Long-lasting anxiety not focused on any one object or situation
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Send Me a Message! Finally I've published something. Not because this episode is one of my best (it isn't), but because I couldn't stand being stuck in that record-delete loop any longer. After days of fighting perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and an overactive inner critic, I realised the only way to get beyond this loop is to publish something....anything!Fear of imperfection can paralyse creativity and curtail results, which is why releasing even a half-baked episode can be enough to get things rolling again. Although this episode leans towards filler, it is just as important as any other when it comes to it. I need this one in the bag, so I can then focus my energies outwardly again to create magic. I even give a sneak preview into two of the new episodes in the pipeline....and thanks to this current effort I can work towards getting those episodes published sooner rather than later.Perfectionism, creative anxiety, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, inner critic. Quite the handful, but I've been able to overcome them again!Support the showYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
Send Me a Message! In this episode, I talk about the sudden re-emergence of my old foe, the inner critic, and how it's teamed up with my perfectionism to drag me down. Together, they've convinced me that everything I do is sub-standard, fuelling insecurities and setting expectations that aren't reasonable or attainable.The best example of this? This very podcast of course! I've spent hours glued to my computer and microphone, desperately trying to record the “perfect” episode. The result has been exhaustion, frustration, and far fewer episodes released than I'd like.But here's the truth, I reckon the imperfections are what makes this show work, owing to the fact that life isn't perfect. It is riddled with mistakes, missteps, inconsistencies and lost opportunities. Because if I am able to stand by my belief that this podcast is the most honest, raw, vulnerable and fair dinkum show on the internet, the imperfections must be a part of the journey. That's the reality of living with mental illness. And that's what makes The Dysregulated Podcast stand out from the rest.Support the showYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
Send Me a Message! Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
Abby and Patrick welcome writer and academic Michael Clune to discuss his new novel, Pan. It is the story of Nick, a teenage boy living alone with his divorced father in the 1990s Midwest. Precocious but troubled, he begins to suffer from panic attacks, obsessional symptoms, and more. Nick's voice narrates these and other experiences with rich texture, yet his internal monologue steadily pushes the reader to question where and how the tumultuous life of a normal teenager ends and pathology begins. Discussing Pan thus allows Michael, Abby, and Patrick to talk through some elemental questions. How do we come to know the world, what's normal in it, and what's normal for us? How do social interactions at school and with friends shape our own self-understanding? What are the pleasures of experiencing something for the first time, and what does it feel like to be in a developmental stage where everything can feel super-saturated with meaning? Pan thus offers Abby, Patrick, and Michael a perfect frame to discuss growing up, mental health, friendship, coolness, drugs, reading, and much more. Michael Clune, Pan: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/771661/pan-by-michael-clune/Clune, Gamelife: A Memoir: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374536381/gamelife/Clune, White Out: The Secret Life of Heroin: https://www.mcnallyeditions.com/books/p/white-out?srsltid=AfmBOooR9sPG-yosADPpcOUdl9k69upMya7iV7Q_Dt1vFnMHZzmEzMtuHave you noticed that Freud is back? Got questions about psychoanalysis? Or maybe you've traversed the fantasy and lived to tell the tale? Leave us a voicemail! (646) 450-0847 A podcast about psychoanalysis, politics, pop culture, and the ways we suffer now. New episodes on Saturdays. Follow us on social media: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/OrdinaryUnhappiness Twitter: @UnhappinessPod Instagram: @OrdinaryUnhappiness Patreon: patreon.com/OrdinaryUnhappiness Theme song: Formal Chicken - Gnossienne No. 1 https://open.spotify.com/album/2MIIYnbyLqriV3vrpUTxxO Provided by Fruits Music
Send Me a Message! One missed appointment, that's all it took. And suddenly I was facing weeks without my ADHD medications.This time I'd done everything right, so for once this isn't on me! I had scripts sorted, appointments booked, all lined up, ready to go. Then my doctor went on unexpected leave, leaving me completely stimulant-free and flailing. The fallout was brutal: executive function collapsed, my car and room turned into chaos, appointments slipped, and even the podcast stopped for a bit there (sorry everyone).ADHD meds aren't just about focus, because stopping them suddenly makes symptoms rebound even harder. It also shows how fragile access is under the current system, with rigid rules and long waits. Thankfully, changes are coming in NSW where GPs will soon be able to prescribe directly, making life easier for so many of us.Now that I'm back on track, the podcast is rolling again with new Q&As and intake interviews. If you've faced your own medication access struggles, I'd love to hear your story.At the end of this episode I also pass judgement over the developments around certain pain medications and the development of autism spectrum disorder. My conclusions perhaps differ slightly from those presented by the US government at this time.....Support the showYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
Send Me a Message! After a break from therapy, today's session was less about deep work and more about catching my therapist up on everything that's been happening. Or, not been happening. She thought I'd be tapering off medications, instead of being on another one.. She seemed genuinely bemused by this, thankfully validating the confusion and frustration I have felt when my wishes aren't be listened to. She reminded me that this isn't a failure of self-advocacy on my part, but rather a reflection of a broken system. While most of the session was devoted to recounting these updates, we finished by re-committing to focus on the bigger picture: finding a new job and moving forward with a career change. --Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
Send Me a Message! Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
A Single LSD Treatment Could Keep Anxiety At Bay for Months The Real Reason Ice is Slippery, Revealed After 200 years Secure your online data by visiting ExpressVPN.com/COOL to find out how you can get up to four extra months FREE. Contact the Show: coolstuffcommute@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send Me a Message! Some of the most powerful insights about mental health don't always come from structured interviews or carefully planned questions, often they show up in the middle of a casual chat. That's what the “In Conversation With…” series is all about. Unlike the Intake Interviews, which focus on personal histories and journeys with mental illness, these episodes look to capture the spontaneous, off-the-cuff moments where real understanding happens. No strict structure, no set agenda — just two people talking openly about life, challenges, and what keeps us going. In this first conversation, Holly returns to the show and we sit down for a free-flowing, down-to-earth discussion about mental health in plain terms, offering genuine reflections that are honest, relatable, and real. --Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
Send Me a Message! Welcome to The Q&A Sessions: Your questions answered! If you have a topic you would like me to cover on the show, this is how to make it happen! Every week I'll select a question/topic to cover and give the best answers I can. Anything related to mental health, there is nothing that's off limits! And this is another way in which I am hoping to fulfil my commitment to you in providing the most genuine, vulnerable and honest podcast on the whole internet!To ask a question you can msg me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters OR on Facebook via "The Dysregulated Podcast".--Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
Send Me a Message! In this episode, I share what came of my latest psychiatry appointment and honestly, it left me feeling pretty frustrated. Again.I talk about what it's like trying to navigate the mental health system while dealing with anxiety and depression at the same time. When you're already running on empty, self-advocacy feels almost impossible. The system wants us to be proactive, but how do you do that when you can barely get out of bed?I open up about:Why the mental health system feels reactive instead of preventativeHow depression and anxiety pull me in opposite directions — one shutting down the future, the other making it terrifyingMy mirtazapine being pushed up to 30mg, moving me into the therapeutic rangeJuggling around eight medications, even though my original hope was to taper down and start againThe double-edged sword of “insight” - it looks good on paper, but in reality, it often just feeds my depressionThe short, surface-level appointments in public psychiatry that leave little space for the real stuffAnd at the heart of it all - the fact that I've lost my ability to laugh and smile, and how deeply that hurtsIt's an honest, heavy one - but I think it's important. Support the showYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
Send Me a Message! Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
Send Me a Message! Have you ever had to fight your own mind just to do something you love? In this follow-up episode to "When Social Anxiety Hits Back", I share my win of making it to the Newcastle Knights game—despite social anxiety trying it's hardest to keep me trapped at home.It came down to a last-minute call, but walking into McDonald Jones Stadium with 30,000 fans reminded me that showing up matters more than the scoreboard. Even though the Knights went down to the Brisbane Broncos, pushing past my mental health barriers felt like the real victory. And it was! Sometimes building a life worth living means leaning into discomfort and fronting up anyway, especially for the things that make us feel alive! Go Knights!Support the showYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
Send Me a Message! What happens when the things we love most become casualties of our mental health? Today, I'm facing that question head-on as social anxiety keeps me from the final Newcastle Knights home game of the season.For me, the Knights aren't just a hobby, they're part of my identity! With my Pride of the Hunter banner and strong, powerful voice in the stands, I've become a bit of a fixture at McDonald Jones Stadium. Yet instead of joining 30,000 fans today, I'm at home recording this episode.This tug-of-war happens a lot, between wanting to go and feeling capable of going and not having the capacity. This internal conflict captures the cruel nature of social anxiety and autism-related sensory challenges. Even when we and I desperately want and need something to cheer about, sometimes the mental barriers win. And my social battery just doesn't stretch enough.But there's still meaning in sharing the struggle. Living with mental illness often means redefining expectations. It's not always about being perfect in my record of appearances at games, but in trying my best and balancing self-care with pushing my limits.Support the showYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters, and the show on Facebook!
In Nakd Classics we bring back your favorite episodes from our early days that focus on mindset, confidence and holistic health. Original Episode 301: Ever feel like you're juggling a million responsibilities but can't shake the stress? That feeling that at any time it could all drop away? You're not alone. In this powerful episode, Coach and Psychologist, Lily Sais, opens up about her personal battle with anxiety and orthorexia, sharing how she transformed her life from constant panic to inner peace. Here's what you'll hear:
Send Me a Message! Awake up at 4 AM and recording from my car, I'm sharing some thoughts during a tough winter period where both physical illness and mental health challenges have been colliding. Winter has always been difficult for me, and getting sick complicates many of my energy-dependent coping strategies for managing my mental ill health. Burnout is a tough foe to battle, along with the various disorders that I'm up against. But the fight for peace of mind rages on! —Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showTo support the show, CLICK HEREYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters
Send Me a Message! Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showTo support the show, CLICK HEREYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters
On this episode, we evaluate current guidelines and evidence-based treatment strategies for managing GAD. We define generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and describe its clinical presentations, diagnostic criteria, and underlying pathophysiology. We also compare and contrast the efficacy, safety profiles, and appropriate use of anxiolytic medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modifications in treating GAD. Dr. David Osser's Website: https://psychopharm.mobi/algo_live/ Cole and I are happy to share that our listeners can claim ACPE-accredited continuing education for listening to this podcast episode! We have continued to partner with freeCE.com to provide listeners with the opportunity to claim 1-hour of continuing education credit for select episodes. For existing Unlimited (Gold) freeCE members, this CE option is included in your membership benefits at no additional cost! A password, which will be given at some point during this episode, is required to access the post-activity test. To earn credit for this episode, visit the following link below to go to freeCE's website: https://www.freece.com/ If you're not currently a freeCE member, we definitely suggest you explore all the benefits of their Unlimited Membership on their website and earn CE for listening to this podcast. Thanks for listening! If you want to support the podcast, check out our Patreon account. Subscribers will have access to all previous and new pharmacotherapy lectures as well as downloadable PowerPoint slides for each lecture. If you purchase an annual membership, you'll also get a free digital copy of High-Powered Medicine 3rd edition by Dr. Alex Poppen, PharmD. HPM is a book/website database of summaries for over 150 landmark clinical trials.You can visit our Patreon page at the website below: www.patreon.com/corconsultrx We want to give a big thanks to Dr. Alex Poppen, PharmD and High-Powered Medicine for sponsoring the podcast.. You can get a copy of HPM at the links below: Purchase a subscription or PDF copy - https://highpoweredmedicine.com/ Purchase the paperback and hardcover - Barnes and Noble website We want to say thank you to our sponsor, Pyrls. Try out their drug information app today. Visit the website below for a free trial: www.pyrls.com/corconsultrx We also want to thank our sponsor Freed AI. Freed is an AI scribe that listens, prepares your SOAP notes, and writes patient instructions. Charting is done before your patient walks out of the room. You can try 10 notes for free and after that it only costs $99/month. Visit the website below for more information: https://www.getfreed.ai/ If you have any questions for Cole or me, reach out to us via e-mail: Mike - mcorvino@corconsultrx.com Cole - cswanson@corconsultrx.com
Imani came to the show to talk about America's favorite symptom: anxiety. In the last few months, the anxiety that Imani has suffered since middle school has increased significantly, and she has no idea why. The question is particularly tricky because Imani has much less content than our usual guest. Renée is up for the challenge, though! She investigates, combing through Imani's childhood and adolescence, ultimately separating her functional anxiety from her dysfunctional anxiety, her trauma from her stress, and her physiological symptoms from her psychological symptoms. By the end, Imani has a comprehensive plan for resolving her layers of distress. If you need a refresher course on anxiety, this is the episode for you. Plus, Renée delivers a new chapter of The Rodent Chronicles in the intro!Support the show
Send Me a Message! When silence falls on The Dysregulated Podcast, it usually means something's amiss. Today, I'm breaking that silence with a raw, unfiltered check-in from the front seat of my car at Nobbys Beach during an East Coast Low storm system. Despite feeling spaced-out and fatigued, I needed to let you know: I'm still here, still fighting.The past week has been unlike anything I've experienced before – mood swings cycling every 5-10 seconds, bouncing between slightly depressed and deeply depressed states all day long. It's left me completely drained. Yet here I am, forcing myself awake when I'd normally be sleeping for days, seeking mindfulness in the midst of a coastal storm. There's something about standing in driving rain and howling wind that grounds me completely in the present moment – perhaps my own unique form of meditation.My journey to taper off psychiatric medications remains stalled, with NSW Health not providing the responses I'd hoped for. I'm exploring Plan B, C, and D options, though doing this without proper support feels daunting. The contrast couldn't be starker when it comes to therapy – I've experienced major breakthroughs with Internal Family Systems therapy that I can't wait to share once I can properly articulate them. Watch for upcoming therapy reflection episodes where I'll dive deep into these transformative sessions. For those who've been worried about my silence, thank you for your concern. This path isn't linear, but I'm still trucking along. Have you found unexpected sources of mindfulness in your own journey? Share your experiences in the comments or reach out directly.--Follow my journey living with mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way. Lived experience is the driving force of this podcast, and through this lens, my stories are told. This is a raw, honest, and authentic account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showTo support the show, CLICK HEREYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters
Send Me a Message! Follow my journey living with mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way. Lived experience is the driving force of this podcast, and through this lens, my stories are told. This is a raw, honest, and authentic account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showTo support the show, CLICK HEREYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters
Send Me a Message! The next instalment of the "My Journal" series sees me having a look at a very recent entry. So recent in fact it was written just yesterday. Unfortunately the tone of the writing is bleak. I explain how across all facets of my life there is pressure building. Pressure for change, the need to perform, and how anxiety derails every effort that I make. No podcast goes this deep into what it is like living with mental ill health. -- Follow my journey living with mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way. Lived experience is the driving force of this podcast, and through this lens, my stories are told. This is a raw, honest, and authentic account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showTo support the show, CLICK HEREYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters
In this episode, I address two deeply personal listener questions that highlight the complex nature of anxiety and emotional healing in relationships. The first question comes from a listener who has struggled with anxiety for most of their life, recently facing severe limitations due to Generalized Anxiety Disorder and medication changes. We talk about the genetic components of anxiety, the risks of benzodiazepines in older adults, and the importance of advocating for the right care—even if that means seeking new providers or considering higher levels of treatment. The second question dives into the emotional fallout after infidelity. A listener is working to rebuild their marriage after their wife's emotional and physical affairs but finds themselves overwhelmed by anger and trauma in the aftermath. I explore the importance of time, trauma-informed coping strategies, and how rebuilding trust is possible with consistent effort and support. Whether you're dealing with anxiety yourself or navigating complex relationship dynamics, this episode offers validation, practical advice, and hope. Key Discussion Points Question 1: Genetic Anxiety and Benzodiazepines Anxiety can be partially genetic—up to 50% of risk may be inherited. Environmental factors, early life experiences, and chronic stress also play key roles. Long-term anxiety can even change brain structures like the amygdala. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Klonopin can be risky for older adults, but abrupt changes in medication are harmful and inappropriate. Importance of finding the right provider—psychiatric care may be more appropriate than primary care in severe cases. Options like partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, or even voluntary hospitalization if suicidal thoughts worsen. Consideration of alternative treatments like TMS, ketamine therapy, EMDR, or comprehensive medical workups. Encouragement and validation that meaningful change is possible—even later in life. Question 2: Healing from Infidelity Emotional and physical infidelity can lead to feelings of inadequacy and intense emotional reactivity. The resurfacing of past wounds during present-day arguments is a trauma response. Healing takes time; both partners must commit to rebuilding trust. Grounding, breathing, and self-regulation tools are essential in emotional moments. Individual therapy and journaling can help process complex feelings and trauma. Couples therapy with a specialist in infidelity recovery can provide structure and support. It's possible to rebuild a stronger relationship—but it takes honest effort from both sides. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:12 – Listener question: Is anxiety genetic? 03:22 – Genetics vs. environment in anxiety development 05:10 – Medication history and benzodiazepine concerns for older adults 08:45 – Advocating for appropriate psychiatric care 12:30 – Suicidal thoughts and higher levels of support 14:50 – Exploring alternative and emerging treatment options 17:15 – Words of encouragement and validation 19:45 – Listener question: Coping with infidelity and feeling inadequate 21:20 – Emotional fallout and trauma from betrayal 24:10 – Regulating emotional responses during arguments 26:00 – The role of time, patience, and couples therapy 28:20 – Journaling and individual processing for long-term healing 31:10 – Rebuilding a stronger relationship after infidelity 33:00 – Closing thoughts and takeaways Resources & Links Website: http://duffthepsych.com Email: duffthepsych@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@duffthepsych Instagram: https://instagram.com/duffthepsych If today's episode resonated with you, consider leaving a review or sharing it with someone who could use the support. Your stories and questions continue to make this podcast what it is—thank you for being here. Until next time, take care and keep pushing forward. You've got this.
In this episode, we review the high-yield topic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder from the Psychiatry section.Follow Medbullets on social media:Facebook: www.facebook.com/medbulletsInstagram: www.instagram.com/medbulletsofficialTwitter: www.twitter.com/medbullets
Send Me a Message! This week, anxiety hit me in a way that genuinely scared me. Not just the usual panic or dread—but the fear of anxiety itself. When it spirals beyond my control, when I'm bedridden for days, sweating, hiding from the world, and feeling powerless to stop it… that's when the real bad thoughts creep in. I felt like anxiety could take me down at any moment, and I wouldn't be able to get back up.But somehow, I crawled out of my anxious den. I went for a run, got a haircut (despite the social anxiety!), and even found some joy watching the mighty Newcastle Knights claim victory. It was a brutal week, but I made it through. In this episode, I break down what it's like when anxiety becomes overwhelming, how I fought back, and what helped me regain control.--Follow my journey living with mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way. Lived experience is the driving force of this podcast, and through this lens, my stories are told. This is a raw, honest, and authentic account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showTo support the show, CLICK HEREYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters
Struggling with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? Learn how to identify GAD, manage symptoms, and break the cycle with proven, science-backed strategies
Send Me a Message! Follow my journey living with mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way. Lived experience is the driving force of this podcast, and through this lens, my stories are told. This is a raw, honest, and authentic account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showTo support the show, CLICK HEREYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters
Send Me a Message! In this follow-up to My Therapy Reflections #8 (Part A), I take a clearer look at why my workaholic identity is feeling under threat—and why that makes me so damn anxious. Like so many of my parts, the workaholic exists to protect me, keeping me constantly busy so life doesn't have the chance to bring me down. Always on guard, always working, always driven by pure anxiety. But maybe—just maybe—building my entire identity around being the hardest worker in the room isn't the healthiest way forward. Maybe there's a better way. Or maybe I'm just a confused kid with autism and BPD, struggling with identity and anxieties that never seem to let up. Watch this space though, because I'm determined to figure out what on earth I should be aiming at!--Follow my journey living with mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way. Lived experience is the driving force of this podcast, and through this lens, my stories are told. This is a raw, honest, and authentic account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showTo support the show, CLICK HEREYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters
Send Me a Message! In this episode of The Dysregulated Podcast, I reflect on an unusually difficult therapy session—one that left me feeling worse instead of better. My anxiety has been at an all-time high, and the very foundation of my workaholic sub-part is being challenged, leaving me feeling unsettled and unsure. It's been a massive day, even before therapy, and I break down the emotions, thoughts, and struggles that came with it. I'm a wounded warrior in this one.--Follow my journey living with mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way. Lived experience is the driving force of this podcast, and through this lens, my stories are told. This is a raw, honest, and authentic account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showTo support the show, CLICK HEREYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters
Send Me a Message! Following my last therapy session, my anxiety was still super high—so I decided to run with it! In this episode of The Dysregulated Podcast, I share how I went for a run (big deal) to help soothe my anxious mind. Did it fix everything? No. But did it help? Absolutely. Despite feeling so mentally drained, today turned out to be surprisingly productive—therapy sesh, two podcast episodes, and a run even! Sometimes, you just gotta show up and face anxiety head-on. Support the showTo support the show, CLICK HEREYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters
Ever feel like you're juggling a million responsibilities but can't shake the stress? That feeling that at any time it could all drop away? You're not alone. In this powerful episode, Coach and Psychologist, Lily Sais, opens up about her personal battle with anxiety and orthorexia, sharing how she transformed her life from constant panic to inner peace. Here's what you'll hear:
Send Me a Message! Follow my journey living with mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way. Lived experience is the driving force of this podcast, and through this lens, my stories are told. This is a raw, honest, and authentic account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.Support the showTo support the show, CLICK HEREYou can follow me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters
The Inner Circle Program: Ready for a 16-week transformative journey? Learn how to uncover and heal the subconscious blocks keeping you in anxiety. Visit the Inner Circle Page Today. If you're tired of being consumed by overthinking and anxious mental chatter, this episode is for you. Dennis shares relatable insights and strategies that you can start applying today to transform how you relate to your thoughts. But don't stop here—this episode dives deeper than ever into these techniques, so be sure to tune in for the full experience! Resources Mentioned: The Anxiety Guy Programs Surrender Session Meditations on YouTube Health Anxiety University (Support Group) Don't forget to Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review if this anxiety guy podcast episode resonated with you!
When Esther stopped taking a medication for generalized anxiety disorder, sleep became a struggle. New medication helped with her anxiety symptoms but a phobia of insomnia remained, no matter what she tried to do to get her sleep back on track. When we started working together, Esther began to make some changes to deal with her insomnia phobia in a different way. Instead of trying to control sleep, Esther refocused on controlling her actions. She explored and committed to new habits such as going to bed later at night, doing something more pleasant whenever she found herself struggling at night, doing things that mattered independently of sleep, and acknowledging her thoughts and feelings rather than battling with them. This new approach gave Esther more options. Options that helped her reduce the pressure she was putting on herself to make sleep happen and break free of the vicious cycle of more trying to sleep and more difficulty with sleep. As a result, insomnia lost the power and influence it once had over her. Watch/listen to this episode
In this episode, we review the high-yield topic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder from the Psychiatry section at Medbullets.com Follow Medbullets on social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/medbullets Instagram: www.instagram.com/medbulletsofficial Twitter: www.twitter.com/medbullets Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medbullets
This episode of the Speak the Truth podcast, with special guest, Beth Claes, focuses on understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) through a biblical framework. They discuss the prevalence of anxiety in modern culture and how GAD is often a catch-all diagnosis for persistent anxiety not tied to specific situations. The hosts emphasize the importance of engaging with people who have these psychological labels and how to think about anxiety from a Christian perspective. Beth introduces the symptoms of GAD and explains how the Bible provides a complex and compassionate view of fearing emotions like anxiety, more than just physiological or experiential explanations. The conversation highlights the need to not merely rely on psychological descriptors but to incorporate biblical truths in addressing mental health issues. Listeners are encouraged to confront and understand their anxiety through reliance on God, fostering a more holistic approach to counseling in the church.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:25 Recap and Introduction to Anxiety02:32 Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder03:37 Symptoms and Personal Experiences08:02 Biblical Perspective on Anxiety11:26 Complexities and Biblical Framework14:34 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
Did you know, there is a physical transfer of energy when sunlight hits our bodies? Without light, there is no life! On this episode of Vitality Radio, Jared welcomes back Suzanne Bates, one of our own at Vitality Nutrition. Previously she told her story about how she reversed her own heart failure, diabetes, severe depression and more using natural means. Here Suzanne shares her experience challenging herself to 100 Days of Light and what role that played in her healing journey. She and Jared discuss the incredible benefits of sunlight on mental and physical health. You'll also learn how to incorporate stillness, gratitude, and grounding into a sunlight practice and how to challenge yourself the way Suzanne did and see big changes in your own life!Challenge:*Every day in October, go outside at sunrise for 15-30 minutes! *Look up towards the brighter part of the sky for 10 seconds (Never look directly at the sun!)*Attempt to be still for 5-10 minutes*Incorporate the practice of gratitudeShare your experiences and gain support by becoming part of the Facebook community:Get Up! Get Out! Get Happy! Additional Information:#442: Against the Odds - A Story of Hope and Healing with Suzanne Bates#378: Emotional Vitality: Using Curiosity to Take Back Control of Your Subconscious MindGet Up! Get Out! Get Happy! - Facebook groupVisit the podcast website here: VitalityRadio.comYou can follow @vitalityradio and @vitalitynutritionbountiful on Instagram, or Vitality Radio and Vitality Nutrition on Facebook. Join us also in the Vitality Radio Podcast Listener Community on Facebook. Shop the products that Jared mentions at vitalitynutrition.com. Let us know your thoughts about this episode using the hashtag #vitalityradio and please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Thank you!Please also join us on the Dearly Discarded Podcast with Jared St. Clair.Just a reminder that this podcast is for educational purposes only. The FDA has not evaluated the podcast. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The advice given is not intended to replace the advice of your medical professional.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is often described as a persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, including health, finances, relationships, and social interactions. While anxiety is a natural response to stress, those with GAD experience it in a way that can be debilitating. As a Life Coach specializing in adult child trauma issues, I have seen firsthand how the seeds of anxiety can be sown in childhood, particularly when a child experiences neglect or emotional unavailability from their caregivers. In this episode, Lisa A. Romano Breakthrough Life Coach and Award-Winning Author, tackles generalized anxiety disorder with wisdom, compassion and understanding. Lisa helps those who are struggling with generalized anxiety recognize that they are not broken. GAD is a valid response to unhealthy, persistent dynamics a child was powerless to control. To learn more about Lisa and her healing and transformational work, visit https://www.lisaaromano.com Embark on the path to conscious awakening, emotional healing, and transformation with Lisa's Conscious Healing Academy, which includes a 3 tier coaching system that assists with one's awakening, emotional intelligence, and mental and emotional mastery. 12 Week Breakthrough Program (Level One - The Awakening) 8 Week Master Your Reality (Level 2 -- Deliberate Creating) Soul School - (Level Three -- Ascending Ego) To learn more, contact Lisa and her team members here; Contact Website Spotify Award Winning Books Facebook Support Group
If you've ever found yourself in the middle of a health struggle, whether real or imagined, you're not alone. I've been there too. It's that unsettling feeling when something feels off in your body, and your mind starts spinning stories of uncertainty and fear about what it could mean. It's okay; I get it, because I've experienced it myself.As someone who manages Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I know firsthand how overwhelming health-related worries can be. Every little ache or discomfort can trigger a flood of anxious thoughts. In moments like these, the techniques shared in this meditation have been my steady companions.Join me in this calming meditation, created to bring relief and peace during times of health-related anxiety. Together, we'll explore mindfulness and relaxation techniques that can help soothe both your mind and body. You're not alone on this journey, and I hope this meditation provides exactly what you need.Background track by: Amber Glow
Sometimes parenting is so hard and exhausting, it doesn't feel worth it. In today's session, Pedro and Claudia explain how much energy and effort they have spent trying to raise their 16 yr old teenage son Liam who has been diagnosed with Autism, ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. While supportive, Pedro and Claudia are met with resistance at every turn, and have yet to see results from their parenting. Is that an assumption or is that really true? In this episode, Leslie checks the facts, unpacks the fear and frustration, and addresses these issues with an upbeat and hopeful shift in perspective as well as practical strategies to try. Time Stamps4:35 What is your definition of being a good parent - getting the results from your child5:09 Growing up with the culture of the “village” when raising a child and the support that comes with that7:15 Feeling isolated when friends have neurotypical kids and you have a neurodivergent kid8:45 Myths or limiting beliefs: We don't want to burden other people with our problems14:05 It's more challenging dealing with a teen with diagnoses than with a toddler with diagnoses16:00 Remember to see your child's strengths in order to get a whole picture16:55 Wanting your child to achieve their potential can be a great deal of pressure for both parents and teens 21:00 Raising your child with Values creates a solid foundation21:30 The frustration and fear of raising the teenager when you are getting the results you expect28:58 Fear impacts your parenting mindset and perspective. Where would you be without the expectations? Fear feeds frustration which feeds feeling like a failure29:50 What behaviors are due to his diagnoses vs what's developmental and age appropriate (see show notes for a handout)31:00 Toddlers and teenagers have a lot in common. Learning to individuate and differentiate from their parents. This is when they practice saying NO to use their voice32:25 The value of empathy that is expressed even after the situation 33:08 Give your child the problem and let them solve it rather than telling your child what to do. Teach your child to find a synthesis when problem solving38:30 The quality of being strong-willed and the behavior of getting the last word - relates to the child who has a single track mind40:00 Save your Breath and listen twice as much as you talk41:50 Turn the volume down on your passion for raising your son42:55 Your parenting effort IS working. Have faith in the process. It takes patience44:45 Finding your “Passion” or living to your “potential” are dirty words because they put pressure on you and your childResources: Handout on Parenting Dilemmas from DBTPoem On Children by Kahlil GibranLeslie-ism: Save your breath when parenting, listen twice as much as you talkFor a full transcript of this episode and more information about the host visit https://lesliecohenrubury.com/podcasts/ . You can also follow Leslie's work on Facebook and Instagram. Join the conversation with your own questions and parenting experiences.Credits: Is My Child a Monster? is produced by Alletta Cooper, AJ Moultrié,
Special Announcement #1 Attend the Legendary Summer Intensive Featuring Drs. David Burns and Jill Levitt August 8 - 11. 2024 Learn Advanced TEAM-CBT skills Heal yourself, heal your patients First Intensive in 5 years! It will knock your socks off! Limited Seating--Act Fast Click for registration / more information! Sadly, this workshop is a training program which will be limited to therapists and mental health professionals and graduate students in a mental health field Apologies, but therapists have complained when non-therapists have attended our continuing education training programs. This is partly because of the intimate nature of the small group exercises and the personal work the therapists may do during the workshop. Certified coaches and counselors are welcome to attend. Special Announcement #2 Here's some GREAT news! The Feeling Great App is now available in both app stores (IOS and Android) and is for therapists and the general public, and you can take a ride for free! Check it Today's Podcast Practical Philosophy Month Part 1, The Free Will Problem Welcome to Practical Philosophy month. For the next five weeks, we will discuss some of the most popular and challenging problems in philosophy, such as these: Do human beings have free will? Or is free will just an illusion? Do human beings have a “self?” Or is the “self” just another illusion? Is it possible to be more or less “worthwhile?” Are some humans “better” or “worse” than others? Does God exist? Is the universe “real” or “one”? What's the meaning of life? What is “self-esteem”? How does it differ from self-confidence? What's the difference between conditional and unconditional self-esteem? What's the difference between self-esteem and self-acceptance? What do you have to do to experience joy and feelings of worthwhileness? We will try to complete the list in five weeks, so some weeks we may include more than one topic, since many of these topics are related to one another. Rhonda and David will be joined by our beloved Dr. Matt May, a regular on our Ask David episodes, and for the first and second sessions we will be joined by our beloved Dr. Fabrice Nye, who created and hosted the Feeling Good Podcasts several years ago. Each week, you will also hear about the linkage between these philosophical dilemmas, and emotional problems, like depression, anxiety, and relationship conflicts. For example, nearly all depressed individuals believe that they aren't sufficiently “worthwhile.” I see my goal as a psychiatrist not as helping people feel “more worthwhile,” but rather showing people, if interested, how to give up this notion entirely and become free of certain kinds of damaging judgments of the “self” and others. You will also learn how these types of philosophical problems continue to play a large role in psychiatry and psychology, including the DSM5 diagnostic system. For example, is the diagnosis of “Generalized Anxiety Disorder” a true “mental disorder” that you could “have” or “not have?” And might some or most of the so-called “mental disorders” listed in the DSM be based on faulty philosophical / logical thinking? And if many or most of the “mental disorders” are based on goofy, faulty thinking, is there a more productive and effective way to think about most emotional problems? And how did we get into this mess in the first place? Worrying certainly exists, and we all worry at times. But how much or how often do you have to worry before you develop or have a “mental disorder” called “Generalized Anxiety Disorder” that can be diagnosed like any medical illness and treated with drugs? Or is “Generalized Anxiety Disorder” (and hundreds of other “mental disorders in the DSM” based on a certain kind of nonsensical thinking? And if so, why? What is the goofy, faulty thinking in the DSM? And are there some “mental disorders” that are valid and real? We HAVE touched on all of these themes in previous podcasts, but I thought it would be nice to put them all in one place and bring in a variety of “solutions,” controversies, and experts. I David, will often represent (hopefully, and to the best of my ability) the thinking of Ludwig Wittgenstein, as expressed in his famous book, Philosophical Investigation, published in 1950 following his death. That book consists of a series of numbered brief essays (a few paragraphs each) that were based on notes found in a metal box under his dormitory room at Cambridge University. He'd written these in preparation for his weekly seminars in his dormitory room. Wittgenstein, although now widely regarded as one of the greatest philosophers of all time, did not think he knew enough to teach in a classroom. In fact, because of his feelings of depression and self-doubt, he sadly never tried to publish anything when he was alive. Wittgenstein's philosophy also played an indirect but significant role in the evolution of several modern psychotherapies. His philosophy created new ways of thinking that gave rise to the work of Dr. Albert Ellis, the famous New York psychologist who created Rational Emotive Therapy during the 1950s. Ellis emphasized that the “Should Statements” that trigger so much guilt, shame, depression, anxiety, and rage are based on illogical thinking. He might often say, “Where is it written that people or the world “should” be the way you want them to be?” Of course, this idea actually traces back to the Greek Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. Wittgenstein's thinking also seems to have played a role in the thinking of Dr. Aaron Beck, who adapted the work of Ellis and called his version of the “Cognitive Therapy.” Beck emphasized many thinking errors, like All-or-Nothing Thinking, and Overgeneralization, that trigger depression, anxiety, and more. Sadly, Wittgenstein struggled with severe depression and loneliness throughout his life, and three of his four brothers tragically died by suicide. Wittgenstein also had prolonged periods of time when he considered suicide. It is also sad that he did not know how to apply his brilliant philosophical breakthroughs to his own negative thinking, but that application of his work did not develop at the time he was still alive. Part of Wittgenstein's depression was related, I believe, to the fact that very few people, including the most famous philosophers of Europe, could understand his thinking when he was alive. From time to time, I think he glimpsed the enormous importance of his work; but I believe that he also had prolonged moments of self-doubt when he thought his work was of little value at best. To be as correct as possible, Wittgenstein did write a manuscript called Tractatus Logico Philosophicus as a young man, although he never tried to publish it. He wrote it when he was a prisoner of war. He thought this book solved all the problems of philosophy, which had plagued him since he was a child, and he felt great relief. He sent a copy of his manuscript to Bertrand Russell, who was a famous British philosopher. Bertrand Russell was incredibly impressed with the Tractatus and distributed it to many European philosophers. Bertrand Russell thought it might be the greatest book in the history of philosophy, and a number of the 20th century philosophical movements including Logical Positivism, were inspired by that book. However, Wittgenstein left the field of philosophy, thinking that his work was done, and that he'd found the solutions he was looking for. He tried teaching grammar school for a while, but was fired because he became frustrated and violent toward some of his students. He also tried to survive as a fisher in a Norwegian fishing town, but was not successful at that, either, because he didn't know much about fishing, much less supporting yourself through fishing. One day, he learned that a brilliant Swedish economics student had found a flaw in his Tractatus, and his inner turmoil about the puzzling problems of philosophy flared up again. He decided to return to the study of philosophy. He applied to be an advanced undergraduate at Cambridge University, but when someone in the admissions office spotted his application, they recognized his name and showed his application to Bertrand Russell, who had been wondering what had become of the young man who once sent him such a brilliant manuscript. Russell, who was the chair of the department of philosophy, said to being Wittgenstein to his office immediately for an interview. Russell explained that he would have to reject Wittgenstein's application to be an undergraduate at Cambridge University. Deeply disappointed, Wittgenstein asked why. Russell told him it was because he was already recognized as the greatest philosopher of the 20th century. Bertrand proposed that if Wittgenstein would agree to skip college and graduate school, they would immediately award him a PhD for the manuscript he'd sent to Russell years earlier. Russell also offered him a full professor ship in the department of philosophy. Wittgenstein protested and said he needed to study philosophy again, because of the error in Tractatus, and that he didn't know anything, and definitely could not teach in a classroom. Bertrand Russell insisted, and they finally struck a deal where Wittgenstein would agree to be a professor of philosophy but all he would have to do was to have a conversation session with anybody who wanted to talk to him at his dormitory room once a week. Wittgenstein accepted and met for years with students and famous philosophers who came from around Europe to crowd into his dormitory room for his weekly seminars, and he began to shape a radically different philosophical approach from the one he'd described earlier in his Tractatus. He was determined to find a new way to solve all the problems of philosophy. And, to my way of thinking, along with those few who really understand him, he was successful. But he was often frustrated because, so few understood him. This was unfortunate, because what he was saying was incredibly simple and basic, and it was pretty similar to, if not identical to, the thinking of the Buddha 2500 years earlier. The Buddha apparently had the same problem—almost nobody could understand what he was trying to say when he was still alive. They couldn't “get it” when he was talking about the so-called “Great Death” of the “self,” or talking about the path to enlightenment. The Buddha's frustration resulted from the exact same problem Wittgenstein encountered 2500 years later. The Buddha was saying something that was extremely simple, obvious, and basic—and yet, it was rumored that of his more than 100,000 followers when he was alive, only three actually “got it” and experienced enlightenment. When I read Philosophical Investigations my senior year in college, it was rumored that only seven people in the world understood what Wittgenstein was trying to say. Wittgenstein's dream was that philosophy students would “get” his thinking and give up philosophy when they realized that most if not all philosophical problems are sheer nonsense. He wanted them to do something practical and real in the world instead of studying philosophy. He was verry disappointed when his favorite student, Norman Malcolm (one of the seven who “got it,”) pursued an illustrious career teaching philosophy in America at Cornell University. I always wished I could have known Wittgenstein when he was alive, so I could have told him this: I loved you, too, and I got it after several months of confusion, trying to understand your Philosophical Investigations, but eventually understood it with the help of your student, Norman Malcolm. His book about you was very inspiring. And that's why I left philosophy for something more practical in the world. I decided at the last minute to go to medical school to become a psychiatrist instead of philosophy graduate school. Hopefully, I am doing something that you might be proud of! But oddly enough, your thinking has also influenced my approach to people who feel depressed and worthless. They are also under a kind of destructive “enchantment,” thinking that there is some such “thing” as a more or less worthwhile human being! And this is a major cause of depression and anxiety and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. I wonder if you, Wittgenstein, ever felt that you weren't “good enough” when you were feeling down. hopeless and suicidal? I sure wish I could have helped you with that! If you want to understand Wittgenstein's work, the best book in my opinion is Norman Malcolm's moving and affectionate tribute to his beloved teacher, entitled “Ludwig Wittgenstein: A Memoir.” It's a short moving tribute to his beloved teacher, and tears go down my cheeks every time I read it, or even think about it. If you ever visit my office here at home, you'll find that memoir proudly sitting on my bookshelf, with a handsome photo of Wittgenstein on the cover. Toward the end of his life, Wittgenstein appears to have become more or less homeless, and he died from prostate cancer. His doctor said he could live in his home, where he was befriended by the doctor's wife in his final days. His dying words were, “Tell them that I had a wonderful life.” He died on April 29, 1951, just a few hours before my wife was born in Palo Alto, California. Surprisingly, she is the only person I've ever met who understood Wittgenstein's thinking entirely the first time I explained it to her. She “already knew” what Wittgenstein, the greatest philosophical genius of the 20th century, spent a lifetime figuring out! Reincarnation is pretty “out there,” and fairly silly, to my way of thinking, but sometimes it can be fun to think about it! Here is my understanding of how the thinking of the “later Wittgenstein” actually developed. His first book, which is nearly impossible to understand, was called the Tractatus Logico Philosophicus. It is a series of numbered propositions, which he compared to climbing up a ladder, rung by rung, as you read the book until you got to the roof at the top of the ladder. Then you could throw your ladder away and give up philosophical thinking, since he thought his book contained the solution to all the problems of philosophy that had tormented him since childhood, as mentioned previously. The philosophy of language in the Tractatus is based on the thinking of Aristotle and Plato, who thought that the function of language was to name things that exist in the real world. Plato's idea was that our real world consists of imperfect examples of a “Platonic Reality” which consisted of “perfect” representations of everything. So, for example, Plato believed there could be a perfect “table,” a perfect “lamp,” and so forth. In other words, he thought there was an ideal essence to the concept of a “table.” And, I suppose, there might also be a “perfect” version of you! The early Wittgenstein also thought that the logic inherent in our sentences reflected the logic inherent in an external reality. If that doesn't make much sense to you, join the club! But that's kind of what Plato and Aristotle were promoting, at least in my (David's) understanding. When Wittgenstein's Tractatus was debunked, he was devastated, and desperately wanted to find another way to solve the problems of philosophy, since they started tormenting him again. It was much like a relapse of OCD or some other emotional problem. In fact, he thought of philosophy as a kind of mental illness that needed treatment. Here's an example of the types of philosophical problems that tormented him. Do human beings have free will? Do we have a “self?” Is the universal “real?” Of course, we THINK we have free will, and it SEEMS like we make “free decisions” all day long, but is this just an illusion? For example, some people would argue that we cannot have “free will” because we “have to” follow the laws of science that govern everything, including how the brain works. So, since we “have to” do what we are doing at every moment of every day, we must not have free will! Here is an argument that we do NOT have “free will.” When a powerful storm or hurricane destroys a portion of a city, and people die, we see this as a tragedy, but we don't get angry at the hurricane because it does have “free will.” It is just obeying the laws of physics that govern the forces of wind, air pressure, heat and cooling, and so forth. A storm cannot behave in any other way. So, the argument goes, we are also following the laws that govern the functioning of our bodies and brains, and so we cannot do other than what we do, so we, too, have no “free will.” We THINK we are acting freely but it is an illusion, so our brains are obeying the laws of the universe at every moment! For hundreds of years philosophers have struggled with this puzzle, and many people still wrestle with this problem today. It was one of the problems that drew me to philosophy. Impractical for sure, but still tantalizing. Another way to express the free will puzzle is via religious thinking. I was taught when I was growing up that God is omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (present everywhere) and omniscient (all knowing.) So, God knows the past, present, and future. And if God knows the future, then God knows what we will do at every moment of every day, and we are helpless to do otherwise. Therefore, we have no “free will,” even though we “think” we do! This free will problem can definitely be unsettling, with troubling moral consequences. If we do not “free will,” then are serial killers really responsible for, or guilty, or accountable for their actions? If we do not have free will, then wouldn't that give us license to do whatever we want whenever we want? Clever arguments for sure! We may “feel” like we have the freedom to do whatever we want at almost any moment of any day, but are we fooling ourselves and living in some gigantic hoax, or illusion? Are we total slaves with the delusion that we are actually acting “freely?” How do we resolve this problem? Well, one day Wittgenstein was walking past a soccer game at the park, and the soccer ball hit him on the head. He wasn't hurt, but had the thought, “What if the function of language is NOT to name things (like trees, or lamps, etc.) that exist in some “external reality,” like Plato and Aristotle thought? What if language actually functions as a series of “language games,” with rules, just like the game of soccer? Then the meaning of any words would simply be the many ways the word is used in different real world situations. In fact, that's what you find in the dictionary when you look up the meaning of a word. The dictionary doesn't ever give you some “correct” or ”pure” meaning, since most words have many meanings. This would be the opposite of the philosophy of Aristotle and Plato who argued that there were “true” meanings for every word, noun, or concept. What if, instead, words had NO true or essential meanings, and their meanings were simply embedded in the context in which they are used in ordinary, everyday language? If so, this might mean that philosophical problems emerge when we try to pull words out of their ordinary meanings, which are always obvious, and put them into some metaphysical realm where philosophers argue about “ultimate truth.” Let's say we wanted to find out if humans have “free will.” Well, not being sure if there is such a “thing” as “free will,” we could look up “free” and “will” in the dictionary. (I know this sounds incredibly obvious and almost ridiculous.) What does “free” mean? Well, we could talk about the many ways we use “free.” Political freedom means that in some countries you cannot contradict the leader (the dictator) without the danger of being thrown in prison or even murdered. But in other countries, you are, In fact, free to express your own ideas and opinions, without fear of punishment. Free also means getting something without having to pay for it, like a seventh bottle of soda is free at the local grocery store if you purchase a six pack. Free can also mean “available.” I am starting up my Sunday hikes again, and I might say, “If you are free this Sunday morning, meet at my front door at 9 and we'll go for a hike and have a dim sum feast afterwards at a Chinese restaurant on Castro Street in Mountain View, California, Now notice that when you talk about “free will” you have taken this word, “free,” out of the familiar contexts in which we find it, and given it some type of metaphysical “meaning.” But in this metaphysical, philosophical arena, it has no meaning. So, instead of trying to “solve” the so-called “free will” problem, we can dismiss it as nonsensical, and ignore it as having no practical meaning, and move on with our lives. We can say, “I just don't understand that problem! I don't know what you're talking about when you ask the general question of whether we have something called ‘free will.'” That either works for you, or it doesn't work for you! Your choice. It does work for me, but it took me months of thinking until I suddenly “got it.” My way of describing this philosophical error is “nounism.” You think that nouns always refer to things that could “exist” or “not-exist,” just like Plato and Aristotle thought. So, you ponder and try to figure out if this notion of “free will” exists or does not exist. But it's arguably a meaningless question. That's why I say, and Wittgenstein might say, I have no idea what you're talking about. Today we'll discuss the free will problem and how it might relate to our field of psychotherapy. Next week, we'll deal with another thorny problem: Do we have a “self?” Or is that also just some kind of illusion? I (David) wrote these show notes before the show, and we have had fairly extensive email exchanges, with a variety of points of view on whether or not we have something we can call “free will.” First, I'll put a great email by Matt, followed by a comment by Fabrice. Here's Matt's email first: Subject: Re: question Yes, that's getting very close to what I'm trying to communicate. I don't believe you are 'slow' or 'super lame', either. In fact, quite the opposite. I suspect I'm failing to do an adequate job of disarming your claims that 'free will' and 'self' are words taken out-of-context and, therefore, can't be shown to exist or not-exist. I apologize, as I am pretty excited about the potential to help people, suffering with self-blame and other-blame, by realizing that we and others don't have a 'self' or 'free will'. I believe we have a brain that makes decisions and creates experiences, including the experience of having a 'self' and 'free will'. I believe that the experience of 'making' a decision is an illusion, as is the idea of a static, unchanging 'self' that controls decision-making. I asked you to pick a movie and you said, 'Green Mile'. You acknowledged that this movie title simply 'popped into my head'. That's correct. Your 'self' didn't control what you selected, using 'free will'. Your brain just came up with that movie title. There was no 'self' that made a decision to choose that word. I agree that we have a brain which is incredibly powerful. I'm claiming that we don't have an auxiliary 'self', with extra super powers, controlling our brain. We can make decisions, but we don't have 'free will', meaning, the ability to control those decisions. I do think you have some resistance to seeing through the illusions of 'self' and 'free will', all of which say awesome things about you, e.g. morality and justice. I'm not trying to convince you, one way or another, and I don't expect to. I'm more interested in the listening audience, as many people are significantly relieved when they realize that we are more the victims of our biology and circumstance rather than defective 'selves' lacking 'willpower'. To put a slightly finer point on the subject, when people say they have 'free will', they don't mean that 'decisions are made'. Obviously, decisions are made. You decided to keep reading this email, for example. Or you didn't. I'm not sure. Either way, a decision was made. When people say they have 'free will', they are saying that they (really, their 'self') are/is free to decide whether to continue reading this email, and that this power goes above and beyond what their brain is doing, according to the laws of physics. I am claiming that this is a ridiculous and dangerous thought, for which there is no evidence. You're saying these terms haven't been defined. I'm pointing out that they already have been, intuitively, by anyone who thinks, 'I shouldn't have done that', or 'they shouldn't have done that'. These thoughts require a belief that they 'could have' done something different, that they had free will. Aside from rage and guilt, let's examine the narcissism and excessive sense of confidence a patient might have, if they believe that they can simply 'decide', through sheer 'willpower', not to beat up on themselves anymore. Or a patient who believes they can simply 'decide' to always use the 5-Secrets, rather than criticize and blame. Can they? I've never seen that happen. That's why I assign homework. I know that the goal is to rewire the brain so they can feel and perform better, later. We can't simply decide to feel good all the time. We all drift in-and-out of enlightenment. If we want to increase the likelihood that we will be able to set aside self-criticism or communicate more effectively, we have to practice new thoughts and behaviors. If we do, we will develop greater skills at defeating negative thoughts and communicating effectively. Otherwise, our brains will do, in the future, what they are programmed to do, now. It's because we lack 'free will', that we must do homework. Similarly, you couldn't simply 'decide' to be the world's best ping-pong player. You realized you would have to work hard to re-wire your brain, if you wanted to have a chance at that. Let's use the murderer/cat example: A cat tortures and kills mice for the same reasons that a murderer does: their brains are programmed to do so. Murderers don't have a defective 'self' that is failing to express 'free will' adequately, when they murder. They're doing precisely what the atomic structure of their brain caused them to do, according to the laws of physics, in that moment, when presented with those precise stimuli. We don't have to judge or punish the cat or the murderer's 'self' and insist they should have used their 'free will'. We can accept that neither creature had the ability to decide differently from what their brain decided, in that moment. That is where the therapeutic element of this realization comes into play. I think it's important on a lot of levels, to stop blaming cats for being cats and murderers for being murderers. Similarly, if a patient doesn't want to do homework, will it do any good to blame them and think they're bad and should decide differently? No, it helps to accept them where they are, and to accept ourselves where we are, with open hands. Realizing nobody has a 'self' operating their brain and making decisions that are better than their brains' decisions doesn't mean we have to let all the murderers go or trust our cat with a new mouse companion. We can still be aware that their brains are programmed to murder. We would still be motivated to do whatever is necessary to protect society and mice. The difference is the attitude towards the murderer. We aren't trying to 'punish' or 'get vengeance' but to protect and, instead of 'labeling' them as having a 'bad self' or even being a 'murderer', but someone who has murdered and, left to their own devices, likely to do so again. Instead of judging and demanding vengeance, we would see a murderer as the victim of their biology and environment. Instead of condemning them as permanently evil and bad, we could recognize that their brain is currently wired to do bad things and they might still learn new ways to interact with others. Perhaps they're not hopeless cases, after all. From the other side, if I ever committed murder, and sentenced to death, I wouldn't want to be feeling defective, thinking what a bad self I have and guilty/ashamed for not flexing my 'free will' in the heat of the moment. Instead, I might feel a sense of relief, purpose and meaning, that I was protecting others by being put to death. Alright, enough out of me! Thanks, Matt And now, the response from Fabrice: Matt's thinking is exactly in line with mine. I don't know if the topic came up in your discussion, but some people argue that actually someone could have done something differently than they did, because there is some randomness in Nature. But that argument doesn't hold water because even if the decision “made” by their brain is different, it has nothing to do with their will but only with the Heisenberg principle. Cheers! Fabrice Nye fabrice@life.net David's wrap up comment. Matt and Fabrice have quite a different view of “free will” and the “self.” They are arguing, very thoughtfully and persuasive, that we do not “have” a “self” or “free will.” People have been involved in this debate, as I've mentioned, for hundreds of years, taking one side or another. My own thinking is different, and reflects my understanding of Wittgenstein's thinking. They have take these words out of the contexts in which they exist in everyday language, (which is a huge temptation) and involved in a debate about abstract concepts which have no meaning. Very few people, it seems, were able to grasp this idea when Wittgenstein was alive, or even today. So, if what I'm saying makes no sense to you, be comforted, since it seems likely that 99% of the people reading this, or listening to the show, will agree with you! And that's still a puzzle to me. It is not clear to me why so many people still cannot “see” or “get” this idea that words do not have any pure or essential “meaning” outside of the context of everyday use of language. The best psychotherapy example I can use is the fact that nearly all depressed individuals are trying to figure out, on some abstract or philosophical level, whether they are “worthwhile” or “good enough,” or whatever. This seems to be a “real” problem, and so they believe that they are not sufficiently worthwhile. This belief can be so convincing that many people commit suicide, out of a sense of hopelessness and self-hatred. But there is not such thing as a human being who is more or less “worthwhile.” Of course, your actions can be more or less worthwhile at any moment, and we can evaluate or judge our specific behaviors. Yesterday, we had our first recording session in a video studio we have set up for our Feeling Great App. We had a lot of fun and recorded some (hopefully) interesting stories we'll publish on our two new YouTube channels. I really appreciated the colleagues who made this possible. It was a relief for me because I tend to have performance anxiety, which impairs my ability to speak naturally and with emotion. But this time, there was no anxiety at all, so it was fun. Did this make me or my colleagues more worthwhile human beings? No! But it did show that we'd become a bit more effective and communicating messages that will trigger healing and understanding in our fans, and hope that includes you! When you “see” this, perhaps for the first time, it can be incredibly liberating, since you no longer have the need to have a “self” that's “special” or worthwhile. And, as some of you know, my beloved teacher and cat, Obie, taught me that when you no longer need to be “special,” life becomes special. When your “self” dies, you inherit the world! There's no funeral, only a celebration! Feel free to contact us with your thoughts, ideas and questions! Thank you for listening today! Rhonda, Matt, Fabrice, and David
ADHD always comes with a side dish. Mine is depression. Dr. Sandra's is anxiety, and she and I had a wonderful conversation about anxiety, some strategies that can work for it, and we even got to learn about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Great conversation! Dr. Sandra is a licensed psychologist, anxiety specialist, and mental health advocate. She is on a mission to make evidence-based anxiety support as accessible as possible through Embrace Now - her community membership platform. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from La Salle University and was trained extensively in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. She also has personal experience with both Generalized Anxiety Disorder and ADHD. To learn more about her community, check out https://www.embrace-now.org. She is currently offering a FREE trial for the "founding" members of her community called "Early Embracers"*********************** Check out the 8 Essential ADHD Big Brother Episodes, curated and ordered specifically to get you primed and ready to successfully manage your ADHD life! Find out the power of leveraging community-driven, gamified accountability. Try it with my 7-day money back no risk thingy-ma-bob!Click here to learn more about the ADHD Big Brother Community New Webinar dates added! "How ADHDers Can Do Sh*tty Things" - 30 minutes of how it's done, and 30 minutes of fun Q&A! Bring your juicy ADHD struggles and we can discuss it! Click here to registerGoal Digger: The Long Term Goal Game Now Avaliable. Click here to get moving on your long-term goals!Interested in working with me One-One? I've opened two spots! Learn more here
This is A Fan Favorite Rerun EpisodeIn this episode, I welcome Dr. Sharon Saline, a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience and a top expert on ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, and mental health challenges. Dr. Saline shares her personal experience with ADHD and anxiety and provides insights into the relationship between these two conditions. She also offers strategies for managing anxiety and ADHD, emphasizing the importance of understanding triggers and developing proactive strategies.Episode Highlights:[0:43] Introduction of Dr. Sharon Saline[3:11] Dr. Sharon Saline's story of an ADHD Diagnosis[8:37] Research on Generalized Anxiety Disorder in kids and teens[8:55] Connecting ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder[13:03] Triggers of anxiety and ADHD[15:02] Signs of anxiety[17:57] How ADHD impacts people dealing with their anxiety[20:28] Making a list of choices for when triggered[22:19] Thinking about what could go right instead of focusing on negativity[24:02] The importance of distraction[25:59] Why we need connection[28:05] Blending cognitive behavioral therapy, insight-oriented psychotherapy, and mindfulness positive psychology[30:30] Number one pro tipResources Mentioned:Dr. Saline's website: https://drsharonsaline.com/ Dr. Saline's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrSharonSaline/ Dr. Saline's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsharonsaline/ Dr. Saline's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-saline-psy-d-b2a18770/ Dr. Sharon Saline's book: What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and LifeThank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.
What do you do when you find yourself on 14 prescription medications and your health is only declining? On this episode of Vitality Radio, Jared interviews Suzanne Bates, one of our own at Vitality Nutrition. She shares her story of taking her health into her own hands when western medicine failed her. Suzanne was an ICU nurse and believed wholeheartedly in the ways of western medicine, until she realized it wasn't helping her at all. You'll hear how she went from almost bedridden with multiple diagnoses and drugs for all of them, to vibrant and healthy, no longer burdened with those illnesses, and down to one prescription which is on its way out. She shares the incredible story of how she was led to Vitality Nutrition and the one supplement that started her on a journey to natural healing and a life full of hope and joy.Products:N.O. Cardio BoostSunChlorella ChlorophyllBerberineAlpha Lipoic AcidSuntheanineTri-IodineRhodiolaAdditional Information:#264: Emotional Vitality: Jen's Story Part 1 - From Addiction and Mental Illness to VitalityVisit the podcast website here: VitalityRadio.comYou can follow @vitalityradio and @vitalitynutritionbountiful on Instagram, or Vitality Radio and Vitality Nutrition on Facebook. Join us also in the Vitality Radio Podcast Listener Community on Facebook. Shop the products that Jared mentions at vitalitynutrition.com. Let us know your thoughts about this episode using the hashtag #vitalityradio and please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Thank you!Please also join us on the Dearly Discarded Podcast with Jared St. Clair.Just a reminder that this podcast is for educational purposes only. The FDA has not evaluated the podcast. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The advice given is not intended to replace the advice of your medical professional.
Today, we're diving into a topic that affects many kids, teens, and adults: social anxiety. Social anxiety is more than just the usual nervousness or shyness; it can significantly impact daily life, making even the simplest social interactions panic-inducing. We're going to break down what social anxiety is, how it differs from normal social worries, and most importantly, how to spot it in children and teens. Our guest today is Sarah Olivo, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience. Sarah specializes in evidence-based treatments, particularly CBT, and is dedicated to helping children, teens, and young adults overcome anxiety and achieve meaningful change in their lives. As the Head of Lumate Academy, Sarah is passionate about spreading the benefits of CBT to those with limited access to these life-changing therapies. In this episode, we'll explore the various types of treatment options available, with a particular focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). We'll also discuss practical ways parents and educators can support kids and teens struggling with social anxiety. Understanding the difference between typical developmental anxiety and social anxiety is crucial. While it's normal for kids to experience some level of anxiety as they grow, social anxiety is characterized by an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations, often leading to panic. With Sarah's guidance, by the end of this episode, you'll better understand social anxiety, its impact, and the powerful ways we can help our kids and teens manage and overcome it. Show Notes: [2:18] - Many kids and teens experience anxiety and a lot of times they are a normal part of growing up. [3:29] - Some of the questions asked are, “How frequently is anxiety happening?” and “Is it causing a lot of distress for the child or the family?” [4:57] - There are types of anxiety that are developmentally appropriate to experience at different stages of development. [6:00] - The core of social anxiety is the fear of being judged by others and embarrassed in some way. [7:01] - For many kids and teens with social anxiety, social situations are panic-inducing. [8:38] - There is also Generalized Anxiety Disorder which does differ from social anxiety. [11:28] - As parents, we can read our child's mind. There are times when we won't be able to tell the thoughts that lead to anxiety. [13:33] - For those with social anxiety, it's not that they don't know how to act in certain situations. [15:27] - There are ways to get help. One of the most effective treatments for social anxiety is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) [18:04] - Social situations activate the threat center for those with social anxiety. [21:19] - For treating social anxiety, goals will be different for each individual. [23:25] - Social anxiety is far different from simply being an introvert. [26:23] - Individual programs are fine, but group programs are excellent for helping overcome social anxiety struggles and meet goals. [29:04] - Privacy is a concern for some group programs, but it is not something to worry about. [32:18] - Social anxiety that goes unmanaged can lead to chronic anxiety. [35:15] - If someone as a child or a teenager struggles with social anxiety, it is likely that a parent also does. [38:07] - At school, teachers tend to cater to a child or teen's social anxiety. [39:56] - Oftentimes we only notice the negatives. We need to notice when a child is working on their struggles and practicing the things they're learning. About Our Guest: Sarah Olivo, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who believes that empathy, collaboration, and a sense of humor are the bases for any good therapy. Sarah is a staunch believer in evidenced-based psychology and has worked diligently to become fluent in many forms of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). In short, Sarah's approach has rigorous research at its core, and she continually seeks out training opportunities so that she can be on the front lines of the most modern and effective treatments. Sarah brings over 20 years of clinical experience when helping her clients get the changes they want out of their lives, as quickly as possible. Her goal as the Head of Lumate Academy is to help spread CBT far and wide so that children, teens, and young adults with less access can start making these changes as well. Connect with Sarah: Lumate Health Website Links and Related Resources: Episode 131: Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Kids and Teens with Dr. Shadab Jannati How Social Anxiety Differs From Shyness and How to Help Your Child Episode 171: Is It Shyness or Social Anxiety? with Dr. Fran Walfish Episode 170: Understanding Selective Mutism with Dr. Danielle Cornacchio Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses with LIVE AMA Sessions The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.
Chelsea Brown is an LPC Supervisor in Oklahoma and owns Restoration Behavioral Health in Muskogee, OK. She is a nationally certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, having trained at the University of Oklahoma's Center for Child Abuse and Neglect and is also a provider of Cognitive Processing Therapy, an evidenced-based treatment approach to Post-Traumatic Stress in Adults.Chelsea grew up in Muskogee, OK, and has raised a family there since 2005. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in General Psychology and her Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern State University. She has worked in this field for over 10 years, assisting individuals and their families.Chelsea focuses on trauma-work for her community and specializes in treating first responders, but also serves the kids that come through her advocacy center who have been victims of abuse and neglect. She specializes in working with individuals and children with diagnoses of PTSD, Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder, and Reactive Attachment Disorder.She is a Boeing Scholar through the Strong Star Initiative in Houston, TX in their training initiative for CPT. Chelsea is dedicated to ever-growing her knowledge of trauma treatment and recovery through hundreds of clock hours of continuing education and training, including training in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Advanced TFCBT coursework, and Components for Enhancing Clinician Experience and Reducing Trauma Model (CE-CERT). "This dedication to training ensures that we, at Restoration, have all the tools and skills we need to treat the challenges our clients are facing."In This EpisodeChelsea's WebsiteContact Chelsea: chelsea.brown@restorationbh.com---If you'd like to support The Trauma Therapist Podcast and the work I do you can do that here with a monthly donation of $5, $7, or $10: Donate to The Trauma Therapist Podcast.Click here to join my email list and receive podcast updates and other news.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.
Transformed Podcast Episode 71 | May 09, 2024 Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects millions, but is there a biblical solution? Listen as Dr. Greg Gifford breaks down G.A.D. and provides a biblical understanding that challenges conventional views. https://media-wretched.org/Radio/Transformed_Podcast/TR2024-0516.mp3 ___ Download Now (right click and save) Subscribe to Transformed to receive every new episode directly to your device by selecting your device type or by copying the RSS feed link and pasting it into your podcast application. Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS Feed ___ Thanks for listening! Transformed would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Transformed we would be extremely grateful. CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED. If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!
Have you ever felt a knot in your stomach from worry? Racing thoughts? A heart that won't slow down? Kimberly Beam Holmes knows exactly how anxiety feels. She shares her deeply personal journey with anxiety, starting from childhood experiences that laid the foundation for her struggles. If you or someone you love grapples with adult anxiety, this video is for you!Kimberly discusses specific anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety, phobias, and hypochondria, explaining how they manifest and impact our lives. Discover how anxiety affects the body, potential causes, and why it's more common in women. In this episode, she delves into managing anxiety through uncertainty and the broader topic of stress management.Don't let anxiety control you! Kimberly reveals actionable strategies to manage your anxiety, including:- The Power of Self-Care: Practical tips to nurture your mind and body.- Mind Over Matter: How cognitive-behavioral techniques can rewire your thinking.- Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind: The science behind exercise as an anxiety-buster.- Breathe Deeply: Simple breathwork techniques for anxiety relief.- The Gratitude Effect: How focusing on the good can transform your outlook.- Journaling for Anxiety: Discover the power of writing to ease anxious thoughts.Remember, you are not alone. Kimberly's story is one of hope and resilience – proof that you can learn to thrive despite anxiety.LINK TO RESEARCH: https://bit.ly/3vj9j72