Myndtalk With Dr. Pamela Brewer

(When will I be good enough?) "Have you ever wondered, “When will I be good enough?” Like millions of other women, educator/author Barbara Jaffe was faced with that question, but for her, as a “replacement child,” the barriers to acceptability were higher than for most of us. Barbara, like many others, was born to fill the vacancy left by her little brother, who died at the age of two. Barbara tells the multitude of listeners who have been “replacement children” for many reasons, that they, too, can find hope and healing, as she did.  

Trying times are an unfortunate part of life. Sometimes, these moments don’t last long, can be dealt with easily, or might be something that becomes an overwhelming burden. The reasons that some individuals cope differently with mental health challenges than others should not be reduced to questions about someone’s personal strength or mental fortitude; instead, considerations should be focused on the source(s), impact, and treatment options that might help someone who is depressed. S.L. Young discusses his battle with depression, recovery after a near-suicide, and raises awareness about the importance of attaining and maintaining mental health. This is a must listen conversation.  

If you grew up with an emotionally immature, unavailable, or selfish parent, you may have lingering feelings of anger, loneliness, betrayal, or abandonment. You may recall your childhood as a time when your emotional needs were not met, when your feelings were dismissed, or when you took on adult levels of responsibility in an effort to compensate for your parent’s behavior. These wounds can be healed, and you can move forward in your life.  

Bonnie Compton "provides guidance for mothers to reflect and dig deep to discover what is important to them from their own perspective. Only from that space can a mother discover how to be the best, most authentic parent for your child."  Learn the art and practice of being a truly wonderful, peaceful parent.   

This conversation is for every girl who has ever looked in the mirror and criticized her own reflection; for every girl who has ever compared herself negatively to others; for every girl who has ever thought of dieting; and for every girl who is already struggling with one...In a world where advertising, celebrity culture and social media reign, it's becoming more and more common for young girls to have some form of negative body issue or eating disorder. This is not only harmful and dangerous on a personal level, it's also destructive and disempowering for womanhood as a whole, and it's got to STOP now!  

As I looked back over the landscape of my life, and the many setbacks I had endured, I saw that every loss also offered a gift, even if I didn’t recognize it at the time. Whenever I was called upon to loosen my grip on some cherished part of my life, I was consequently given the opportunity to start again, to create anew something of value . . . every ending carried the seeds of possibility, a chance to start over.” —Janine Shepherd  

A left-hander himself, Kushner has long been interested in the meanings associated with left-handedness, and ultimately with whether hand preference can even be defined in a significant way. As he explores the medical and cultural history of left-handedness, Kushner describes the associated taboos, rituals, and stigma from around the globe. The words "left" and "left hand" have negative connotations in all languages, and left-handers have even historically been viewed as disabled. In this comprehensive history of left-handedness, Kushner asks why left-handedness exists. He examines the relationship?if any?between handedness, linguistics, and learning disabilities, reveals how toleration of left-handedness serves as a barometer of wider cultural toleration and permissiveness, and wonders why the reported number of left-handers is significantly lower in Asia and Africa than in the West.  

What can a fully impotent, chemically survivor of two cancers and his post-menopausal partner possibly share about sex, intimacy, and relationships? Everything! - including a world filled with extraordinary emotional, sexual and spiritual intimacy most couples cannot even fathom possible.   

An introvert guide and manifesto for all the quiet ones—and the people who love them.  "Is there a hidden part of you that no one else sees? Do you have a vivid inner world of thoughts and emotions that your peers and loved ones can’t seem to access? Have you ever been told you’re too “quiet,” “shy,” “boring,” or “awkward”? Are your habits and comfort zones questioned by a society that doesn’t seem to get the real you? If so, you might be an introvert.  

Penelope Rodriguez takes the listener the often roller-coaster ride of having a son with a mental illness and being unable to access services for him in a timely and useful manner. At one point, her son Donald was prescribed Adderall to focus and Trazodone to sleep, and the antidepressant Prozac because his doctor thought he had situational depression.  In short order, Donald was abusing prescription drugs and scaring the people who loved him most. When he was finally diagnosed with Bipolar 1, he had to ease his life into a place of balance and his family had to do the same.

Kieran Setiya confronts the inevitable challenges of adulthood and middle age, showing how philosophy can help you thrive. You will learn why missing out might be a good thing, how options are overrated, and when you should be glad you made a mistake. You will be introduced to philosophical views of mortality. You will also learn what it means to live in the present, how it could solve your midlife crisis, and why meditation helps.

Kieran Setiya confronts the inevitable challenges of adulthood and middle age, showing how philosophy can help you thrive. You will learn why missing out might be a good thing, how options are overrated, and when you should be glad you made a mistake. You will be introduced to philosophical views of mortality. You will also learn what it means to live in the present, how it could solve your midlife crisis, and why meditation helps.

There are over 20 suicides per day in the United States due to military-related PTSD, and it does not need to be this way. Retired Major Marc Raciti and his wife Dr. Sonja Raciti talk about his journey, from the very first time he realized there was a problem, to the moment he found the courage to get well. It was not an easy thing to accomplish, but somehow he managed to cross this abyss that defined his struggle and journey. His hope is that he will be able to inspire others to want to get well and to help those who continue to suffer to seek help.  

MyNDTALK - A Guide to Self-Care? - Dr. Jeffrey B. Rubin Discover how to cultivate the garden of relationships while nourishing your true self. In this crazy, chaotic world, we desire lasting intimacy: a close and deep-rooted relationship with someone who cherishes us—or, indeed, with ourselves. But too often being in an intimate relationship means we have to compromise or lose, vital aspects of our personalities. How can we avoid sacrificing our own self-care to get the love we want?

MyNDTALK - Running on Empty No More - Dr. Jonice Webb Since the publication of Dr. Webb's first book about CEN Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect, many thousands of people have learned that invisible Childhood Emotional Neglect, or CEN, has been weighing on them their entire lives, and are now in the process of recovery. Running on Empty No More: Transform Your Relationships will offer even more solutions for the effects of CEN on people’s lives: how to talk about CEN, and heal it, in relationships with partners, parents, and children.

MyNDTALK - Say Yes to Life - Ilse Anderson Ilse Anderson was on the cusp of her new life, traveling the world, growing as an artist, and exploring new avenues of spirituality. She was soaring into a bright, cloudless future, and then, on May 22, 2015, her doctor informed her she had stage four oral cancer. One month later, she underwent a three-quarter glossectomy and a tracheotomy. The ten-hour surgery involved cutting out most of her tongue and fashioning a new one from the tissue of her forearm. Cancerous lymph nodes were removed via an incision in her neck. She awoke from the surgery unable to swallow, speak, or move. And that was just the beginning.

MyNDTALK - Compassionate Caregiving - Cynthia Orange In a time when tens of millions of people provide care for family members, older adults, and people with special needs, we should all be experts at it. Instead, we often struggle with caring for others while taking care of ourselves. Cynthia Orange shares valuable care suggestions throughout—from how to navigate difficult conversations to what contact numbers to post on the refrigerator." This conversation is a must - listen for you and those you care about.

MyNDTALK - Life with Familial Hypercholesterolemia -Chad and Kristen Gradney What do you do when the "cure" is to stop doing something you never began? Chad, who was my fiancé at the time, went into the ER one morning, as I was taking my last nutrition final, with chest pain. The next day he was scheduled to have open heart quadruple bypass surgery, at the very young age of 27. Our lives were turned upside down....  We were married two months later and we went on to start living life like there was no tomorrow. ..."And yet, Chad's health continued to be a challenge that was only fully identified by his wife as she searched for more information... and hope.   What did she find? What are their lives like today?

MyNDTALK - Winning in Family Court - Toby Kleinman When domestic abuse and children are involved, divorce and custody can be the epitome of high-stakes conflict and frustration and all too frequently protective parents lose custody of their child to a named abuser. Domestic Abuse, Child Custody, and Visitation help mental health professionals, attorneys, and lay readers navigate the judicial process so that decisions are truly made in the best interest of children. Toby Kleinman reveals how the puzzle pieces of the judicial process fit together -- judges, attorneys, mental health experts, children, spouses -- and how to overcome many of the obstacles they will confront along the way. Toby Kleinman & Daniel Pollack have created an essential read for mental health professionals and lay people involved in divorce and custody, family court judges, family law attorneys, and mental health professionals involved in domestic abuse and custody matters.

MyNDTALK - Healing From a Narcissistic Relationship - Margalis Fjelstad When a relationship with a narcissist ends, the caretaking partner is often left confused, deeply hurt, and often still emotionally connected, while the narcissist seems to easily move on to the next relationship. Learn what to expect as the relationship unravels and how to cope with the fallout. Presenting techniques for healing and rebuilding self-esteem and self-confidence, Dr. Fjelstad discusses the importance of developing emotional strength and encourages forgiveness and reconciliation with the past. Dr. Fjelstad also offers ways to increase emotional self-protection, quit caretaking in relationships, and become more independent and self-loving. Understand how ending a relationship with a narcissist may be the best thing that ever happened