Inside Mental Health

Can people with schizophrenia love? Can they date or get married?  Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard review their own past experiences.  Andrew and Stephanie Downing, authors of “Marriage and Schizophrenia: Eyes on the Prize” join and share their incredible journey and love.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 who are just as unsure about what's going to happen next. In today's show, author and life coach Ada Perez shares how we can address kids' mental health issues in this strange new world we're living in. For more information and a complete transcript,...

What is schizoid personality disorder? Is it like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder? In today's show, our guest, psychologist Elinor Greenberg, PhD, sheds light on schizoid personality disorder and reveals how people with this condition experience the world. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://www.gabehoward.com/what-is-schizoid-personality-disorder-psych-central-...

Does law enforcement need to evolve to meet the needs of our changing society? Absolutely, according to our guest, mental health advocate Gabriel Nathan. Join us for a deep look into police culture and how it damages the community as well as the officers themselves. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-does-law-enforcement-need-mental-health-c...

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 fulfilling? In today’s show, Professor Tim Bono, Ph. D., an expert in psychological health and happiness, shares how we can keep a balanced perspective regarding social media and not let it lead to depression, addiction or envy. For more information and a comp...

In both Asian and Christian communities, there remains some stigma regarding mental illness. In today’s show, Dr. Esther Park, who is both Korean and Christian, breaks down these misconceptions and encourages people in these circles to seek professional help for their mental health problems. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-stigma-in-chris...

A teen’s first relationship isn’t always sweet puppy love. Just like adult relationships, sometimes these young partnerships can become emotionally abusive or violent. What are some signs of teen dating violence? And how can family and friends help? For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-dating-violence-in-young-adults Learn more about your ad c...

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 know how others perceive us and vice versa. In today’s show, we discuss the 12 mental habits that can give us top-notch communication skills. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-your-gut-instinct-...

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 today’s show, Dr. Jen Friedman explains the difference between therapy and coaching. Which would be a better fit for you? For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-is-life-coaching-the-same-as-therapy Lea...

“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 show, Gabe and psychologist Robert Duff have an enlightening discussion on how the information age is affecting our mental health. Tune in to hear specific tips on how to make social media the servant, not the master, of your reality. For more information and...

Rates of psychosis are more strongly influenced by ethnicity and socioeconomic status than any other mental health condition. In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard discuss the impact of schizophrenia in minority communities. Guest Sakinah “The Muslim Hippie” joins to share her experiences in mental health care. Learn mo...

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 than a quarter century ago. Join us for a great discussion on how Psych Central went from a hobby site to the largest independent mental health resource on the Internet -- and where it will go from here. For more information and a complete transcript,...

Motherhood is full of incredible rewards but wrought with struggles like self-doubt. Today, motherhood expert Katherine Wintsch discusses the dragon of “mom doubt.” Whether it’s comparing yourself to other moms or being hard on yourself for the weight you’ve gained, this feeling of being “less-than” can lead to sheer exhaustion. Find out how to slay this dragon. For more information and a complete...

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: white privilege, systemic racism, disparities in education and Black Lives Matter. Tune in for an informative discussion that leaves no stone unturned. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-the-trau...

What exactly does a therapist do? Is therapy only for people with severe mental illness, like bipolar disorder? In this Psych Central Podcast, we welcome therapist Clay Cockrell, LCSW, who clears up any misunderstandings about therapy and explains why therapy can be good for anyone in mental pain or who simply needs to talk. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentra...

“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’ve done wrong. Why is this? And how can we fix it? In today’s show, author Kevin Stacey helps us reign in our brain’s natural negativity bias. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 today’s Psych Central Podcast, Gabe talks with anthropologists Alex Brewis and Amber Wutich about the negative impacts of stigma in society. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-lazy-crazy-and-d...

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 on Myspace. As a result, the idea for the nonprofit "To Write Love on Her Arms" was born. In today’s Psych Central Podcast, Gabe interviews its founder Jamie Tworkowski, the young man in the story. For more information and a complete transcript, visit...

Research has shown that nature has a profound impact on our mental health and cognition: Being in nature reduces anxiety and stress and increases creativity, attention and overall well-being. Today’s guest, Richard Louv, a journalist, author and co-founder of the nonprofit Children & Nature Network, discusses the science behind nature’s healing powers. For more information and a complete transcrip...

Some of the professionals that work most with helping people with schizophrenia are nurses. There are so many types with different skill sets. Host Rachel Star Withers and Co-host Gabe Howards learn who these often overlooked healthcare workers are. Dr. Tari Dilks, Professor and President of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, joins with insight on what goes into being a psychiatric nurse...

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 two are linked. He also discusses why opioids don’t work for chronic pain and how past pain can affect our current pain levels. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-is-there-a-link-between-physica...

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, Sergeant Matt Harris of the Columbus, Ohio Police Department sheds light on the police officers’ role in the community and explains how they can help when someone is having a mental health emergency. Sgt. Harris also shares how his team tries to de-escalate t...

Got the quarantine blues? Meet Woebot, an on-demand therapy robot who talks you through your problems! Woebot’s advice is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and can help you identify distorted thinking. He even checks in on you to see if you’re OK. In today’s podcast, we talk with Woebot’s creator, Dr. Alison Darcy, who shares how this phone app came to be and how it works. Learn more about you...

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, Marriage and Family Therapist Steven Ing. People can have vastly different numbers, of course -- from 4 times a day to once a month to never. But what happens if your partner’s number is starkly different from your own? Tune into today’s podcast to have an open...

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 Central Podcast, Gabe interviews Donald M. Rattner, architect and author of "My Creative Space: How to Design Your Home to Stimulate Ideas and Spark Innovation, 48 Science-based Techniques." Donald offers simple tips on setting up a mental-health friendly...