Hello, all! This before I get into the questions this week, I talk a bit about my personal situation. Unfortunately, I had a breakup with a partner of mine and I share some of the realizations that I had in the process as well as my protocol for making it through this sort of hardship. After that, I jump into the following awesome listener questions:  I have had bipolar I for a long time, but started getting a new symptom of paranoid thoughts over the past few years. Why might this be happening? My workplace and coworkers are toxic, but I am a non-confrontational person. What can I do about it?  As always, you can send me your questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes at http://duffthepsych.com/episode296  This episode is brought to you by Ana Luisa Jewelry and Policygenius Ana Luisa has amazing quality gold jewelry at affordable prices. Perfect for Mother's day or any time you want to spoil a loved one in your life (including yourself). Right now, Ana Luisa is doing a buy one, get one 40% off promotion. Check it out at https://shop.analuisa.com/duff Shopping for insurance can be a confusing nightmare, but with the licensed experts at Policygenius, it doesn't have to be quite as scary. They work for you, not the insurance companies, to help gather the best options at the best price points. Head over to http://policygenius.com and answer a few questions to get your free quotes today!

Episode 296: Constant Paranoid Thoughts & Dealing with a Toxic Workplace

This is a podcast dedicated to answering your questions about mental health, anxiety, depression, relationships, sex, and life WITHOUT psychobabble BS. I am Dr. Robert Duff, a psychologist from Southern California, but I'm also a regular dude who legitimately wants to help out. I wrote the best selling books Hardcore Self Help: F**k Depression and Hardcore Self Help: F**K Anxiety. Those are available at http://hardcoreselfhelp.com

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 Hello, friends!    In today’s episode, we tackle two thought-provoking listener questions that may resonate with many of you:    Cymbalta Conundrum: A listener shares their experience with Cymbalta, a medication prescribed for panic disorder. They noticed feeling amazing on days they forgot to take the medication, leading them to wonder if they truly needed it. We explore the concept of conditioned compensatory response, the effects of medication on the body, and the importance of gradual tapering.    ADHD Focus Struggles: Another listener struggles with focus and motivation despite trying various medications and strategies. We discuss the complexities of ADHD, the importance of environmental adjustments, and techniques like mindfulness, Pomodoro intervals, and accountability to improve focus and productivity.    As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode394    ---    Take care of your social battery with BetterHelp! Their online therapy platform offers flexible scheduling and matching with licensed therapists. Get 10% off your first month with the code "duff" at http://betterhelp.com/duff  

Episode 394: Finding Focus with ADHD & The Surprising Upside of Missing Medication

Hello friends! In today’s episode, we explore the deep and complex emotions involved in expressing love within romantic relationships and the challenging path to recovery following a severe traumatic brain injury. We kick off with a question about the appropriate timing for saying “I love you” in a romantic context, especially considering cultural differences and personal challenges such as being on the autism spectrum. Our listener’s journey brings forward the importance of understanding personal feelings and the unique dynamics of each relationship. We then shift to an inspiring yet poignant story of miraculous recovery and the persistence of hope. Another listener shares the journey of their mother’s recovery from a severe traumatic brain injury resulting from a car accident. While her recovery has been astonishing, they grapple with the lingering issue of facial numbness. This story highlights the incredible resilience of the human body and spirit, the complexities of the brain's healing process, and the necessity of advocating for comprehensive care that addresses all facets of recovery. As we navigate these profound topics, remember, whether it's about expressing love or facing the aftermath of a traumatic event, the journey is deeply personal and filled with opportunities for growth and understanding. As always, you can send your questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode393 --- Are you trying to find the perfect balance between social activity and recharging your batteries? Therapy can help! Try it out with BetterHelp at http://betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month.

Episode 393: When to Say I Love You & Numbness in Face After TBI

Hello friends! In today’s thoughtful episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you: Contemplating Harm OCD and Supporting a Friend: A listener shares their concerns about how to best support a friend struggling with harm OCD. They've noticed their attempts to help by offering reassurance or checking things for their friend might actually be counterproductive. We dive into the nature of OCD, the impact of well-meaning actions, and how to genuinely support someone without reinforcing their compulsive behavior. Finding Balance Amidst Life's Transitions: Another listener talks about the challenges of transitioning to a full-time job and living with their partner after college. They've found themselves clinging to rigid routines that have begun to control their life, seeking advice on how to break free from these patterns without losing their sense of stability. We explore the importance of flexibility, communication, and self-awareness in navigating these significant life changes. As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode392 ---- Are you trying to find the perfect balance between social activity and recharging your batteries? Therapy can help! Try it out with BetterHelp at http://betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month.

Episode 392: Helping a Friend with OCD & Being Controlling After Moving In

Hello friends! In today’s episode, we tackle two interesting questions that delve into the heart of mental and emotional challenges many of us face. First, we explore the complex world of panic disorder through the eyes of a 24-year-old graduate student grappling with severe panic attacks. Their story illuminates the physical and psychological intensity of panic disorder, revealing how it transcends mere stress or anxiety to significantly disrupt daily life. We dissect the cycle of fear and avoidance intrinsic to panic disorder and discuss the critical importance of specialized care and therapy in navigating this condition. Next, we turn our attention to the challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with dementia resulting from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). One listener shares the struggle of balancing caregiving with personal self-care, seeking resources and support to manage this demanding role. We offer guidance on finding online and in-person resources, emphasize the importance of self-care for caregivers, and encourage seeking professional help to ensure both the caregiver's and the loved one's needs are met. As always, you can send your questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode391. --- Exploring what truly matters to you can be transformative, and therapy can help. BetterHelp provides convenient, online therapy to fit your life. Start with a questionnaire, match with a licensed therapist, and switch anytime. Focus on what makes you happy with BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/duff.

Episode 391: Panic Disorder & Caregiving for a TBI

Hello friends! In today’s episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you:   Dealing with Hurtful Family Comments: A listener is troubled by their mother's deeply hurtful comment, suggesting they have been a source of stress since birth. We explore the emotional impact of such comments, consider the role of health issues in behavior, and discuss strategies for coping and moving forward.   Navigating Identity and Therapy: Another listener, a closeted trans man, shares their experience of coming out to their therapist and the mixed responses received. We delve into the importance of understanding and navigating gender identity within therapy, especially in conservative environments, and ponder whether seeking a gender specialist, in addition to their current therapist, might be beneficial.   As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode390 ---- This episode is sponsored by Babbel, the language learning app that's as close as you can get to immersion from your own home. Designed for real-life conversations, Babbel is backed by science and makes learning new languages practical and enjoyable. I've even used my Spanish skills from Babbel in a real client meeting! Get started with Babbel and enjoy 55% off your subscription by visiting babble.com/duff. Conditions apply. Exploring what truly matters to you can be transformative, and therapy can help. BetterHelp provides convenient, online therapy to fit your life. Start with a questionnaire, match with a licensed therapist, and switch anytime. Focus on what makes you happy with BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/duff.

Episode 296: Constant Paranoid Thoughts & Dealing with a Toxic Workplace

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