The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych

Hello, friends!   In today's episode, we tackle a profound listener question that may resonate with many of you. A listener who survived a suicide attempt at 13 is considering reaching out to the pediatric psychiatrist who assessed them during their hospitalization. They feel that the presence of medical students during their assessment was inappropriate and impacted their honesty. They're seeking...

Hello, friends!   In today's episode, we tackle a profound listener question that may resonate with many of you.   A listener struggling with agoraphobia seeks guidance on overcoming their anxiety and finding motivation to pursue exposure exercises. They've been working with a therapist and taking anxiety medication but feel stuck. We explore the complexities of agoraphobia, the importance of prol...

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...

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...

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 counterproductiv...

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 transcen...

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 c...

Hello, friends! In today's episode of the podcast, we dive deep into two incredibly relatable listener questions that touch on emotional and psychological challenges many of us might face. Our first discussion revolves around the complex emotions of worrying about one's therapist. One listener shares their concern about being a burden by repeatedly discussing the same issues, particularly body dys...

Hello friends! In today's episode, we dive into two listener queries that shine a light on the complexities of emotional experiences and relationships. First, we explore the journey of someone grappling with childhood emotional neglect, unpacking the long-term effects of growing up in an environment where emotions were disregarded and undervalued. Our listener shares their struggle with feeling em...

Hello friends! In this episode, we delve into a deeply personal and complex question that touches on the lasting impact of past relationships, the nuances of friendship, and the boundaries within a current, happy marriage. A listener shares their experience of not being able to stop thinking about an ex, despite being happily married and having no desire to rekindle a romantic relationship. They d...

Hello friends! In today's episode, we delve into two deeply personal and impactful listener questions, uncovering layers of self-discovery, acceptance, and the ongoing journey towards healing and love: Embarking on a Journey of Self-Discovery and Love: A 32-year-old male shares his transformative journey from battling addiction and isolation to embracing therapy, wellness, and the realization of h...

Hello, friends! In today's episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you: Navigating Romantic Relationships and Self-Esteem : A listener seeks advice on managing the anxiety and self-doubt that accompany new romantic relationships. We discuss the concept of "correct rejections" and explore strategies for nurturing a healthy sense of self-esteem, such as focu...

Hello friends! In today's in-depth episode, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of depression, a condition that's far more complex than the occasional sadness or the transient moods we all experience. Our journey aims to shed light on the multifaceted nature of depression, affecting individuals across the globe in myriad ways. We delve into the clinical aspects, the personal stories, and the...

Hello friends! In today's episode, we delve into two compelling listener questions that I'm sure many of you will find relatable and insightful. Navigating Therapy with a Talkative Therapist: One listener shares their experience with a therapist who often overshadows the session with personal stories, leaving them feeling unheard. This is particularly challenging as the listener is dealing with a...

Hello friends! In today's episode, we delve into two compelling listener questions that touch on deeply personal experiences and emotional challenges: Exploring Identity Through Name Change : Our first question comes from a listener who has recently undergone the significant process of legally changing their name, a journey often intertwined with gender identity and personal transformation. We dis...

Hello friends! In today's episode, we delve into two compelling listener questions that many of you might find relatable: Confronting Career Anxiety in Private Practice: A newly licensed listener, transitioning from a non-profit agency to private practice, shares their struggles with the unpredictability of work and income, leading to increased anxiety. They contemplate returning to a full-time jo...

Hello friends! In today's enlightening episode, we delve deep into the intricacies of neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine, and their impact on our behavior and mental health. We also touch on trichotillomania and the role of medications like Wellbutrin in treating such conditions. Demystifying Dopamine and Serotonin : We kick off by addressing a common oversimplification in the world of menta...

Hello, friends!  In this episode, I will be wrapping the year up by reflecting back on 2023 and my word for the year, which was "Identity." I talk about what I learned and explored this year and then I tell you what I have chosen as my word for 2024. It should be a fun one! Take care of yourselves, and I will see you in 2024! --- If you are looking for a product that not only helps to hydrate your...

Hello friends! In today's insightful episode, we delve into two very relatable and poignant listener questions that highlight the complexities of personal relationships and social anxiety. Navigating Emotional Maturity in Relationships: Our first discussion revolves around a listener's five-year relationship with her boyfriend. She's passionate about personal growth but finds her boyfriend, though...

Hello friends! In Episode 377, we tackle two profound listener questions that shed light on unique mental health and relationship challenges. Our first discussion revolves around a listener gearing up for couples therapy. They share their apprehension about conveying years of experiences within the confines of therapy sessions. We explore strategies for effective communication, the importance of p...

Hello friends! In today's insightful episode, we delve into two intriguing listener questions that touch upon deeply personal and relatable topics. First, we explore the lasting impact of growing up without a father. One of our listeners shares their lifelong struggle with the absence of a paternal figure, revealing how it shapes their relationships and fears about parenting. We discuss the comple...

Hello friends! In today's insightful episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that delve into personal struggles and the complexities of therapy in the modern world. Our first discussion revolves around a listener's internal conflict about undergoing a nose job. They share their long-standing desire for this procedure, influenced by cultural norms and compounded by severe anxiety. We exp...

Hello, friends! I hope you're all managing to keep your spirits up. In today's thoughtful episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you: Contemplating Narcissism and Self-Improvement: A listener is troubled by the possibility of being a narcissist, an idea suggested by their ex-partner. They're engaging in therapy and self-help but wrestle with the question:...

Hey everyone! Hope you're finding moments of peace amidst the chaos. Today's episode peels back the layers of anxiety that can really twist our brains into knots. We're responding to a heartfelt question from a listener who's finding themselves in a tangle of overthinking, especially when it comes to new relationships. Unraveling the Anxiety Knot: We've all been there, so let's talk about overthin...

Hello, friends! Hope you're all doing splendidly. Today's episode dives into the nuances of financial anxieties and the challenges of managing impulsive shopping habits. Two heartfelt listener questions guide our discussion, shedding light on personal struggles and the broader societal context: Tackling Shopping Habits & ADHD : A loyal follower from Vermont expresses concerns over her shopping hab...