The Hardcore Self Help Podcast

Hey everyone! Hope you're finding moments of peace amidst the chaos. Today's episode peels back the layers of anxiety that can really twist our brains into knots. We're responding to a heartfelt question from a listener who's finding themselves in a tangle of overthinking, especially when it comes to new relationships. Unraveling the Anxiety Knot: We've all been there, so let's talk about overthinking, anxiety, and how they team up to throw us for a loop. I'm rolling out some practical tips that come from both personal battles and professional strategies to help ease that mental gridlock. Mindfulness: More Than Just Zen: We're distinguishing between kicking back for relaxation and the active practice of mindfulness. It's all about focusing your thoughts, not just deep breathing. I’ll guide you on how to navigate through your brain's maze and dodge those cognitive booby traps. Self-Compassion: Your Secret Weapon: It’s super important to remember to be gentle with yourself. Struggling with overthinking is

Hello, friends! Hope you're all doing splendidly. Today's episode dives into the nuances of financial anxieties and the challenges of managing impulsive shopping habits. Two heartfelt listener questions guide our discussion, shedding light on personal struggles and the broader societal context: Tackling Shopping Habits & ADHD: A loyal follower from Vermont expresses concerns over her shopping habits, leading to financial difficulties, accentuated by her newly diagnosed adult ADHD. We delve into the difference between compulsive shopping and anxiety-driven financial behaviors, offering clarity and understanding. The profound influence of ADHD on financial decisions: a look into impulsivity and executive dysfunction. Addressing societal pressures, the modern capitalist world, and their impacts on our financial stresses. Strategies for Financial Well-being: Exploring actionable steps to regain financial control and establish a balanced relationship with money. Emphasizing the importance of budgeting

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

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 misconcep

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 Wel

Hello, friends! I hope everyone is doing well. In today’s episode, we take a deep dive into a pressing concern from a listener who's experiencing heightened flight anxiety, especially after a recent panic attack. Having flown multiple times without issues, the sudden resurgence of this anxiety, coupled with the responsibility of traveling with her two kids, has intensified her worries. We discuss the nature of panic attacks, the paradox of fearing anxiety itself, and the importance of anchor thoughts. By understanding the physiological similarities between anxiety and excitement, one can redirect their focus to positive anticipations. We also emphasize the pitfalls of safety behaviors and the significance of relying on support systems, even those onboard. Lastly, we highlight the importance of self-compassion, preparation, and recognizing one’s resilience in facing such challenges. Additionally, we touched upon the value of grounding techniques like box breathing, the potential of distractions, and the concep

Hello, listeners! I hope you're taking care of yourselves and finding moments of joy. In today's episode, we deep dive into a comprehensive question from one of our loyal listeners. This listener shares their journey, from discovering our podcast through a Men's Health article on mental health to now being engrossed in Dr. Becca Levy's book "Breaking the Aging Code." The core of their question revolves around the challenges the aging population faces, particularly concerning mental health. They highlight the troubling fact that the majority of mental health providers do not accept older patients on Medicare and express concerns about receiving appropriate care as they age, especially without having a family advocate by their side. Our discussion touches upon the age bias prevalent in the medical community and the importance of proactive health measures, both mentally and physically. We delve into the effects of cardiovascular health on cognitive abilities, the significance of continuous learning and social in

Hello, everyone! I appreciate your attention and hope you are doing well. In our first segment, we dive into a topic that's close to my heart - the evolution of my own marriage into a non-monogamous, polyamorous relationship. I unravel the intricacies of non-monogamy, elucidate the various terminology surrounding it, and give an insight into my personal journey of 'opening up'. If you're curious about polyamory, its various facets, or simply want to understand what it means to navigate such a relationship, this segment offers a comprehensive overview. The next question touches upon a sensitive yet universal theme: grief. A listener reaches out, concerned about her partner's impending loss of his beloved cat, Jimmy, who has been a steadfast companion through some of life's most challenging moments. We discuss the profound impact pets have on our lives, the unique grief associated with their loss, and strategies to navigate this emotional terrain, especially when mental health challenges are at play. As always,

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 yo

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 d

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

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 note

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 exp

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 bei

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, p

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 fo

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 erasur

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!