The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness show

The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness

Summary: Dr. Kaz Nelson, a psychiatrist at the University of Minnesota, along with host, George, serve as translators between the psychiatric field and the non-medical community. Podcast goals: Dispel myths, address listener questions, talk directly about serious topics, such as suicide, and inform the public about what they need to know to maintain mental health and a life worth living.

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Podcasts:

 The Pandemic, Alcohol, and You | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 23:45

We have been isolating for nearly 8 weeks to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. People are experiencing varying degrees of stress. We are bracing for a wave of mental health symptoms as a result of this crisis. Alcohol use for people isolated at home is increasing. How many "quarantinis" are too many? Enter the "judgement free zone" and hear the facts.

 Us Against the Virus: COVID-19 Special Edition | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 22:59

Dr. Kaz takes a moment to connect with the podcast audience in this special edition of The Mind Deconstructed Podcast during this time of stress and upheaval related to our collective efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus known as COVID-19. Dr. Kaz describes four key ways in which this global pandemic may be impacting individuals' mental health, along with specific steps to take to mitigate the impact of stress, grief, isolation and panic. Recorded on March 13th, 2020.

 Electroconvulsive Therapy | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 21:21

On this episode, Dr. Kaz takes this opportunity to demystify a therapy which has been misportrayed in film and television and misunderstood by the general public for decades. What exactly is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? What happens during this procedure? For what type of conditions is ECT recommended? Learn the facts!

 How does light affect our mood and functioning? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 16:27

Dr. Kaz and George and back at the microphone and explore the impact of sunlight and screen light exposure on our brains. Are our moods sensitive to the season? Does screen exposure impact our sleep quality? How does the brain respond to various kinds of light exposure? Learn about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)! 

 A Closer Look at Impostor Syndrome | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 18:57

What is Impostor Syndrome? In this case, we are not discussing a diagnosable mental illness. Impostor Syndrome a common feeling people describe in the course of their work or social life. Automatic thoughts experienced by people with Impostor Syndrome include, "I don't belong here", "I'm not qualified to do this". What is the cause of Impostor Syndrome and what are some first steps in pushing back against these automatic assumptions? Dr. Kaz and George share basics of this commonly experienced phenomenon!

 Bipolar Disorder Explained | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 24:49

Public figures, such as Carrie Fisher, have shared about their lived experience with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is common and easily mistaken for other types of mood disorders. What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder and how is bipolar disorder different from other types of mental illness? What are common treatments? What are some of the barriers to helping someone who may be experiencing a manic episode?

 Nightmares | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 21:39

Healthy sleep is critical for physical and mental health. For many people, nightmares and dream-related content can severely impact sleep. What makes a dream a nightmare? Why do nightmares happen? Dr. Kaz and George share their reoccurring nightmares and discuss practical information on how health professionals have worked to develop medication and other strategies to effectively reduce the frequency and intensity of nightmares. 

 Dr. Kaz's Beef with Benzos | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 26:39

Will the medication class of benzodiazepines follow in the footsteps of opioids as the next harmful medication epidemic? In this first episode of Season 2 of The Mind Deconstructed Podcast, Dr. Kaz and George confront this controversial subject. Twelve percent of the United States population is prescribed a medication in this class every year. We explore the risks and benefits. You decide!

 Dr. Kaz and George at the Minnesota State Fair | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 19:01

Dr. Kaz and George return with a special episode recorded in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Dr. Kaz and George were delighted to participate in the first ever "Mental Health Awareness Day" at the Minnesota State Fair. Listen to recorded questions from attendees on the topics of advocacy, mindfulness, the role of work in recovery, and how to best maintain hope for others who may have lost their own capacity for hope.

 Antidepressant Medications | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 26:20

Are antidepressant medications just "happy pills"? Dr. Kaz, with help from her brother, George, provides an overview of the most frequently prescribed antidepressant medications, including the types of symptoms these medications are used to treat and common side-effects.

 How Early Events Shape Us | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:23

In the shadow of two public deaths by suicide and alarming data from the Centers for Disease Control on the increasing numbers of suicides, Dr. Kaz and George explore the impact and legacy of suicide. How does such an event impact surviving children and other family members? Are traumatic events that happen during childhood of greater significance that events which happen when we are older? How can we best understand and support children and adolescents who experience adverse childhood events?

 Mental Illness and School | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 19:50

As we reflect on the multiple stressors, barriers and issues facing people in their daily lives, George and I explore the intersection of mental illness and our educational system. I share a phenomena called "new tank syndrome" and its effect on students navigating new contexts, as they pursue their education. How can you assist a student who may be struggling? What resources do schools provide to support students with mental health challenges? 

 Understanding Self-injury | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 16:20

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month. Inspired by these events, Dr. Kaz and George explore self-injurious behavior.  Common and sometimes difficult to understand, Dr. Kaz describes different patterns for self-injurious behavior and some of the drivers of cutting, burning, picking, hair-pulling, scratching, and other related behaviors.

 Self-medication | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 19:19

It's the second anniversary of Prince's tragic death. From caffeine, food, and nicotine, to alcohol, marijuana and opioids- when are these substances helpful for emotion regulation and when do these substances harm more than help?

 Mental Illness and Pregnancy | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:49

Dr. Kaz and George explore mental illness issues related to pregnancy, including planning, pregnancy itself, and the period of time after a baby's birth. Topics discussed include the "baby blues", major depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Dr. Kaz also shares about a rarely discussed, but common issue: post-partum obsessive compulsive disorder.

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