuss James' thought-provoking book, what he learnt personally, and what scientific research is teaching us about 'The Inherited Mind'.I'm an adolescent and adult chartered psychologist for the past two decades. This is a completely free and independant podcast, non-sponsored and ad-free to support you with your mental health. Please support this podcast by sharing and rating it. We all have issues, so let's talk about them.

Send us a textWhy do many men refuse to see their GP, even if they are unwell?Why are the rates of men seeking help from their GP much lower than that of women?What happens when a man visits their GP and says they are struggling with their mental health?Research shows that men are less likely to visit their GP if they have a physical or mental health issue. Research also tells us that men are more likely to have addiction problems and also have higher rates of suicide than women. What is going wrong here, why won't men ask for help and go see their GP?In this episode I am joined by expert GP, Dr Hugh Coyne. Hugh runs Coyne Medical Practice, a busy GP practice in Fulham, London. Hugh and I talk about the challenges of getting men to take their physical and mental seriously and how he tackles that as a GP. He also discusses how he talks to his male patients about their health and how to help them accept that they need professional support. Hugh also talks to me about how he assess his male patient's mental health when they visit him about that issue and what they can expect their GP to ask them.As ever, this podcast is all about hope and Hugh and I provide hope to men and their famalies, partners and friends about how taking their health seriously is an issue they can manage and is also worth dealing with. I'm an adolescent and adult chartered psychologist for the past two decades. This is a completely free and independant podcast, non-sponsored and ad-free to support you with your mental health. Please support this podcast by sharing and rating it. We all have issues, so let's talk about them.

Send us a textGrief is the great universal leveller, we will all experience it at some point in our life. When and how grief comes into our life is something that none of us have any control over. Coping with sudden and unexpected loss is unbelievably difficult.In this episode I talk to Ben Kennedy about his story of grief and loss. Tragically 4 years ago when Ben was aged 32, he suddenly lost his wife Jo and their unborn child. Ben was thrown into unbearable trauma, loss and grief and had a 4 year old son to take care of.Ben uses his story to provide hope for other people who are living with loss and grief. As heartbreaking as his story is, it also filled with invaluable knowledge about how to cope with, survive and live with grief. As ever, this podcast is all about hope and Ben's story provides hope if you are living with grief and loss. I'm an adolescent and adult chartered psychologist for the past two decades. This is a completely free and independant podcast, non-sponsored and ad-free to support you with your mental health. Please support this podcast by sharing and rating it. We all have issues, so let's talk about them.

Send us a textWhat is dopamine?What does dopamine do in your brain?Why should you care about dopamine?Dopamine is a 'hot topic' right now and social media is flooded with information about this chemical in your brain. There are all kinds of suggestions on how to boost dopamine, why some people chase it and how you can detox from it. Unfortunately not all of this information is factual or correct and in some cases is not from verifiable sources. In this episode I talk about dopamine and put the record straight as to what it is, how it works in your brain and why this chemical is so powerful. Understanding the features of dopmine is essential to manage it's impact in your life and ensure that it is not causes you problems.As ever, this podcast is all about hope and I discuss ways that you can work effectively with dopamine and make sure that it is not calling the shots in your life. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Send us a textDo you find it hard to manage social situations?Do you struggle with social anxiety?Do you avoid social situations because they make you feel anxious?Social anxiety is a common issue that I treat with my patients. It can affect children, teenagers and adults. Social anxiety can stop you from trying to make friends, limit your social life, prevent you from getting into a relationship and leave you feeling lonely and isolated. It can also mean you missing out on significant events like weddings, parties and family gatherings.In this episode I talk about why social anxiety happens and what goes on in your brain when you have social anxiety as an issue. As ever, this podcast is all about hope and I discuss ways that you can manage the issue of social anxiety and stop this from holding you back from living the life you want to live. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Send us a textAre you a man who is concerned about his mental health?Do you have a man in your life whose mental health you are worried about?Are you trying to support a man who is struggling with their mental health?Men's mental health is a serious cause for concern, as sadly suicide rates in men is at an all time high in the UK. In this epidsode I am joined by Mike Jennings, founder of The Hike With Mike Foundation. Mike started the Foundation in 2020, not long after losing two close male friends to suicide and sadly his brother battled poor mental illness, ultimately costing him his life through addiction. Throughout the year they run a series of organised hikes and events to raise funds, which pays for counselling for those in need of it. Mike and I have an open conversation about men's mental health, why men need to look after themselves, how others can support them and what we can all do to raise awareness of this important topic. Please share this episode with the men in your life, they need to hear this information. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Send us a textHave you been told that you have an issue with perfectionism?Do you expect perfectionsim from yourself and others? Do you fear failure and find it hard to accept when you don't succeed? It's healthy to set goals for yourself and also have standards that you hold yourself to.However, if these are not balanced then they can cause us anxiety as we are always striving for perfectionism and can't accept failure. Perfectionism may seem like a good mindset to hold, however it is dreadful for your mental health. In this episode I discuss perfectionism.I explain why it happens, what it looks like in your life and why it is so insiduous. As ever, this podcast is about hope and I talk you through ways that you can manage the issue of perfectionism. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Send us a textAs we grow we learn all kinds of things and we have no control of how or what we learn. That is decided by the people who take care of us and our learning is shaped by how they teach us. When we get older, we then get to decide how we think and this may involve unlearning ways of thinking from our past that no longer align with how we see ourselves and the world around us. Unlearing is exactly that, it is unlearing ways of thinking from our past and learing new ways of thinking. In this episode I discuss ways of unlearning, specifically cognitive dissonance and critical thinking. As ever, this podcast is about hope and I talk you through ways that you can manage the issue of unlearning. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Send us a textDo you struggle with helping yourself deal with your issues? Do you find yourself repeating unhealthy behaviours?Do you put up with situations that make you miserable?Learned helplessness is a psychological phenomenon where we don't help ourselves to change problems in our life and stay stuck in life putting up with unhealthy situations. Why does learned helplessness happen and what can you do about it?In this episode I tackle the issue of learned helplessness. As ever, this podcast is about hope and I talk you through ways that you can manage the issue of learned helplessness. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Send us a textDo you struggle with intrusive thoughts?Are you worried that you can't manage them?Are your intrusive thoughts causing you to have poor mental health? Intrusive thoughts are very common and most people have experienced them.However, they can be frightening when they appear as they are not something that we want to think about.For some people, intrusive thoughts can lead to anxiety and elevated stress. Why do we get intrusive thoughts when they are unwanted and distressing? What can you do about them?In this episode I answer these questions and tackle the issue of intrusive thoughts. As ever, this podcast is about hope and I talk you through ways that you can manage the issue of intrusive thoughts.I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Send us a textMany women can spend their whole life living with undiagnosed ADHD and only get diagnosed later on in life. Their undiagnosed ADHD can lead to mental health difficulties and other challenges.Kate Moryoussef is one such woman, who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. Kate had a career working in the fast-paced, glamorous world of consumer PR when she realised that for the sake of her health, she needed to change her life. Today, as mum to four kids, and diagnosed with ADHD alongside one of her daughters, managing her emotional wellbeing is her top priority: for herself and for the sake of her family.  Kate is an ADHD lifestyle and wellbeing coach and EFT practitioner, working with her clients to help empower them to make positive change. She also hosts The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, to help women understand their ADHD brain, body, behaviour and nervous system – and live a calmer, more balanced life. In this episode I talk with Kate about her ADHD story, how her undiagnosed ADHD impacted her life and how she lives with ADHD now. As ever, this episode provides hope to women who maybe living with undiagnosed ADHD and Kate's amazing story is full of hope and inspiration.I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Send us a textMany men can spend their whole life living with undiagnosed ADHD and only get diagnosed later on in life.Their undiagnosed ADHD can lead to mental health difficulties and other challenges.Alex Partridge is one such man, who was diagnosed with ADHD aged 34. Aged just 21, Alex Partridge founded UNILAD and LADBible, social news sites which now have a following of 100 million people around the globe. A legal case over ownership in 2017 tipped him over the edge of the cliff into alcoholism, triggering years of mental health issues until, aged 34, he was diagnosed with ADHD. Alex is the host of  the popular 'ADHD Chatter' podcast which has helped countless individuals make sense of their own ADHD diagnosis. His book 'Now It All Makes Sense,'  is his story of ADHD. In this episode I talk with Alex about his ADHD story, how his undiagnosed ADHD impacted his life and how his diagnosis aged 34 changed him.As ever, this episode provides hope to men who maybe living with undiagnosed ADHD and Alex's amazing story is full of hope and inspiration. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Send us a textGaming is an activity that lots of people enjoy.It's meant  to be fun and for most people it is.However, some people may find that it's hard to stop gaming and they can become addicted to it. In this epiosde I talk about gaming addiction, what causes it? How does someone change from enjoying gaming to becoming addicted to it? What are the signs to look out for and what can you do if you have a gaming addiction? Listen to this episode to learn how to deal with gaming addiction and if you do struggle with this issue, there is a way forward to help you deal with it. Gaming should be fun, learn how to keep it that way! I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Send us a Text Message.What is codependency? How would you know you where in a codependent relationship?  What can you do about it is this is your issue? Codependency is a word used by psychologists to describe a person that has an unhealthy dependence on relationships. Someone who is codependent would rather stay in a bad relationship as they do not want to be single and alone. Codependency can lead to staying in toxic relationships and wreck your mental health.  In this episode I discuss what codependency is and why some people have an issue with it.I talk about how you can recognise if you are in a codependent relationship and why this is so challenging. As ever, this podcast is about hope and I provide advice and support for people who have an issue with codependency and how they can work on it. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Send us a Text Message.What happens in the brain of someone who has ADHD?How is an ADHD brain different from an non-ADHD brain?What can you do to support the ADHD brain, what is and isn't helpful? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the what happens in the brain of a person with ADHD.There can be a lot of misunderstanding, confusion and misinformation around ADHD and this can create stigma, shame and fear. The field of neuroscience researches how the brain works and this information is vital to people living with ADHD so they can understand what is going on up there. In this episode I'm joined by Dr Miguel Mateas. He is a neuroscientist, applied microbiologist, and nutrition practitioner with a multifaceted career spanning over two decades.  As a researcher, clinician, author, and advocate, he has developed a unique expertise in neurodivergence, mental health, and the intricate world of the gut microbiome. This comprehensive skill set has guided him through a remarkable journey across the diverse landscapes of science, biotechnology, and human experience, collectively shaping the professional I am today. Miguel also has ADHD himself!We discuss together ADHD as two mental health professionals  (a psychologist and a neuroscientist) who treat this condition. We explore how ADHD develops, what happens in an ADHD brain, how food impacts ADHD and what you can do to support your ADHD brain. This episode is essential listening for anyone who is living with ADHD. Understanding how your ADHD brain works is vital to living with ADHD and managing it instead of it managing you. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Send us a Text Message.Cocaine use is common-place in many cities around the world, including London the one where I live and work. Like many psychologists I have worked with patients who have problems with cocaine and they become addicted to this drug. For someone who is addicted to cocaine, it brings chaos to their lives and the people who are in their lives along with poor physical and mental health. Sadly in some cases, cocaine addiction can lead to a premature death. In this episode I talk to Sean WIllers.Sean's story is a facilitating one, from his time in the British army, to becoming a top DJ in nightclubs in both London and Berlin. Sadly, Sean became addicted to cocaine and his life began to unravel.I have an open and honest conversation with Sean about his addiction to cocaine, what led to that , how he managed to give it up and get his life back on track. Sean now uses his story to support and provide inspiration to other people like him who are struggling with cocaine addiction. He is now a lifestyle coach, personal trainer and mental health advocate. He is truly an inspirational person and this interview is full of hope that other people too can deal with this issue. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Sex addiction can be a serious issue for many people. It can take the form of addiction to pornography, sex workers and other sexual behaviours.  In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of sex addiction.    I'm joined by Professor Colin O'Gara,  a consultant psychiatrist for the past twenty years. Since 2007, he is the Head of Addiction Services at Saint John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, Dublin, Ireland treating patients who have a sex addiction. Sadly people with sex addiction can struggle to have healthy relationships and sex addiction can damage their physical and mental health. Listen to this episode to learn how to deal with sex addiction and if you do struggle with this issue, there is a way forward to help you deal with this addiction. There is no shame or embarrassment when it comes to talking about sex addiction,  it's a conversation that needs to be had and in some cases it will save lives. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Living with anxiety and depression is sadly a reality for many people.Life can be challenging for lots of reasons and we can struggle to cope and end up with poor mental health. As a psychologist, this is something that I regularly help my patients deal with. In this episode I speak with Joe Moriarty,  he is a young man that has lived with anxiety and depression. Joe has struggled with his mental health from adolescence, and this caused problems for him in different areas of his life. Joe's story is a story that lots of people will be able to relate to. He speaks honestly and openly about his mental health story and it is one of hope as he takes us on this personal journey.   Joe now uses his story to break down the stigma around mental health and raise awareness.  He is the co-host of the InsideAMind podcast, which has open conversations about mental health, and in Joe's own words, 'We are on a mission to help people better understand their 'problems' and be able to turn them into positives. 'I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you struggle with your relationship with alcohol?Has it caused difficulty for you and other people?Has it been suggested to you that it might be a good idea for you to live a sober life? In this episode I speak with Scott Pearson. When Scott was a teenager, his relationship with alcohol was already causing problems in his life. From then and into his early 20's this had gotten worse, and Scott then made the decision at age 28 to live a sober life. Scott's story is sadly not unique, there are lots of people out there like him who struggle with their relationship with alcohol. Scott now uses his story to break down the stigma around alcohol and sobriety.  He is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK, and actively engages in community work through his online and in person community, Proud and Sober. Please join me as a I have a heartfelt and open conversation with Scott, as the talks his relationship with alcohol and his decision to live a life of sobriety.  As ever, this podcast is all about hope and my conversation with Scott is to provide hope and inspiration for people who are struggling with this issue. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Living with ADHD can present it's own unique challenges and difficulties. Sadly, it can create additional mental health problems for the person. As a psychologist, this is something that I regularly help my patients deal with. In this episode I speak with Tom McCormick,  he is a young man that is living with ADHD. Tom has struggled with his mental health from adolescence, and this caused problems for him at school and in his personal life. Tom had undiagnosed ADHD, which unfortunately was a contributing factor to the mental health challenges he was facing. Tom now uses his story to break down the stigma around mental health and raise awareness.  He is the co-host of the InsideAMind podcast, which has open conversations about mental health, and in Tom's own words, 'We are on a mission to help people better understand their 'problems' and be able to turn them into positives. 'Please join me as a I have a heartfelt and open conversation with Tom, as the talks about living with ADHD.  As ever, this podcast is all about hope and my conversation with Tom is to provide hope and inspiration for people who are struggling with their mental health. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Working with patients who have experienced trauma is part of my job as a psychologist. Trauma changes how the brain and the body functions and treatment is needed to assist and support that patient to recover.Breath work is a form of treatment that is used to support people who have experienced trauma. In this episode, I have the privilege to talk with Pat Divilly.Pat has been involved in the wellness industry for over fifteen years and has hosted retreats and personal development workshops for the last ten.  Pat has written 4 books and has his own podcast, The Pat Divilly Podcast. He has done Ted X and also been on The Late Late Show in Ireland. ​He is an experienced breathworker, a TRE (trauma release exercises) provider and has completed Gabor Mate's year long Compassionate Inquiry program. Pat's passion lies in creating space for individuals to feel safe to explore and find out who they are beyond the stories they have come to believe about themselves. I have a great chat with Pat about the incredible work that he does and also his own story. As ever, this podcast is about hope and this episode provides hope for people who maybe dealing with trauma,I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Have you been told that you have an issue with attachment?Do you fall into the same negative patterns in relationships? Do you have a fear of abandonment and crave relationship security, often causing you dreadful anxiety? Attachment is something that we all share in common, as we are hard-wired to attach to other people. However, we don't have the same attachment style and depending on whether your's is healthy or not, this will impact how you deal and cope with relationships in your life. Poor attachments styles can lead to poor mental health for all parties in a relationship. In this episode I discuss what attachment is and why some people have an issue with it.I talk about how attachment is something that happens so early on in our life, that we can be oblivious to it's impact on us as adults. As ever, this podcast is about hope and I provide advice and support for people who have an issue with attachment and how they can work on it. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Living with mental health difficulties can sometimes cause the person to become hopeless and feel that life is just too hard to live.This can leave the person vulnerable to having suicidal thoughts, which can change into plans and attempts. As a psychologist, this is something that I regularly help my patients deal with. In this episode I speak with Tanya Marwaha,  she is a young person that pioneered youth mental health awareness during the pandemic from her bedroom. Tanya has struggled with her mental health from a young age after developing long-term disabilities, Fibromyalgia and Ehlers -Danlos Syndrome. Sadly Tanya's mental health difficulties caused her to have suicidal thoughts which led to her having suicide attempts. Tanya now uses her story as a young female in the South Asian community, to break down the stigma around mental health, raising awareness of the cultural sensitivities around such topics. She is a Living Experience TED x speaker and is part of the Baton of Hope UK, the UK's largest suicide prevention imitative. Please join me as a I have a heartfelt and open conversation with Tanya. I appreciate that suicide can be a sensitive subject, but it's a subject that needs to be talked about, given how tragic the consequences can be.  As ever, this podcast is all about hope and my conversation with Tanya is to provide hope and inspiration for people who are struggling with their mental health, I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you suffer from vicarious trauma?Do you know what it is and how it can effect you?If you do have vicarious trauma, what can you do about it?Vicarious trauma can be  a serious issue for people who's job it is work with people who have been traumatised. It is also an issue for people who witness trauma happening to other people.Certain professions are more prone to this than others, but vicarious trauma is something that can happen to anyone of us, especially with the images and stories that we consume in the news. In this episode I discuss what vicarious trauma is and why some people have an issue with it.I talk about how to recognise vicarious trauma and what you can do to manage it. As ever, this podcast is about hope and I provide advice and support for people who have an issue with vicarious trauma and how they can cope with it. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

How well do you know yourself on a psychological level?Would you say that you have good self-awareness ?Have you been told that you have low or no self-awareness?Self-awareness is an issue that lots of people can struggle with.People with  this issue can say and do things without consideration or understanding  the impact on other people.They can go through life, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake and never look behind and think how it got there.No surprises, they can be very difficult people to have in your life.In this episode I discuss what self-awareness is and why some people have an issue with it.I talk about reactive v's reflective people and the difference this makes to our level of self-awareness. As ever, this podcast is about hope and I provide advice and support for people who have an issue with self-awareness and how they can work on it. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you struggle with bouts of loneliness?Is loneliness causing you poor mental health?Are you concerned about the impact of loneliness on someone you care about? Loneliness has been been described as a disease that can cause poor mental and physical health.Since the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness has taken it's toll on people all over the world, from children to older people. Loneliness as an issue is serious, as it has the potential to make you sick and possibly end your life.Why is loneliness such a serious issue and what does it do to our body and brain?What can you do to beat loneliness ?In this episode I answer these questions and tackle the issue of loneliness.As ever, this podcast is about hope and I talk you through ways that you can beat the issue of loneliness and recover from it. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Are you experiencing grief?Are you trying to support someone who is grieving?Grief is one of the most intense psychological  experiences we can go through.It consumes our life, leaving us feeling lost, hopeless and scared.Grief can cause a number of physical and mental health problems and sadly, grief can even end your life. Why is grief such a difficult issue to cope with?What happens in our body and brain when we are grieving?Is there anything we should do / not do that will help?What can you do to support yourself and others who are grieving?In this episode I will provide help to cope with grief. Please subscribe, share and comment if you find this episode useful.I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

What exactly is Toxic Masculinity?How does someone develop the issue of Toxic Masculinity? What can you do if you have an issue with Toxic Masculinity or know someone who has? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I explore the issue of Toxic Masculinity. This is an issue that is discussed a lot in the media at the moment and the impact that it has on society. But how does someone develop this issue and what can they and we do to deal with this? What is the psychology behind Toxic Masculinity? In this episode I explain what Toxic Masculinity is, how this issue develops and how it is maintained. I talk about how to prevent this issue from occurring and especially the  responsibility male members of society have in enabling change within the younger generations. As always, this  podcast is about hope and I discuss ways that you can deal with the issue of Toxic Masculinity. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you feel you have Burnout?Is Burnout something that you are concerned about, for you or for someone you care about? What exactly is Burnout and is it really such a big deal?In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of Burnout.    Burnout is a serious issue, creating poor physical and mental health for the person who has it. Burnout is not  something to be taken lightly, as it can have drastic implications for the person's quality of life, relationships and career,   Burnout can sadly cause some people to feel suicidal and also struggle with addiction problems. In this episode I explain what Burnout means, the symptoms to look out for and how someone may develop an issue with it. I talk about how to cope if you have Burnout and ways to stop yourself from getting it in the first place. As always, this  podcast is about hope and I discuss ways that you can manage the issue of Burnout.  I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Have you been told you have an issue with Narcissism? Do you have someone in your life that you believe has an issue with Narcissism?Is there a Narcissist that is causing chaos in your life? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of Narcissism.    Someone with the issue of Narcissism  will struggle with their relationships and may find that they are frequented isolated by people. The issue of Narcissism is a serious one, as it can create destructive and manipulative behaviors such as bullying and coercive control.    Narcissism can cause mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, both for the Narcissist and the people who have to deal with them,  In this episode I explain what Narcissism means and how someone may develop an issue with Narcissism. I talk about how to cope if you have someone in your life that has an issue with Narcissism. As ever, this podcast is about hope and I discuss ways that you can manage the issue of Narcissism. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Are you living with the pain of a broken heart?Have you been dealing with the end of a relationship that you didn't want to finish?Does your broken heart cause you to find life a struggle to live? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of heartbreak.    A broken heart can happen to any of us and for lots of different reasons. We can suffer from heartbreak when we are adjusting to a difficult life-event such as the end of a relationship, someone we love dying or when your children leave home. Heartbreak can make life hard to live as everyday we feel overwhelmed by negative emotions. Heartbreak can cause mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. In this episode I explain what happens in our body and brain when we experience heartbreak. Why does it hurt so badly? I talk about why heartbreak happens and what you can do should this happen to you or someone you care about. As ever, this podcast is about hope and I discuss ways that you can heal from the pain of heartbreak. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you feel insecure about some aspect of yourself?Do you find it hard to accept yourself for all that you are?Does insecurity cause you to feel sad, anxious or depressed?  In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of insecurity.   We can all feel insecurity and managing it is not always easy. We may feel anxious, scared and sad about some parts of who we are and find these hard to live with. Insecurity can leave us feeling we are not good enough and we can negatively compare ourselves to others, We may become desperate for attention from others so we can feel good about ourselves. People with an issue of insecurity can find it hard to be in a relationship and become needy and possessive because they feel insecure about themselves.  Dealing with our insecurities is vital so that they don't hold us back from living our life on our own terms. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you find it hard to express your emotions and feelings?  Do you try to control your feelings because you are afraid to appear weak?Have you been told that you are emotionally repressed?  In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of control.   Control can be used as a way to deal with feelings we don't like and are afraid to express. We may feel embarrassed, ashamed or guilty about our feelings and so use control to stop ourselves experiencing those negative feelings. We can end up mentally and psychically unwell as out body tries to cope with all that unexpressed and repressed feeling and energy. We may never learn how to emotionally regulate and so be prone to over-reacting to small things. People with an issue of control can struggle to be in healthy relationships, have addiction problems and no surprises be emotionally repressed. Having a healthy relationship with our feelings is vital as this is a relationship that we can't break up with and control keeps this relationship unhealthy. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Suicide rates in England for 15-19 year olds are the highest they have been in 30 years.The loss of any young person to suicide is utterly tragic and obviously devasting to their family, friends and community. In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of teenage suicide. I'm honoured to be joined by Ben West. In 2018, when Ben was 17, his younger brother Sam who was 15 died by suicide. Ben and I talk honestly and openly about Sam, his mental health and his death. Ben discusses the impact this had on him and his family and how he coped in the aftermath of such an incredible loss. Ben is one of the most engaged mental health campaigners in the UK, committed to making real change around mental health in our society. He campaigns endless, lobbying the government to create positive and meaning change around mental health policies and services. In 2022 Ben wrote his first book , "This Book Could Save Your Life - Breaking the Silence Around the Mental Health Emergency." This episode as ever has hope as it's focus, and Ben talks about his story as a means to provide support and hope to the listeners. I appreciate that talking about suicide in teenagers is a frightening topic for many, however it is for that very reason that we need to talk about it. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Are you someone who is living with a diagnosis of Autism?Do you think you may have Autism? Are you a family member, partner or friend of someone who has Autism? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of Autism. There can be a lot of misunderstanding, confusion and misinformation around Autism,   leading to people struggling to make sense of what is happening and how to get help. In this episode I'm joined again by Dr Giovanni Giaroli, Consultant Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist.  Dr Giaroli is the founder and medical director of  the renowned  Giaroli Centre on Harley Street in London.  He is a medical Doctor specialising in Autism across the lifespan (from childhood to adulthood), plus other mental health conditions.  Dr Giaroli's deep expertise has lead him to practice as a visiting consultant for various adolescent and adult units (outpatient and inpatient) at the prestigious The Priory Hospital North London, The Priory Hospital Roehampton, and the Nightingale Hospital Marylebone, London.He is also a corresponding member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and has published in International Journals on Psychopharmacology in children and adults and has chaired and presented at many international conferences on  Autism. We discuss together Autism as two mental health professionals  (a psychologist and a psychiatrist)  who treat this condition. We explore how Autism develops, what happens in an Autistic brain, how it is assessed and treated.  This episode is essential listening for anyone who is living with Autism or who thinks they may have it. It is also important information for family members, partners or friends of people who have Autism. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you struggle with Anorexia?Are you concerned that someone you know may have an issue Anorexia?Are you a family member or friend of someone living with Anorexia?  In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of Anorexia.   I'm joined by Dr Adrienne Key, (Consultant Psychiatrist) who has spent over 25 years in both the NHS and private sector and now works as a partner in the Chelsea and Harley Street Eating Disorder Service. Dr Key held the position of Senior Lecturer at the medical school and Consultant Psychiatrist at the internationally renown St Georges Eating Disorder service in London for several years.Anorexia can affect men and women and is diagnosed in children, adolescents and adults. For some people, they maybe fighting this issue their whole life,  Sadly, Anorexia can take the life of the person, making it the mental health condition with the highest death rate. There are many reasons why someone may develop Anorexia and it needs to be understood in order to be treated. Anorexia is a serious issue, however it is treatable and recovery is possible.Please do share this episode with someone who may have an issue with Anorexia or with someone who needs support living with someone with Anorexia. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Are you regularly using recreational drugs and this has now become a problem for you?Are you using drugs as a coping mechanism to deal with your life and feel trapped?Are you concerned that someone you care about does or may have a problem with drugs? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of drugs. People who have an issue with drugs can struggle with managing the impact of that in their life, it can and does cause chaos. Friends and family of the person with a problem with drugs will also struggle to deal with the impact of the person's drug use and living with this can be incredibly challenging, In this episode, I'm joined again by esteemed Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr William Shanahan. Dr Shanahan is the Medical Director at The Priory Hospital Roehampton, London and Clinical Director across Priory Group's Addiction Services in the UK. He began his UK medical career as a registrar in the Priory Roehampton in 1987. He is an expert in this area and offers invaluable insights into the issue of drugs. We discuss why people may develop an issue with drugs,  what drugs does to the body and brain and how to treat the issue of drugs.Drug addiction can cause misery for the person who is addicted, leading to mental and physical health problems and in some cases death.Family and friends can feel helpless and hopeless as to how to support the person who is addicted. As ever, this podcast is about hope and the ability to manage difficult issues in our lives. We discuss how drug addiction can be treated and how people can and do recover.Please do listen to and share this podcast episode if drug use is an issue for you or someone you care about. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you find it hard to trust people? Are you weary of people's motives and are overly paranoid or suspicious? Do you put up a protective barrier to keep people away, as you feel that people in general can't be trusted? Have you been told that you have trust issues? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of trust. Having an issue with trust can lead to being sensitive to the motives of people, believing that they will always hurt or leave us. Trust issues can lead to us being lonely and isolated, as we push people away out of fear that they can't be trusted. Trust issues can be with us from childhood, or we can develop them at any point over the course of our life. We need to manage trust so that it does not leave us lonely, depressed and sat on a manmade island of isolation. Listen to this episode to learn how to manage your trust issues and if you do struggle with this issue, there is a way forward to help you build trust into your life. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you struggle with gambling issues?Are you concerned that someone you know may have an issue with gambling? Are you worried that you might be addicted to gambling ? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of gambling.   I'm joined by Professor Colin O'Gara,  a consultant psychiatrist for the past twenty years. Since 2007, he is the Head of Addiction Services at Saint John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, Dublin, Ireland treating patients who have a gambling addiction. He is recently the author of a new book entitled, 'Gambling Addiction in Ireland; Causes, Consequences and Recovery' with Veritas publishers. This book has been written for a general audience and aims to help patients and families struggling with gambling addiction.Sadly gambling can change from being a source of fun and entertainment to wrecking your life with heart-breaking consequences. Gambling can become an addictive behaviour, devastating the life of the gambler, their family and friends. People with an issue of gambling can become deceitful, lead a double-life and gamble finances away and pretend that everything is fine in their life. They can become trapped in a life that is blighted by gambling, debt and addiction. Listen to this episode to learn how to deal with gambling and if you do struggle with this issue, there is a way forward to help you deal with this addiction. Don't gamble with the issue of gambling!I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you struggle to accept parts of who you are?  Do you hide the truth about yourself out or fear of judgement or shame?Do you lie to stop people finding out about your life and so live a double-life instead? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of denial.   Denial is a defence mechanism used to hide the truth about aspects of our life and stop people seeing what and who we really are. We may feel embarrassed, ashamed or guilty about ourselves and so use denial to stop ourselves experiencing those negative feelings. We can end up creating a persona to avoid the truth coming to light and to feel secure. People with an issue of denial can struggle to be in healthy relationships, have addiction problems and poor mental health.  They can become trapped in a life that is dishonest, inauthentic and ruled by lies. Listen to this episode to learn how to deal with denial and if you do struggle with this issue, there is a way forward to help you heal. Ironically, the truth can actually set you free. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Are you someone who is living with a diagnosis of ADHD?Do you think you may have ADHD? Are you a family member, partner or friend of someone who has ADHD? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of ADHD. There can be a lot of misunderstanding, confusion and misinformation around ADHD,  leading to people struggling to make sense of what is happening and how to get help. In this episode I'm joined by Dr Giovanni Giaroli, Consultant Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist.  Dr Giaroli is the founder and medical director of  the renowned  Giaroli Centre on Harley Street in London.  He is a medical Doctor specialising in ADHD across the lifespan (from childhood to adulthood), plus other mental health conditions.  Dr Giaroli's deep expertise has lead him to practice as a visiting consultant for various adolescent and adult units (outpatient and inpatient) at the prestigious The Priory Hospital North London, The Priory Hospital Roehampton, and the Nightingale Hospital Marylebone, London.He is also a corresponding member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and has published in International Journals on Psychopharmacology in children and adults and has chaired and presented at many international conferences on  ADHD. We discuss together ADHD as two mental health professionals  (a psychologist and a psychiatrist)  who treat this condition. We explore how ADHD develops, what happens in an ADHD brain, how it is assessed and treated.  This episode is essential listening for anyone who is living with ADHD or who thinks they may have it. It is also important information for family members, partners or friends of people who have ADHD. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok , YouTube and Facebook for insights on mental health.I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you struggle with jealousy in relationships? Are you prone to being paranoid about people in your life being faithful?Do you engage in controlling behaviours because you feel insecure? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of jealousy.  Jealousy can cause damage in your relationships and can lead  to physical, emotional and verbal abuse. People with an issue with jealousy can struggle to be in healthy relationships and often find themselves alone, as people do not to want them in their life. Listen to this episode to learn how to deal with jealousy and if you do struggle with this issue, there is a way forward to help you heal. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Are you a concerned parent worried about your child's mental health?Do you have a child who struggles with their mental health?Do you know how to talk to you child about mental health? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of mental health in children. This can be a worrying issue for parents  and caregivers, as they may not know how to properly support a child with mental health challenges. In this episode, I'm joined by Consultant Child, Adolescent  & Adult Clinical Psychologist Dr Maile O' Hara. For ten years Dr O'Hara was a New York City high school history teacher and has since continued to seek out opportunities to work with young people and their families.  She is honoured to have worked at top hospitals in New York City. Since relocating to the U.K. 4 years ago she has continued her private practice both internationally and in London.  She has been treating both children and adults in private practice for the last 10 years. We discuss together mental health in children, why this can be an issue and  what we can all do to support children with their mental health. This episode is a must-listen for any parent, or caregiver who is concerned about mental health in children. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you feel worthless?Do you feel everyone else deserves to be happy and you don't?Do you find find you only focus on the negative parts of life and not the positives? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of shame. Shame can leave us feeling worthless, with low self-esteem and low self-confidence. We need to manage shame so that it does not devour us, leaving us mentally unwell. Listen to this episode to learn how to protect yourself from shame and if you do struggle with this issue, there is a way forward to help you heal. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, YouTube and Facebook for insights on mental health.I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Are you a teenager who is self-harming?Are you a parent of a teenager who is self-harming?Are you concerned that someone you care about maybe self-harming? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of teenage self-harm. Self-harming behaviours are something many teenagers use as a coping mechanism to deal with psychological distress. However, there is much confusion as to why this happens and what can do done to assist a teenager who is self-harming. In this episode, I'm joined by esteemed Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Dr Claire Casey.  Dr  Casey is a top London Psychiatrist who has worked in both public and private mental health services.  She is an expert in this area and offers invaluable insights into the issue of teenage self-harm. We discuss together why teenagers may develop an issue with self-harming,  why this coping mechanism is used  and how to treat the issue of self-harming. This episode is a must-listen for any parent, friend or teenager who is concerned about self-harming, I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you have a difficult relationship with alcohol?Are you using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with your life?Are you concerned that someone you care about may have a problem with alcohol? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of alcohol. People who have an issue with alcohol can struggle with managing the impact of that in their life. Friends and family of the person with a problem with alcohol will also struggle to deal with the impact of the person's drinking.  In this episode, I'm joined by esteemed Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr William Shanahan. Dr Shanahan is the Medical Director at The Priory Hospital Roehampton, London and Clinical Director across Priory Group's Addiction Services in the UK. He began his UK medical career as a registrar in the Priory Roehampton in 1987. He is an expert in this area and offers invaluable insights into the issue of alcohol. We discuss why people may develop an issue with alcohol,  what alcohol does to the body and brain and how to treat the issue of alcohol. I am a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, Youtube and Facebook for more insights on mental health. I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you struggle to let go of your mistakes?Are you a people-pleaser? Do you overly-apologise and accept responsibility for when things go wrong, even if it is not your fault? In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of guilt.Guilt as an issue can be toxic and leave us desperately trying to please other people at the expense of our own happiness. We need to have a healthy relationship with guilt, so that it does not make us sick and cause us physical and mental illness. Listen to this episode to learn how to protect yourself from toxic guilt and if you do, there is a vaccine available that can make you better!I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.

Do you lose your temper easily?Have you been told you have anger issues?Do you get easily frustrated and find it hard to stay calm?In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of anger.Anger as an issue can cause real challenges in our life and can lead to social isolation and relationship difficulties as people choose not to be around us. It can cost us our job, relationship and in come cases our life, if it is not managed properly. If you have anger issues, this episode is for you! I'm a London based adolescent and adult chartered psychologist.Please share this podcast if you find it helpful.Also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Facebook for insights on mental health.