How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail Saltz
Episodes
When Medication is the Answer [Archives]
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: Sometimes a needed and effective treatment for an issue like anxiety or depression is medication. Yet many of us stigmatize and avo...
How to Lower Your Pandemic Anxieties [Archives]
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: Today Dr. Saltz answers questions with actionable advice about managing anxiety and uncertainty during the pandemic. Learn more...
How to Have the Talks That Can Save a Relationship [Archives]
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: For some couples, open, honest communication is a struggle. Dr. Saltz answers listener questions about how to improve the discussio...
When Relationships Break Down [Archives]
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: How can you tell when a relationship is over or frankly should be over? Whether you're dealing with a romance or a friendship, it c...
Social Anxiety in the Time of Covid [Archives]
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: The rules of social interaction have been turned upside down by Covid. Dr. Saltz answers listener questions about how to behave aro...
Navigating Family Disagreements on Vaccines [Archives]
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: Dr. Saltz helps a listener manage a family relationship in the face of opposing views on getting a vaccine. Learn more about your a...
There's Help for Even the Most Difficult Emotional Situations [Archives]
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: Managing severe mental illness in a loved one is hard. Today, Dr Saltz advises a listener on how to deal with a mother with a psych...
Eating Disorders and the Pandemic [Archives]
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: These stressful times are also causing more concerns about eating and body image. I answer listeners' questions, and discuss when i...
Pandemic Trauma and Stress Experience (PTSE): The Struggle is Real [Archive]
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: You're not alone if you're feeling down or anxious, nervous or restless because of the pandemic. Taken together, these symptoms and...
Social Distancing and Feeling Lonely [Archives]
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: Pandemic-enforced social distancing has increased feelings of loneliness. On today’s episode, I discuss how you can feel less lon...
Is it Sadness? Or is it Depression? [Archives]
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: How to tell if you're struggling with sadness or depression—and what to do in both cases. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
How to Improve a Negative Body Image [Archives]
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: Unhappy with your body? Feeling anxious and insecure? Here's how to be kinder to yourself and get a better outlook. Learn more abou...
How to Make Your Friendships Better [Archives]
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: For women, few things in life are more important than friends. But they can also present challenges. Psychiatrist Dr. Gail Saltz an...
Why We All Need Boundaries [Archives]
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: Life can be a struggle if you never set boundaries for your work, in your relationships or regarding your time. I'll tell you how t...
How to Treat Your Sleep Problems
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives: There was a name for the inability to sleep well during the pandemic. It's called "Covid-Somnia." Dr. Saltz gives great, practical ...
Friends With Money: How Not to Resent Them
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When a wealth gap opens between you and a friend, it's hard not to be envious or try frantically to keep up. Dr. Saltz tells how to tame those feeling...
How Can I Persuade My Daughter Not to Be a Teen-Age Bride?
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A mother whose daughter wants to marry young knows that love doesn’t conquer all. Dr. Saltz tells her how to get the message across while still bein...
When the Pain is Real, But the Disease Isn’t
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Make no mistake: hypochondriacs are definitely suffering—especially from the constant worry about the conditions they think they might have. Negativ...
Just Because We’re Ex-Spouses, Does That Mean We Can’t Be Friends?
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Co-parenting is one thing, but what are the consequences when you develop a deep friendship with your ex? Dr. Saltz helps a listener navigate this tri...
The Case for Having More Sex
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Too many couples are having too little sex, says Dr. Saltz. She tells how to restart your sex life--because it’s good for your physical health, y...
The Single-Parent’s Guide to Guilt-Free Dating
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, it’s hard to juggle time-restricted schedules, and you may worry that you’re shortchanging your child, but you, and your kids, will benefit w...
Single on Valentine’s Day? What Not to Do
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t believe the Valentine's hype, says Dr. Saltz. Don’t fall back into old, bad relationship habits. And do remember that love doesn’t come o...
A New Year’s Resolution That Will Never, Ever Work
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A listener’s boyfriend wanted her to make a joint resolution with him: They would each vow to lose 10 pounds in 2024. Dr. Saltz reveals why that typ...
Dealing With Family Gaslighting Around the Holidays
29 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When a woman suffers from a family member's regular gaslighting at the holidays Dr. Saltz advises how to halt that behavior in its tracks and get the ...
When Friends Betray Friends
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Few things are as hurtful as learning that someone you thought was your friend has betrayed your trust—whether it’s bad-mouthing you, sharing your...
How to Get Control of Your Emotions
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Overwhelmed? Consumed by Negativity? Saying Hurtful Things When You Don’t Mean To? Dr. Saltz Reveals How to Stop Those Runaway Feelings and Return t...
When All the News Seems to Be Bad News
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Social media and 24/7 coverage of current world events is stressing people out—making them anxious, angry and sleepless. Dr. Saltz tells how some si...
A Holiday Guide to Mothers-In-Law
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How to cope—and keep your sanity—when your spouse’s mom tries to take over Thanksgiving, Christmas or any other festivity. See omnystudio.com/li...
Caregiver Burnout? Why You Must Put Yourself First
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Caregiver burnout is a real thing and can result in depression as well as physical health issues. Dr. Saltz tells how to get past the guilt, resentmen...
Crying in the Office? How to Stop It Before It Starts
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Expressing emotion is not a sign of weakness, says Dr. Saltz. But if crying is hurting you professionally, there are some easy, effective techniques y...
How to Love Your Body Again
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone has a body part they’re dissatisfied with, but worrying about thigh jiggle and tummy flab is more than just annoying—it can get in the wa...
Pick Up Your Knitting Needles or Crochet Hooks: Crafting Is Great for Mental Health
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
And it’s not just the yarn arts. Science shows that crafting hobbies in general can boost mood, reduce stress, increase self-esteem, and improve mot...
Banishing Back-To-School Stress
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mean girls and boys, active shooter drills, social media—the thought of these and more can create anxiety as students head back to the classroom. Dr...
There Is a Cure for the Summertime Blues
28 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For some people, the warm weather brings nervousness, jitters and a feeling of being at loose ends. Dr. Saltz tells how to cope with the anxiety that ...
How to Do What You Don’t Want to Do
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Self-discipline is hard for some people: Meeting deadlines, doing unpleasant chores or eating heathy food is a challenge for them. Dr. Saltz tells how...
When Ordinary Sounds Set You Off
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For some people, the typical human sounds that other people make—eating, chewing or even breathing—can trigger extreme anger, rage and disgust. I...
Let’s Drop the Talk About “Boundaries” and Other Jargon
16 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you really want to communicate, forget “therapy speak” and avoid terms like “toxic” and “gaslighting.” Use honesty, empathy—and your ...
When Parents Burn Out
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The stress of raising a family can lead to exhaustion, anxiety and even emotional distancing from one’s children. Dr. Saltz reveals how parents can ...
Those Obsessive Thoughts That Keep You Awake at Night
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You’re lying there in the dark, trying to fall asleep. Instead, your mind is racing with woulda-coulda-shoulda thoughts you can’t let go of. Anxie...
Getting Over Being Ghosted
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ghosting hurts. It can cause feelings of confusion, self-doubt, and a sense of worthlessness. And it can have negative consequences for the person doi...
How to Handle Mean Girls and Other Bullies
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bullying can cause depression and anxiety in children—and in these days of social media everywhere, it’s harder than ever to escape. Dr. Saltz has...
How Can I Help Season 2 - Coming April 28th!
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to a new season of How Can I Help with Dr. Gail Saltz! It's 2023 and life seems just about as stressful as ever. And as a result, mental heal...
The Nightmares That Keep You Awake at 3 A.M.
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
They’re frightening and disturbing—and because they disrupt your sleep, they leave you feeling tired during the day. Nightmares are common in adul...
How to Battle On-The-Job Burnout
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
No energy at work? Feeling detached and cynical? Have you lost the sense that you’re accomplishing anything meaningful? All are classic symptoms of ...
What’s Worse Than PMS? PMDD.
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Most women have experienced PMS; but if you’re spending half the month feeling moody, super-irritable and bloated, you could be suffering from preme...
Gun Violence, Kids and Schools
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
School shootings continue to make headlines—and because of that one listener is reluctant to allow her daughter to attend middle school. Is her fear...
I Married a Man Who’s Just Like My Dad, and That’s a Problem
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us end up with a spouse who reminds us of our mother or father. And that can be nice—until we’re catapulted back to old childhood grievanc...
When Your Marriage Clock Is Ticking, Should You Settle For Someone Who’s Not Mr. Right?
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A listener knows she wants to get married and have children—but she hasn’t found the right guy yet. She wonders if she should marry a man she cons...
Taking the Fear Out of Flying
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s an all-too-common phobia, but if fear of flying is keeping you from traveling by air, Dr. Saltz has easy, practical tips that can allow you to ...
You’ve Endured a Trauma. Is What You’re Feeling Now PTSD?
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shocking, scary or dangerous events can leave you on edge, depressed, sleepless and unfocused. PTSD can happen to anyone, of any age and circumstance....
How to Find a Therapist—One That’s Just Right for You
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You could be battling anxiety or depression or psychosis, sleeplessness or overeating—no matter what the problem, there’s a therapist who can help...
Why Dry January May Be Just What You Need
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you drank more than you should have over the holidays, or if you have questions about how much you’re imbibing in general, this could be the perf...
Does Grief Ever Go Away?
06 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Losing a spouse or other loved one can result in a range of emotions including despair, sorrow and anger. And those feelings can last longer than you ...
The Cure for a Blue Christmas
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This time of year can leave us particularly vulnerable to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. A listener who just broke up with her boyfriend...
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Not for Some People
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Presents to buy. Extra meals to prepare. Out-of-town relatives to deal with. And it’s all happening when there’s less daylight and a greater chanc...
The Emotional Cost of Infertility
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Being unable to bring a baby into the world can lead to a wide swath of emotions—sorrow, jealousy, anger and depression among them. Dr. Saltz advise...
When Seasons Change, Some People Get Sad and Sadder
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For some, the shorter days bring general unhappiness characterized by low energy, excess sleeping, and overeating carbs. Call it the winter blues, the...
Friends: How to Keep the Good Ones, Discard the Bad Ones and Make New Ones
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Having an authentic friendship can improve your health and wellbeing—and even extend your lifespan. Toxic friendships can do the opposite. Dr. Saltz...
Holidays, Politics and Family Fights
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The holiday season that starts with Thanksgiving comes with an extra helping of anxiety this year, as the latest elections present a fresh opportunity...
Trouble Sleeping? Here’s Help for the 40 Million of You Who Say ‘Yes’
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a familiar tale: You're exhausted from a long day at work, but once in bed, you can't nod off. Anxiety is just one reason so many Americans str...
High Anxiety: What to Do if You’re Having Panic Attacks
21 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A feeling of terror. Sweating. Dizziness. Chest pains. A panic attack can be scary—although rarely dangerous. Dr. Saltz tells how to distinguish bet...
Things That Go Bump in the Night
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the spooky season! Dr. Saltz tells how to help children deal with the fears that arise around Halloween and explains how kids can still have fu...
Temper, Temper: Kids Who Lose Control
07 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Most children, at some point, will throw a temper tantrum. But if these outbursts happen frequently, or at an inappropriate age, parents will want to ...
When “The Perfect Guy” Turns Into Something Else
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
He can be charming and attentive most of the time, but if your partner becomes tightly controlling and undermines your sense of self-worth, it’s tim...
The Emotional Affair: Is It Still Considered Cheating if There’s No Sex?
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When an office friendship turns into long lunches and longer phone calls, there’s something going on. But is it really cheating if there’s no phys...
“I’m Not Worthy”: Getting Over Imposter Syndrome
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Even the most accomplished people can be haunted by the feeling that their success is just a matter of luck—and that soon everyone will learn their ...
How to Stop Tossing and Turning and Get the Sleep You Need
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Few things are as vital to our health as restful, satisfying sleep. Dr. Saltz offers sure-fire ways to fall asleep—without resorting to pills. See o...
It’s More Than Shyness—Much More
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you feel judged all the time, have trouble maintaining relationships, and pass up opportunities because you fear others will notice your flaws, you...
Is It Back-to-School Jitters—or Something Else?
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kids who are anxious about returning to school could be worried for several reasons: they may be reacting to the pressure on them for good grades, or ...
How to Tell If You’re Still in Love with Your Partner
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Does love really disappear…or does it turn into something else? Dr. Saltz advises a listener who wonders if it’s possible to rekindle the romantic...
How to Ease Kids’ Back-to-School Separation Anxiety
12 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If your child is dreading the start of school, sometimes it’s more than just first-day-of-class nerves. Dr. Saltz has practical advice parents can u...
“You Can’t Make Me Go to the Dentist!”
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Anxiety about dental visits is common among children. But sometimes worry turns to a deep-seated terror that leads to cancelled appointments. Dr. Salt...
How to Make Tough Moral Decisions
29 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Should you do what’s right for you—even if it means causing discomfort for someone else? That’s the kind of choice most of us face at some time ...
When the Bully is Your Partner
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jealousy, possessiveness, controlling behavior—all are big red flags that indicate a relationship is about to become abusive, or already is. Dr. Sal...
Text Anxiety: When Your Phone Causes Panic Attacks
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The 24/7 nature of text messaging means it’s always on and always waiting for your response. And that can cause sweating, palpitations and real anxi...
Helping Kids Handle Mean Girls and Other Bullies
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bullying can cause anxiety and even depression in children. Now, before the next school year starts, is the time to get ahead of the problem. Dr. Salt...
What the Roe v Wade Decision Means for Women’s Mental Health
01 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Being denied an abortion can have a long-term impact on a woman's mental and physical well-being. Dr. Saltz looks at the data behind the headlines, an...
Kleptomania: Women Who Can’t Stop Stealing
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The compulsion to take things you don’t really want or need is three times more common in women than men. Dr. Saltz advises a listener who feels awf...
Surprising Clues That Could Signal You’re Depressed
17 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you putting on weight? Sleeping too much? Feeling anxious? Most people don’t think of these as classic signs of depression—but they could be. ...
How a Broken Heart Can Hurt Your Health
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, it is possible to die of a broken heart—and the stress of current events has made that more likely than ever. Dr. Saltz talks about the intimat...
Gun Violence, Schools and Mental Health
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The shock of the Uvalde massacre has parents asking: What can we do? Gun violence is certainly a mental health issue, but not in the way we might thin...
How to Tell if It’s Baby Blues…or Post-Partum Depression
27 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Most moms feel cranky, moody, weepy and sleepy for a while after giving birth. But a smaller percentage have longer-lasting and more intense negative ...
What Are You Afraid Of?
20 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Snakes? Thunderstorms? Flying? A lot of us—11%, in fact—have phobias, and women are twice as likely as men to be phobic. Luckily, phobias are high...
Bonnie and Clyde Syndrome
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why would a female guard help a male convict break out of prison and then go on the lam with him until the tragic end? Dr. Saltz looks at the not-unco...
Why Some Moms Hate Mother’s Day—and How to Make the Day Really Rewarding
06 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s supposed to be all about appreciation—but too often Mother’s Day means that mom is doing all the work and all the cleanup. Dr. Saltz reveal...
Help for Out-of-Control Eating
29 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Binge eating—eating too much, too often and feeling miserable afterward—is the most common of eating disorders. A mother who worries about her tee...
What to Tell Your Teen About Dating
22 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Although the thought of their child dating may cause anxiety for parents, a little romance can allow young people to practice the attributes of a good...
Pulling Your Hair Out—Literally?
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you have a constant urge to yank out the hair on your head, eyelashes or other parts of your body, you may have a disorder known as trichotillomani...
How to Handle a Strange Sleep Condition
08 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Did you ever wake up and find that you were briefly unable to move? It's scary, but actually pretty common. Dr. Saltz tells how to take care of the si...
“I Don’t Want to Go to School” Anxiety
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For some children, the thought of going to school each day is a source of anxiety—and that feeling has been made worse by the pandemic. Dr. Saltz ta...
What to Do When Your Significant Other Is a Commitment-Phobe
25 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You know the type: He (or she) is romantic and thoughtful—but just can’t seem to pull the trigger to make things permanent. If you think you’re ...
Is Marriage Still Worth It?
18 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With divorce rates around 50 percent these days, is there any point to tying the knot? Dr. Saltz reveals the very real mental and physical benefits of...
Are You Drinking Too Much?
11 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener wants to know if her drinking indicates a problem. Dr. Saltz reveals how to tell if alcohol is getting out of hand, and effective ways to...
How To Calm Social Anxiety
04 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Does the thought of going to a party or meeting new people make you sweat, tremble or feel queasy? You may have social anxiety disorder. It’s more c...
Kids Behaving Badly: How to Nip Rudeness in the Bud
25 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kids copy what they see, and modern media—especially social media—offer lots of negative role models. If your normally polite child has become rud...
How to Help Children Who’ve Lost Focus and Are Struggling
18 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The pandemic has made school difficult for most children—but some kids may be facing extra challenges because of undiagnosed ADHD or a learning dis...
When You Just Can’t Face Another Day of Pandemic
11 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As we head into year 3 of Covid, many of us are feeling burned-out, depressed and anxious. Today, Dr. Saltz and her special guest, Dr. Aditi Nerurkar,...
Valentine’s Day Can Be Tough on Kids
04 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
February 14 can turn into a popularity contest, as children compete for cards and candy—and someone’s feelings are bound to get hurt. Fortunately...
Valentine Day’s Blues—and How to Cure Them
28 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“Where’s my champagne and strawberries?” If you’re asking yourself that question—either because you’re solo or because your partner t...
Keeping Kids Safe from Predators
21 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a difficult subject—but one of the most important conversations you’ll ever have with your child. Dr. Saltz tells how to discuss the topic ...