The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych

Hello, everyone! I hope you are doing super well. As always, I really appreciate your attention. A special thank you to everyone that has left feedback for me about the show. Very helpful. In this weeks episode, I tackle the following questions: Could my symptoms be PMDD and if so, how do I get help? What can I do about my ex that is spreading harmful lies about me? As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode362 ---- This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you could use the support of a therapist to help you navigate life's challenge. Check out BetterHelp and get connected to a licensed therapist quickly, entirely online. Visit http://betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month. This episode is also sponsored by OneSkin. If you're like me and would like a simple skincare routine that is backed by clinical research, then OneSkin is for you. Visit http://oneskin.co and use the code "duff" for 15% off.

Hello, all! In this episode, I answer the following awesome listener questions. I have successfully been treated for cancer, but I can't stop looking at research and personal accounts online for fear that it may come back. How can I stop? How do weight loss medications like Ozempic help reduce the psychological addiction to food? Please give me feedback on the show at this link: https://forms.gle/TGx4puKucMJKjSNz7 As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode361 --- Today's episode is sponsored by Mindbloom. Get $100 off your first at-home ketamine treatment for depression and anxiety at http://mindbloom.com/duff with the promo code duff.

Hello, friends! I hope you're staying safe from the heat and generally taking good care of yourselves. Today, I have two awesome listener questions. The first comes from someone that left her job as a teacher because she was burned out. However, now she finds herself in a difficult situation without insurance or a longterm steady income. I provide advice regarding resources for inexpensive and free therapy. I also talk about different resources available to someone in a situation like this and explain how Maslow's heirarchy of needs explains why the person should focus on basic needs before trying to answer big questions about their life and sexuality. The second question is from a mother with two autistic children and a mother with dementia. She is looking for advice about how to take care of herself without abandoning her family. I provide a variety of ideas for resources that would allow her to have more help and freedom. As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode360

Hello, friends! I hope life is treating you well. In today's episode, we're going to dive into two more insightful listener questions: Our first question comes from a listener who's struggling with their spouse's constant engagement with their phone. The impact is such that it seems to supersede any conversation or interaction they might have. They even go so far as to joke that they might be better off texting their spouse, despite being in the same room. We'll delve into this challenge, discussing potential strategies for addressing screen-time issues within relationships, communication tactics, and steps to reclaim mutual attention and presence. Our second question is from a listener navigating the complexities of depression and anxiety treatment. They've been considering ketamine therapy and have concerns about its application, specifically the difference between IV and oral administration, potential lasting effects, and the overall experience. They're particularly interested in hearing about personal experiences with ketamine therapy, including potential side effects and long-term benefits. We'll unravel the science behind ketamine treatment for depression and anxiety, exploring the potential pros and cons, the lasting effects, and the considerations one should have in mind when deciding on this treatment approach. As always, I appreciate your questions and engagement with the show. You can send your questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode359. ---- Sponsor: This epsiode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Life doesn't come with a guidebook, but you don't have to go it alone. Enlist the help of a licensed therapist entirely online at http://betterhelp.com/duff

Hello, friends! I hope you're all doing fantastic. In today's episode, we delve into the following awesome listener questions: Our first question comes from a listener who has been dealing with a challenging relationship with food. They described waking up each day caught in a cycle of remorse over their previous night's eating and anxiety about what the new day will bring. They also mentioned the negative impact this issue has on their relationships and social life. Although they've begun therapy, their current therapist has admitted this specific problem is outside of their expertise. Together, we'll explore this struggle, discussing possible steps toward understanding and addressing problematic eating habits and how to find the right professional help to navigate this journey. Our second question is from a loyal listener who's been with us for three years. They're struggling with setting long-term goals due to anxiety. They aspire to move overseas with their partner in the next 5-10 years but are being held back by worries such as the stability of their relationship and financial concerns. We'll unpack the complexities of setting long-term goals while dealing with anxiety, offering strategies to establish realistic objectives without feeling overwhelmed, and ways to manage the uncertainties that naturally come with future planning. As always, I appreciate your questions and engagement with the show. You can send your questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode358. --- This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. If you are looking for some assistance in finding your direction in life, consider enlisting the help of a licensed remote therapist at http://betterhelp.com/duffthepsych

Hello, friends! I hope you're all doing great. In today's episode, we dive into the following awesome listener questions: Our first question comes from a listener who's considering whether to continue their journey with antidepressant medication. They've been told by their doctor that most people stay on these medications for life, but they're not sure if this path is right for them. They're grappling with how to gauge if the medication is still necessary or if their mental health has improved enough to consider discontinuing it. We will delve into this complex issue, discussing ways to assess the effectiveness of antidepressants, the potential risks and benefits of long-term use, and how to make informed decisions about your mental health treatment plan. Our second question is from a long-time listener who has been struggling with feeling comfortable during intimate moments with their partner. Despite feeling sexy when alone, the listener finds it challenging to relax and enjoy intimacy with their partner, possibly due to a decade-long journey with infertility and miscarriages. Now surgically sterile, the listener is looking for ways to reclaim their sex life and feel comfortable in their own skin during intimate encounters. We will explore ways to navigate this emotional terrain, discussing how past experiences can impact present relationships and strategies for fostering healthy and satisfying intimacy. As always, feel free to send your questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com. You can find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode357. --- This episode is sponsored by ONE SKIN. If you are looking to reverse the impact of aging on your skin, check out this simple skincare product developed by several PhD-level scientists. Get 15% off your order at http://oneskin.co with the offer code DUFF!

Hello, friends! I hope you're all doing great. In today's episode, we dive into the following awesome listener questions: Our first question comes from a concerned parent whose son was diagnosed with schizophrenia eight years ago. At the time, they didn't agree with the diagnosis due to a variety of circumstantial factors, but now they recognize that their son does indeed have schizophrenia. They are seeking guidance on how to help him understand his condition and learn to manage it without relying on medication. They also ask for recommendations on therapists who specialize in non-medication treatment options. We will navigate this sensitive topic, discussing ways to approach the conversation and exploring non-medication treatment strategies for schizophrenia. Our second question is from a listener who's been struggling with assertiveness and self-respect, often prioritizing others' needs over their own to avoid conflict. This listener also has ADHD which exacerbates the issue, making it challenging for them to communicate effectively during moments of conflict due to executive functioning overload. They seek advice on accepting their shortcomings, cultivating self-love, and prioritizing their own needs without fear of pushing others away. We will discuss the importance of setting boundaries, effective communication strategies, and ways to build self-respect while managing ADHD. As always, feel free to send your questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com. You can find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode356. ----- This episode is brought to you by Mindbloom, the leader in at-home ketamine therapy. Get $100 off your first treatment at http://mindbloom.com/duff with the code duff at checkout. This episode is also brought to you by Betterhelp. Take control of your mental health with the help of a licensed therapist, completely online at http://betterhelp.com/duff.

Hello, friends! I hope everyone is doing well. In today's episode, we dive into the following awesome listener questions: Our first question comes from a listener whose partner was diagnosed with ADHD in childhood. They're now wondering if they might also have Bipolar II, as they experience random bouts of depression and "good days" that may potentially be hypomanic episodes. The listener questions if these mood swings could be catalyzed by situational factors or if they are indeed random. We'll unpack the complexities of distinguishing between ADHD and Bipolar II, discussing the different symptoms, overlaps, and possible courses of action to consider. Our second question comes from a listener who's been grappling with deep existential thoughts about the concept of the "soul," particularly relating to individuals who die by suicide. They wonder about possible repercussions in potential afterlife scenarios, despite not being particularly religious. They ponder on possibilities like reincarnation, memory erasure, or even punishment. In response to this question, we'll delve into the intersections of spirituality, mental health, and coping with such existential concerns, while emphasizing the importance of empathy and compassion in our understanding of such tragic events. As always, if you have questions or topics you'd like discussed on the show, please send them to duffthepsych@gmail.com. Be sure to check out the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode355.

Hello, friends! In this episode, I tackle two great listener questions about relationships. The first one comes from someone with borderline personality disorder who would like to figure out if and when they should reveal this to potential partners. The second question comes all the way from Columbia and features someone who is concerned about how enmeshed her boyfriend is with his mother. As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode354 ---- This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. If you are looking for support and perspective, fill out a quick questionnaire at http://betterhelp.com/duff to get quickly matched with a licensed therapist and receive 10% off your first month!

Hello, friends! I hope you are all doing well. Our first question comes from a listener who reached out to express their appreciation for the show, my course, and books. They share a childhood experience of being in a dodge car accident where they were hit from behind, resulting in a significant lump on their head and feelings of sickness and disorientation. They recently heard me speak about frontal lobe damage and its potential effects, which resonated with them. They also suspect they may be undiagnosed autistic. They are concerned about the possibility of having sustained a brain injury and whether an MRI at their current age (31) would reveal any long-term effects. This uncertainty has brought up feelings of betrayal and neglect. I provide insight into the likelihood of detecting an old brain injury on an MRI and offer guidance on the next steps to gain clarity and peace of mind. Moving on to our second question, a listener in their late twenties shares their struggle with assessing whether to judge people based on how they treat others or solely on how they treat them. They describe ending relationships with men who exhibited disrespectful behavior towards other women, as well as navigating concerns about a close platonic female friend who has made questionable moral choices. They ponder whether to judge people based on their life choices or patterns, and if it's necessary to align values with others or accept them as they are. I delve into the complexities of these situations, emphasizing the importance of personal boundaries, unconditional positive regard, and self-reflection in determining how to approach relationships. As always, I appreciate your support and engagement with the show. You can send your questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com, and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode353. -- This episode is sponsored by Mindbloom, the leader in at-home ketamine treatment. If you are struggling with depression and anxiety, try ketamine treatment from the safety and comfort of your own home and get $100 off at http://mindbloom.com/duff with the code duff at checkout.