The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych

Robert Duff, Ph.D.
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Oct 28, 2023 • 33min

Episode 372: Finding Balance in College & Spending Addiction

This episode discusses financial anxieties, impulsive shopping habits, ADHD, and finding balance with money. It provides strategies for regaining financial control, including budgeting, creating a waiting period before making purchases, and seeking therapy. The host emphasizes the importance of community support, accountability, and self-awareness. The chapter descriptions cover managing stress in college, self-care, and understanding anxiety-driven spending and ADHD.
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Oct 20, 2023 • 32min

Episode 371: Is This Cheating?, Annoyed at Phones, & Meds Before Therapy

Hello, friends! I hope everyone is well. In today's insightful episode, we dive deep into two thought-provoking listener questions that touch on feelings of regret after a relationship and the challenges of adapting to a technology-driven society: The Complexities of Relationships & BPD A 27-year-old male grapples with feelings of regret after rekindling a relationship with an ex-partner diagnosed with BPD. We discuss the intricate nature of relationships with individuals diagnosed with BPD, emphasizing understanding, compassion, and communication. Highlighting the importance of self-awareness and personal boundaries when navigating the potential of re-entering a relationship. Shedding light on the challenges of revisiting past connections and the role of personal growth and change. Navigating a Technology-Driven World A listener shares their post-pandemic struggles with adapting to a world where mobile phones dominate social interactions. We explore the societal shift towards digital interactions and the challenges of feeling disconnected in an ever-connected world. Addressing feelings of annoyance with public cell phone usage and ways to reframe our perspective for better adaptability. Questioning medical advice and advocating for the importance of therapy as an initial treatment approach. As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com, and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode371. --- If you are in the market for a product that actually heals your skin at the molecular level to reverse signs of aging, check out OneSkin. Use the code DUFF at http://oneskin.co for 15% off! And if you would like some assistance in helping your brain act more like a friend and less like a cat that's annoyed at you, try professional therapy entirely online with BetterHelp. Visit http://betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off!
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Oct 13, 2023 • 39min

Episode 370: Unusual Response to ADHD Meds & Safer BDSM Practices

Hello, friends! I hope everyone is well. In today's enlightening episode, we delve into two insightful listener questions that touch on ADHD medications and the world of BDSM: The Nuances of ADHD Medications A concerned friend notices that their peers, after starting ADHD medication, exhibit what seems to be exacerbated symptoms. We delve into the complexities of ADHD medication, understanding its effects, and the importance of individualized treatment. Exploring the balance of neurotransmitters, the potential for overstimulation, and the common trial-and-error phase of medication adjustment. The importance of observation, empathy, and open communication when approaching friends or loved ones about potential medication side effects. Journeying through BDSM Interests from Childhood to Adulthood A listener shares their deep-seated interest in BDSM activities from an age as young as six, raising concerns about their adult relationships and personal safety. We explore the broad scope of BDSM, its misconceptions, and the importance of self-awareness and education in safely navigating the BDSM community. Touching upon the potential overlaps between Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Autism and BDSM tendencies, and the significance of therapy in understanding oneself better. As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode370 ---- If you are looking for expert training, accountability, and a real person to help you achieve your fitness goals, check out CoPilot at go.mycopilot.com/duff for a 14 day free trial and a real personal trainer to get your started. The holiday season is rapidly approaching. If you are in the market for unique gifts that are handmade or sold by small businesses, check out Uncommon Goods. They are an awesome marketplace with everything from bar equipment to crafts, to mugs, to jewelry. Head over to http://uncommongoods.com/duff for 15% off your next gift.
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Oct 6, 2023 • 31min

Episode 369: Avoiding Depression Relapse & Questioning Parenthood

Episode 369: Navigating Personal Struggles & Motherhood Hello, friends! I hope everyone is doing well. In today's episode, we delve into two deeply personal and powerful listener questions: 1. A 26-year-old woman shares her journey from the depths of a severe depression to her current stable and fulfilling life. Despite her progress, she grapples with anxiety about possibly regressing into her past depressive state. We explore the resilience of overcoming challenges, the changes that occur within us as we grow, and the power of reflection and gratitude in maintaining mental health. 2. A single mother of two confronts the painful reality of potentially repeating the patterns of her own tumultuous childhood. With raw honesty, she reveals her struggles with emotional, mental, and occasional physical abuse towards her children. In response, we discuss the profound challenges of motherhood, the potential for growth and change, and the importance of seeking resources and support. Resources Mentioned: Child Welfare Information Gateway A comprehensive resource hub offering assistance on various topics, from adoption to strengthening families. National Parent Helpline A platform that provides support to parents and caregivers. They offer a directory of parent resources by state. For more detailed information and links, please visit the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode369. As always, if you have questions or topics you'd like discussed on the show, please send them to duffthepsych@gmail.com. --- This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you find yourself stuck in a rut, consider enlisting the help of a licensed therapist online. Head to http://betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month!
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Sep 29, 2023 • 29min

Episode 368: How to Overcome Anxiety About Flying

This podcast episode discusses strategies to overcome anxiety about flying, including the importance of anchor thoughts, avoiding safety behaviors, and relying on support systems. It also explores techniques such as grounding exercises and distractions, and highlights the significance of self-compassion and preparation. The chapter descriptions cover facing fears, managing flying anxiety with kids, establishing anchor thoughts, managing anxiety with breathing exercises and distractions, and seeking support and finding bravery while flying.
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Sep 22, 2023 • 36min

Episode 367: Preventing Age Discrimination and Promoting Longevity

This podcast episode delves into the challenges of aging, particularly in relation to mental health and the discrimination faced by older adults in healthcare. It discusses the bias against helping older people with mental health problems, the lack of follow-up care for stroke patients, and dismissive attitudes towards cognitive issues. The episode also explores the causes of impairment in older adults, age discrimination in healthcare, and the impact of Medicare reimbursement on mental health providers.
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Sep 15, 2023 • 47min

Episode 366: Explaining My Polyamorous Relationship & Supporting a Partner in Grief Over a Pet

The podcast explores the speaker's personal journey into a polyamorous relationship. They discuss the concepts of non-monogamy, different types of polyamorous relationships, and the importance of clear communication. They also provide advice on supporting a partner through grief over the loss of a pet, especially while dealing with mental health challenges.
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Sep 8, 2023 • 38min

Episode 365: Getting Autism Diagnosis as an Adult & Living with Partner's PTSD

Hello, all! I hope that you are staying healthy and safe. In this episode, I cover two very interesting questions. In the first, someone has been through almost every treatment for depression and anxiety under the sun, yet they still struggle. Their therapist suggested that they may be on the autism spectrum and the person is wondering whether it would be useful to get an evaluation. We discuss the potential benefits as well as how to go about finding (and affording) an evaluation. Next, someone has PTSD from their partner's PTSD reactions. Their partner is a war veteran with multiple brain injuries and the question-asker is wondering how they can stay afloat mentally when their partner does not get help. We talk about ways to avoid codependence, how to establish boundaries, and when to call it quits. As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode365 ----- This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rather than letting your thoughts stay swirling around in your mind, get them out by talking to a licensed therapist. Try BetterHelp today and get 10% off your first month at http://betterhelp.com/duff Also, don't forget to check out my new shop. I'm putting out new designs all the time including this awesome mug:
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Sep 1, 2023 • 34min

Episode 364: PTSD with Psychosis & Body Dysmorphia Cured by Loss

Hello, friends! I hope you're treating yourselves well. In this episode, I dive into two compelling listener questions that touch on complex emotional states and mental health diagnoses. First up, we discuss what it means to be diagnosed with PTSD with "schizophrenic episodes." If you've ever been confused by mental health jargon or diagnoses, this segment will provide some clarity. We'll break down the DSM criteria for PTSD and explore the possibility of psychotic symptoms within the framework of trauma. Our second question is a deeply emotional one. It's about the sudden disappearance of body dysmorphia and low self-esteem following the death of an abusive parent. Can such a significant life event dramatically shift one's self-image? We'll delve into the complexities of grief, closure, and self-perception in this intriguing discussion. As always, your engagement keeps this show going. Send your questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com for a chance to be featured in future episodes. For full show notes, head to duffthepsych.com/episode364.
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Aug 25, 2023 • 39min

Episode 363: Treating a Phobia of Wasps & Adjusting to Moving in With a Partner

Hello, friends! I hope you are treating yourselves well. In this episode, we dive deep into two thought-provoking listener questions. Our first discussion revolves around a listener who's grappling with a profound fear of wasps, known as spheksophobia. This phobia has had a significant impact on their quality of life, especially during the summer. We delve into the nature of specific phobias, their prevalence, and debunk some common misconceptions about wasps. Moreover, we explore potential strategies for addressing and managing such fears, emphasizing the role of exposure therapy and the significance of understanding one's fear hierarchy. The second question opens a window into the world of a couple navigating the challenges of moving in together. One partner has relocated from a cherished home, and both are experiencing the typical growing pains of cohabitation for the first time. We discuss the importance of communication, curiosity, and compromise in this new chapter of their relationship. By establishing routines, rituals, and shared spaces, they can create an environment that feels like home to both, while also setting aside time for individual activities to foster a deeper bond. Your questions always bring valuable insights to our conversations. If there's a question or topic on your mind, feel free to send it over to duffthepsych@gmail.com. For full show notes, head to http://duffthepsych.com/episode363. ---- If you are looking for an air purifier that is powerful enough to circulate the air in your room four times per hour and can eliminate airborne particles as small as 0.005 microns, be sure to check out Air Doctor. Right now, you can get 40% off by using the code "duff" at http://airdoctorpro.com Life doesn't come with a road map. Whether it is navigating changes in your relationship or figuring out how to use exposure to conquer your anxiety, BetterHelp may be just what you are looking for. Get professional help conveniently and quickly plus 10% off at http://betterhelp.com/duff

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