Unlocking Your Mind’s Secret Protection System Do you ever find yourself reacting emotionally in ways that surprise even you? Maybe you snapped at a coworker about a minor issue, or shut down completely during a difficult conversation. There might be deeper forces at work within your mind than you realize – defense mechanisms. Let’s dive […]
The Story You Tell Yourself
Understanding Your Narrative Identity We all have a story woven inside our heads. It’s not written on paper, but it shapes every aspect of our lives. This story is our narrative identity – who we are, where we’ve been, and our hopes for the future. Understanding our narrative identity is crucial because it influences our […]
Breaking Free from the People-Pleasing Trap
The Importance of Strong Boundaries In the hustle of our daily lives, many of us fall into the trap of people-pleasing, often at the expense of our own well-being. The inability to set strong boundaries can lead us down a path of overcommitment, suppressed emotions, and ultimately, resentment. As a psychiatrist deeply invested in mental […]
Ketamine: A New Dawn in the Treatment of Depression
Two years have passed since I last discussed ketamine, and the landscape has significantly evolved. As a psychiatrist deeply invested in mental health education, I find it crucial to share these groundbreaking developments. What is Ketamine? Originally used for anesthesia since the 1970s, ketamine offers pain relief, amnesia, and sedation during medical procedures. However, its […]
Adderall and Heart Health: Understanding the Risks
Understanding Adderall: A Stimulant for ADHD Adderall, a medication in the amphetamine class, is widely used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It differs from methylphenidate-class stimulants (like Focalin and Ritalin) in its stimulating effects. The Heart of the Matter: Cardiovascular Effects Adderall does influence cardiovascular health. Its primary function is to boost dopamine […]
What a Good Antidepressant Response Really Looks Like
As a psychiatrist dedicated to mental health education, I often receive questions that reflect common concerns about psychiatric medications. A viewer named Trey recently asked, “I’m not sure if my antidepressant is working or not. When I take it, I feel numb. I’m glad that I don’t feel sad, but I don’t like feeling numb […]