Inside Mental Health

Anxiety Sisters Unravel the Panic & Anxiety Spectrum

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve never had a panic attack, it can be hard to understand. The worry, the anxiety, the physical sensations — What is going on? If you have ...

Donald Trump and Narcissism

25 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

“Donald Trump is a textbook narcissist.” We’ve all heard that many times over the past 6 years. But what, exactly, does that mean? What is a nar...

Challenging Diet Culture with TV's Jenn Lyon

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Television’s Jenn Lyon is beautiful and famous; from the outside looking in, she seems to have it all. But Ms. Lyon has a serious eating disorder th...

Holiday Survival Tips and Tricks

11 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s that time of year again — the holidays are upon us! We all want that to mean family, parties, and good cheer. But what if that isn’t workin...

Resiliency with Good Morning America’s Dr Jennifer Ashton

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Resilience is a word we’ve been hearing a lot lately, but does anyone really understand what it means — or if you have it? Good Morning America’...

Psychiatric Diagnosis Uncertainty: Is the DSM the Best Tool Available?

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are we using the wrong criteria to diagnose mental illness? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the gold standard used ...

Celebrity Mom, Son with Bipolar: Twin Peak’s Mädchen Amick Opens Up

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When “Twin Peaks” and “Riverdale’s” Mädchen Amick’s son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she was already a famous actress. Many would...

BIPOC Workplace Mental Health

14 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you understand concepts like code-switching and why the BIPOC community sees the need to do so? While we’re beginning to understand that the over...

Is Abstinence the Only Addiction Treatment?

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to addiction treatment, many people believe you need to start a 12-step program and practice complete abstinence. The general belief is ...

Breast Cancer and Mental Health with RHONY Star Bershan Shaw

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be scary, and being told it’s terminal even more so. If it goes unaddressed, this kind of trauma can — and ...

Unpacking Gambling Addiction

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Did you buy a lottery ticket this week? Did you contribute to the major league sports office pool? Gambling is an accepted part of our culture, but ho...

Unraveling the QAnon Conspiracy Theory

16 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know someone who believes in QAnon? Are you afraid of QAnon? Have you been wondering where it comes from and what it even means? Join us as to...

Westworld Star on Addiction, Bullying, and Mental Illness

09 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today's guest, Gregory Zarian, is an Emmy-nominated actor with starring roles in TV and movies, most recently "Westworld." Join us as he shares his i...

The Menstrual Cycle, Stigma, and Mental Health

02 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Menstruation is one of those topics that has long been surrounded by misunderstanding and stigma. Join us as Dr. Sara C. Flowers tells us why. Listen ...

Asian Mental Health with The Biggest Loser Executive Producer

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, television producer Joel Relampagos discusses the intersectionality of his identities — Asian American, former addict, and gay man ...

Marginalized Communities and the Healing Justice Model

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

According to Prentis Hemphill, "Healing justice is active intervention in which we transform the lived experience of Blackness in our world." But it’...

Busting Common Brain Myths

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We commonly hear things like “We only use 10% of our brains” and “The brain is divided into the emotional right brain and our rational left brai...

Real Life with Anorexia: One Woman's Journey

05 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What do you picture when you think of someone who has anorexia?  Today’s guest shares her journey with anorexia, from her sickest points, her diagn...

Dr. Phil McGraw Talks Transitioning Out of the Pandemic

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Phil McGraw is one of the most prominent mental health advocates in America. In today’s episode, our host Gabe Howard and Dr. Phil discuss trans...

Is Sex a Skill We Are Born With?

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pop culture tells us that great sex is a natural talent — you either have it or you don’t — and that sex just happens naturally, with zero effo...

What Is Narcissism Exactly?

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Celebrities, politicians, and bosses are constantly being referred to as narcissists. But what does that really mean? Is there an official medical def...

What is Motivational Interviewing?

08 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Motivational interviewing is a common phrase these days, but what is it? Is it only for counselors, or can anyone use it? And if anyone can use it, ho...

Women of Color and Online Mental Health

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Disparities in mental healthcare are well-known in the U.S., with different populations having more or less access to care. Today’s guest, Wilma Mae...

Transgender and LGBTQIA+ Mental Health

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you familiar with the concept of “gender affirming care” in medical treatment? What about the unique mental health needs of this community? Do...

Affair-Proof Your Marriage

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We all get married fantasizing the happily ever after — after all, we found “the one.” But studies have shown that up to 50% of married people w...

LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Prevention

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The risk of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth is almost 4 times higher than for youth who don't identify as LGBTQ+. If that surprises you, the cause of the i...

Is Open Adoption Psychologically Healthy?

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What exactly is open adoption? Is it psychologically healthy for the child and adoptive parents? Are there lingering fears, like the birth parents wil...

Is Plastic Surgery Vain?

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Plastic surgeon, Dr. James C. Marotta has repeatedly heard patients, particularly women, express shame and guilt about wanting to change their appeara...

The 80/80 Relationship Model

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What are your goals in your marriage? Are you trying to make sure everything’s fair and that you and your spouse are contributing equally to the rel...

Clubhouse Model For People with Mental Illness

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know what a peer clubhouse is? What about a member’s only clubhouse for people living with mental illness? These types of clubhouses have exi...

Juilliard Conductor with Bipolar Disorder

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Me2/Orchestra was co-founded and is conducted by Juilliard graduate Ronald Braunstein, who lives with bipolar disorder. His orchestra is featured ...

Welcome to the New Psych Central Website

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After 25 years, Psych Central has received a makeover. Some things are the same, some are new, and some are different. Now that Psych Central’s foun...

Psychology of Atheist Funerals

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do families and friends of an atheist or nonbeliever mourn their passing when the majority of our traditions are religion-based? Additionally, can...

Psychology of Forensics

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Most people believe that forensic science is an exact science that can always find the right perpetrator. But is that actually true? Today’s expert ...

Are Mental Health Apps Safe?

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

At last count, there were over 300 mental health-related apps in the app stores. With this many, how do you choose? How do they differ from each other...

Are Introverts Good Leaders?

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re an introvert, can you become a leader? Are quiet people capable of leading at all or is a loud, charismatic personality a requirement of l...

Bringing Out Your Inner Child

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many people have heard the phrase “inner child,” but what does that really mean? Today’s guest explains how she has reinterpreted the inner chil...

One Decision to a Better Life with Coach Mike Bayer

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, life coach Mike Bayer from the Dr. Phil show shares his philosophy on how to live authentically. Can one decision really be the ...

Adoption and Mental Health Issues

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to adoption, our understanding of the mental health needs of those involved seems to take a backseat. Concepts such as abandonment and t...

Trauma's Impact on Police Officers

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Police officers are much more likely to die by suicide than they are to be killed in the line of duty. While society works hard to prevent law enforce...

What is ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)?

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)? Is it just for select issues or can everyone benefit from ACT? Is there any evidence to support that ...

What Are Boundaries and Why Do They Matter?

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Most people think they have good boundaries. But when pressed, they can’t often explain what their boundaries are, let alone maintain positive ones....

Is Grieving a Lifelong Process?

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When Hope Edelman was 17, her mother died. Like many families in the 1980s, Hope’s family grieved her mother's death in silence. This climate of sil...

Understanding Self-Injury

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Finding out that someone you know is self-harming can be confusing and unsettling. In today’s episode, Dr. Mark Mayfield, a board certified counselo...

Different Name, Same Podcast

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I'm here to tell you that The Psych Central Podcast is changing its name to Inside Mental Health and we are now associated with Healthline Media. Don...

Recognizing Suicidal Behavior

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US and over 3x more people will die by suicide than will be murdered every year. What types of peop...

Stigma of Borderline Personality Disorder

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The stigma associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD) is well documented and undeserved. In this week’s episode, Dr. James Seymour explai...

Bonus Content: Schizoaffective Disorder vs Schizophrenia

20 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

While schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia both share the prefix “schizo,” they remain two separate diagnoses. Hosts Rachel Star Withers an...

Inside Borderline Personality Disorder

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common and misunderstood psychiatric disorder. In this episode, Dr. Joseph W. Shannon describes the hallmar...

How to Stop Doubting Yourself

07 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you suffer from self doubt? Do you want to make changes in your life and develop new habits but find yourself repeating old patterns over and over?...

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you curious about TMS therapy? What is it, exactly? In today’s show, two psychiatrists explain how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation works and h...

Beating Addiction (From An Ex-Addict)

24 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is there hope after a heavy drug addiction? What if you quit but then relapse? Can you quit again? Absolutely. In today’s show, our guest Daniel McG...

Inside Bipolar Disorder

17 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s discuss bipolar disorder. How have treatments evolved over the last two decades? In today’s podcast, we welcome Dr. Francis Mark Mondimore, ...

Loneliness and Litigation: A Lawyer's Case Study

10 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chronic loneliness is on the rise. But how can this be when we’re more connected now than ever? In today’s show, Dr. J.W. Freiberg, a social psych...

Bonus Content: Evolution of Schizophrenia Treatment

09 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Schizophrenia has been around since the dawn of time but actually treating it has only been around the past 100 years. In this episode host and schizo...

Celebrating a COVID Christmas

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve made it to the end of 2020! From polarizing politics to raging fires to COVID-19, it’s been a real doozy. And now the Holidays… Do we cele...

Reframing Past Traumas

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What is your life story? Do you feel like a victim of your circumstances? And if so, how does this affect your future? In today’s show, our guest Ja...

Is Telehealth Effective?

19 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s COVID world, many mental health patients are finding themselves “forced” into seeing their doctors online, rather than in person. But...

Can Swearing Improve Mental Health?

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ouch! You stub your toe or burn your finger and a curse word comes flying out. It’s automatic -- and it probably makes you feel a little better. But...

Understanding Emotional Abuse

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What are the signs of emotional abuse? Can you be a victim or a perpetrator and not even know it? In today’s podcast, we welcome psychotherapist Bev...

Therapist or Patient: Who's in Charge?

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s talk about psychotherapy. Why hasn’t it changed much in the last century? And if a patient isn’t getting well, is it the fault of the pati...

How to Mentally Prepare for Anything

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the worst that could happen? And who will you still be regardless of the outcome? In today’s podcast, Gabe talks with author Shira Gura abo...

Bonus Content: Caregiving for Schizophrenia

21 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A third of all people will be a caregiver at some point in their lives. Caregiving for people with schizophrenia presents challenges that many people ...

Relationships and Rose-Colored Glasses

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do your feelings about a romantic relationship or your partner change significantly when it’s over? In today’s show, Gabe talks with researcher Ai...

Large Family Beset by Schizophrenia

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s show, Gabe talks with Robert Kolker, author of the New York Times bestselling -- and Oprah's book club pick -- book Hidden Valley Road. T...

Is Single Life Mentally Unhealthy?

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is anyone single on purpose? In today’s podcast, Gabe talks with Bella DePaulo, Ph.D, a prominent thinker and author on the single life, who shatter...

The Post-Truth Era and Politics

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s talk politics, lies and fake news. Why are they so rampant today? In today’s show Gabe speaks with author and communications expert Tim Ward...

Dealing with COVID Anxiety

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Now that we’re in the middle of a pandemic, more people than ever are experiencing anxiety, especially those who struggled with mental health issues...

Bonus Content: Love, Dating, and Marriage with Schizophrenia

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Can people with schizophrenia love? Can they date or get married?  Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard revi...

COVID Anxiety in Children

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

COVID-19 has altered our lives dramatically. Many children have lost their regular routines, and at the same time have been exposed to anxious adults ...

What is Schizoid Personality Disorder?

03 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What is schizoid personality disorder? Is it like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder? In today's show, our guest, psychologist Elinor Greenberg...

Does Law Enforcement Need Mental Health Care?

27 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Does law enforcement need to evolve to meet the needs of our changing society? Absolutely, according to our guest, mental health advocate Gabriel Nath...

Are Social Media Friends Real?

20 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the age of social media, we’re connected more than ever. So why are loneliness and sadness on the rise? Are social media friendships not fulfilli...

Stigma in Christian and Asian Communities

13 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In both Asian and Christian communities, there remains some stigma regarding mental illness. In today’s show, Dr. Esther Park, who is both Korean an...

Dating Violence in Young Adults

06 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A teen’s first relationship isn’t always sweet puppy love. Just like adult relationships, sometimes these young partnerships can become emotionall...

Your Gut Instinct is Bad For Your Relationships

30 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we send verbal and non-verbal signals, we think the other person understands what we're trying to say. In reality, we need to stop assuming we kn...

Is Life Coaching the Same as Therapy?

23 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have mental patterns or habits you’d like to change? Or do you want to focus on your strengths and become a better version of yourself? In to...

Do Cell Phones Cause Anxiety?

16 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

“It’s been 15 minutes -- Maybe I should check my social media, just in case.” Sound familiar? Do you have a fear of missing out? In today’s sh...

Bonus Content: Impact of Schizophrenia in Minority Communities

15 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rates of psychosis are more strongly influenced by ethnicity and socioeconomic status than any other mental health condition. In this episode of Insid...

Psych Central Turns 25 This Year

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Happy 25th anniversary, Psych Central! Today we take a trip down memory lane to when Psych Central was just a twinkle in Dr. John Grohol’s eye more ...

Motherhood and The Dragon of Self-Doubt

02 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Motherhood is full of incredible rewards but wrought with struggles like self-doubt. Today, motherhood expert Katherine Wintsch discusses the dragon o...

The Trauma of Racism: An Open Dialogue

25 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s Psych Central Podcast, originally a live recording on Facebook, Gabe talks with Okpara Rice, MSW. They tackle all of the tough subjects: ...

Talking Therapy with a Licensed Therapist

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What exactly does a therapist do? Is therapy only for people with severe mental illness, like bipolar disorder? In this Psych Central Podcast, we welc...

Reduce Daily Worry by Navigating the Noise

11 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

“I’m such a loser. I can’t believe I just said that.” Sound familiar? Most of us live with a constant inner critic telling us everything we’...

Lazy, Crazy, and Disgusting - How Stigma is Everywhere

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a victim of stigma? Do you feel like you have less value in society because of your job, income, ethnicity or your mental health diagnosis? In...

A National Non-Profit is Born From a Random Encounter

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In 2006, a 19-year-old woman struggling with addiction became friends with a young man who would eventually write about their friendship and post it o...

Using Nature and Animals to Manage Anxiety

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Research has shown that nature has a profound impact on our mental health and cognition: Being in nature reduces anxiety and stress and increases crea...

Bonus Content: The Role Nurses Play in Schizophrenia Treatment

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some of the professionals that work most with helping people with schizophrenia are nurses. There are so many types with different skill sets. Host Ra...

Is There a Link Between Physical and Mental Health?

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you in pain, or are you depressed? Does one lead to the other? In today’s show, Dr. Jack Stern, a board-certified neurosurgeon, explains how the...

Police Response to Quarantined Mental Health Crisis

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why are the police often called to handle mental health crises? And what are they trained to do once they get to the scene? In today’s show, Sergea...

Surviving Coronavirus Using a Free Mental Health App

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Got the quarantine blues? Meet Woebot, an on-demand therapy robot who talks you through your problems! Woebot’s advice is based on cognitive-behavio...

How Much Sex is Psychologically Healthy?

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know you have a magic sex number? It’s how much sex you’d prefer to have if you were with your ideal partner, says today’s guest, Marria...

Quarantine Home Office Design Tips

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you suddenly found yourself working from home during the COVID-19 quarantine? How can you make the most of this situation? On today’s Psych Ce...

Inpatient Psychiatric Stays From a Doctor's Perspective

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you’d like to hear an insider’s perspective of psychiatric hospitals by a psychologist who’s worked there for decades -- this is your podcast...

Using Death as Motivation to Live

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Life is a limited time offer. Are you truly living each day to the fullest? Today’s guest, Kate Manser, pioneer of the movement YOU MIGHT DIE TOMORR...

Don't Let Coronavirus Impact Your Mental Health

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There’s “nothing to fear but fear itself,” said the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Fear keeps us up at night, wears down our immune syste...

Helping Children Grieve

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Most children encounter death at some point, whether it’s the loss of a grandparent, a pet or even finding a dead bird in the yard. In today’s pod...

Bonus Content: Schizophrenia in Men

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Men and women experience schizophrenia differently; from the age of onset to symptoms and how society treats those with mental disorders.  Schizophre...

Stealing Cinderella (A True Story)

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a rebellious English teacher from a dysfunctional background falls in love and runs away with a South Korean woman from a rich, cont...

Male Survivors of Sexual Assault and Abuse

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know one in six males are sexually assaulted before their 18th birthday? Unfortunately, many victims are afraid to come forward due to cultura...