The World Health Organization says nearly 1 in 3 people have a mental health disorder worldwide. That’s millions of children, spouses, siblings and friends. Even if you don’t personally suffer from a mental health disorder, chances are, you know someone who does. And having an understanding benefits everyone involved. I created this channel to teach you about mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and sleep just to name a few.
I also include self-improvement tips to help you get the most of life. Join me in this visual journey in exploring how the mind works. I upload new videos every week, just click subscribe so you don’t miss a video.
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Dr Tracy marks I desperately need your help my husband is facing 2degree murder . 4 years ago he kep telling me something in his was changing he couldn’t describe it but two days later started hearing vibrating nouzes nobody else heard he could feel the vibrating angered by not finding it he soon blamed me and took a lamp and busted it on my face accusing me of cheating he wouldn’t let me out his face his eyes changed they were cold empty he then heard voices and they told him disgusting things and he believed I was cheating.by gods grace I got out torn between trying ti live him in sickness and health because this was not my husband. I moved out he hid in the woods at my house hit me it’s been a living horror movie I never moved back with him but would allow him to come visit hoping one day he would see a doctor and this nightmare would end only it got worse.. at first I could tell he was himself again he showed remorse but those times got fewer his face cold no emotion accuse me a lying cheating white and I was in virtual reality run my meta quest letting men do things then violence would peak finally my husband was no more the man he became was a horrible.. he believed his neighbor was holding me hostage 71 year old man my husband was trying to save me and beat him ti death. He is currently facing 2nd degree murder.. nobody will try ti get him the mental help he needs only lock him away when something triggers a episode again he will hurt someone or himself having nothing to loose.. he needs help
Dr. Tracy, my stepson has been having some issues that his father and I have seemed treatment for and he has recently been diagnosed with dmdd, disruptive mood deregulation disorder. Your videos were extremely helpful with understanding my own personal disorders and I was curious about it you had a video explaining dmdd better, but I have yet to come across one from you, or one in general that explains anything to the length that you seem to be able to. Any input to help better understand dmdd to better aid my stepson in guys mental health would be greatly appreciated.
Hello Dr Marks. I just saw your video on ADHD procrastinators. Straight dope on dopamine, and lack thereof. Thank you. Ray Towne Thurs Mar 23 2023
Hi!
Just want to say I love your videos, they really help me easily understand the information about mental health. I also would love to see a video on the relationship between bipolar disorder and autism. I have bipolar type 2 and now that my symptoms are in the maintenance stage my psychiatrist and psychologist have been noticing that a lot of my behaviour and triggers could be related to symptoms of autism and have referred me to get screened for autism and adhd. So I’d love to see if you have any knowledge with the possible connection.
Hey Dr. Marks!
Let me first say how much I absolutely love your channel & how you approach each topic in a way that is easily digestible & easy to understand. I wanted to run something by you, & see if you’ve ever heard of it, as I’ve found there’s zero info about it online & none of my doctors have ever come across it. You know the lovely brain zaps right? Well, I suddenly started having them when taking ANY antidepressant (after being on them for over a decade) & I still have them after being off of them. From what I’ve read online, there’s just not enough research on the topic, & there’s no cure or even something to manage the zaps. They are quite frustrating & at times, quite debilitating. Have you come across any new research on them or do you have any resources that could lead me in the right direction to possibly getting them under control? I’m miserable these days!
What is the difference between “cluster b traits” and “cluster b”? I’m not sure how to word this… I know someone who is bipolar 2 but has been told they also have “cluster b traits” but not borderline personality disorder.
Also, what is the difference between identity disturbance and simply not having any sense of self? Asking for a friend.
I want to thank you for your YouTube videos that have helped me greatly. I appreciate you making so much information available free of charge to the public. You are a treasure! I am having trouble signing up for your email community. Is there a way I could get help finding how to do that? Thank you again for all you do.
Hello, my name is Shane and I would like to begin this message with a compliment. I recently started watching your channel and I enjoy the content of your videos. They are informative without being too complicated and they are presented in a simple, approachable manner.
I am male, approaching 40 years old and have had extreme difficulty with MDD since my early teens. It is constant and has gotten worse regardless of combinations of psychiatric, therapeutic, and dietary interventions. Recently it has been recategorized as treatment resistant MDD.
In addition to depression I have been diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder, and ADHD.
I have only had one instance where symptoms completely disappeared. It lasted 3 days. 3 days out of more than 24 years. The change was miraculous, beginning suddenly and stopping just as quickly. One of the most bizarre things I recovered was my sense of taste and smell.
The source, or so I believe, was an OTC supplement for adrenal support. The supplement primary components were Methylcobalamin, Pyridoxine HCI, Pantothenic Acid, Choline, and L-Tyrosine.
Why do you think there was such a drastic change? And why would it be so brief and unrepeatable?
I know this is a shot in the dark. I have already pursued some avenues regarding the unexpected change but have found no answers. Any suggestions on how I should proceed would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Dr. Tracey, I just wanted to pop by and thank you for all of your videos on YouTube. I am not able to afford therapy right now, though I do miss it. So at this very interesting–menopausal, end of sabbatical, not yet working, hurricane relocating, struggling out of a toxic relationship–time in my life, you are literally a life saver. Each week, I take notes from the videos and re read or journal about things I have done and experienced. I want to live a healed heartfelt life so I can fully support myself, family and spiritual life coaching clients. Thank you for all of your clear, user friendly explanations and positive solutions–and being our angel in the psychiatric outfield. Take Care.
Hello I am looking for medicine treatment for anxiety panic disorder that is genetic on my mothers side of the family and has gotten worse the older I’m getting.
Dr. Marks, I am a 50 year old woman that was just diagnosed last week with bi polar 1, I have had tourettes(mild), adhd,ocd, severe depression, gad, body dismorphic disorder, chronic pain and dabiliating fatigue my entire life and recently have been so ill I’ve had to leave work and apply for long term disability to address it. I’ve been watching your wonderful videos and ordered your book from Amazon, thank you for the content you’re putting out there, it’s extremely helpful. I’m also realizing I have unhealed trauma, have you ever seen anyone sick for almost three decades get in the right meds, address trauma and actually make a full recovery? I wouldn’t know what it would be like to be functional, have energy and be happy. It would be amazing, do you have any recommends for a psychiatrist in Portland, Oregon, that might take Providence Health Plan? I wish I could see you for treatment !! Brenda. ?
Dr. Marks, to clarify my question above, by ” full recovery in referring to chronic pain and fatigue as I know that mental health issues last a life time. I’m reading a book, The Body Keeps Score” which is about how unhealed trauma causes a lot of physical issues so I’m really trying to uncover and deal with that trauma now. Being that I didn’t know until now at age 50 that I was bipolar 1 and have been on effexor I’m sure that was a perfect storm for me. I am weaning off effexor and on abilify now. I tried to post this comment prior but it didn’t show, if you get a duplicate feel free to delete this one! Thank you. Brenda.
Hi Brenda. That’s a great book to read. I think to really make progress you need a multi approach which involves good trauma treatment in addition to meds that are effective for you. Many people get one or the other but it’s expensive to get both and not always easy to find a good trauma treatment program. But it CAN be done. I think you symptoms can be minimized to a point of being workable. But most people have some level of residual symptoms that are manageable. I think that’s a reasonable goal.
I’m sorry I don’t know anyone in Oregon to recommend, I usually tell people to check psychologytoday.com to search for a therapist and/or psychiatrist in your area. You can read profiles and look at websites to get a feel for the person.
Thanks for getting my book! I hope it’s helpful for you.
Thank you so much!
Brenda,
I can 100% recommend the therapist that helped me fully process and heal from my childhood traumas. I was 35 when I found him and we worked an intensive plan for 2 1/2 years, at which time I felt like a restored person. He is here in Portland, Oregon, near SW 72nd Ave. His name is Robert Marrs, and I believe you can find his contact info online. Have hope that with the right help you can feel whole and free again!
Thank you so much!
You’re welcome and thank YOU for dropping by.
Dr Marks, thank you so much, I really appreciate your help and support and this is really unbelievable information and helpful for us, no words to describe this valuable information. I just have a question about. Why you as doctors and professionals, ask and take information from mental patients who over 18 years old and and give them medication according to their information which is most of the time unaware of what they saying? Just shocking to me as a simple person.
Thanks again.
Sulafa
Hi Sulafa. Thanks for you comment and question. I think it’s a common misconception that people with a mental disorder are unaware of what they are saying. If I thought someone lacked the capacity to provide a medical history, I’d wait until I got reliable information before proceeding with treatment.
Hi Dr Tracy,
Eagerly waiting for your reply..and what you think of my symptoms which were just awful and killing just hated menopause.Please do reply..
Kind regards
Jo
Hi Dr.Tracy, it is so nice of you to take time and educate all…I had a severe problem two years back after my sister in-law who was of my age was diagnosed with breast cancer and months after that my father in law died and it was first time that I saw dead-body in my life…and my personality kind of start changing slowly i started thinking and searching much about cancers and its cure and death its so much info as I am biochemist myself so it all was great knowledge but somewhere anxiety and depression both were setting in …my periods were also changing…so I tried to distract myself but few months later I was utterly tired all the time with skin ichy and some kind of slight fear which was totally unknown..I started feeling confused, forgetting things even simple things that I enjoy most like cooking decorating my home,celebrating my husband and child birthday even talking seem to be like big overwhelming task…I started reading anything that interests me to an extent that I just used to get up at night and read books my sleep was going down the drain…I was feeling my palpitation increased and sense of fear increased I couldn’t understand I also started doubting my husband there was also some unknown anger was setting in and suddenly one day I was sure that there is some danger around me something bad will happen if I dont take action and run away all of our life is in danger palpitation was killing me my body was tight not thinking anything didnt remember anything just want to run away so I ran away my husband was not at home I took my son with me which created more severe problem and I started hallucinate and dilutional and scared of everyone around me have my own world, tired,fearful, full time palpitation pain heaviness in the chest and joints , completely confused and foggy wanting to go back to my husband..not able to explain to anyone properly what is happening…and why I ran away..my husband who loved me a lot got distant because he thought I abandoned him..but interestingly I myself was not understanding what happened and what is happening no explanation at all it was just bits and pieces from here and there that I was trying to join and make people understand which was more confusing for them and physically I was fine so no one even thought that there is some major issue happening with me..it seemed to them I was making story…
now tow year later when my periods stopped completely I am kind of back to my normal personality I came to know it was menopause and my hormones created all havoc and made my world upside down…And I am not crazy or insane…I am having symptoms still like palpitations and tightness in chest, pain in muscle, pins and needles and numbness anxiety and vertigo problem but in control as I know that its peri menopause which is completely new word for me…and I came to know tjat few years before menopause hormone can become very erratic and cause severe problem like mine which can also lead to suicide…
Please Dr.Tracy my request is if you can make an elaborate video explaining Mental problems related to Perimenopause and Menopause Hormonal fluctuation and Stress….this would be so informative not just for ladies who go through this hell but also for there families who suffer with them and could save so many families from breaking apart and save life of so many… as I am still not able to make my husband and family understand what happened and they don’t want to talk to me thinking that I abandoned and why I ran away for no reason…my son who was with me also is having hard time understanding what happened he thinks I went crazy and has become some kind of conspiracy theorist it sounds funny but is very painful and guilt feeling of not able to explain and give reasons.
Please need your help in navigating this part of journey…and look forward to your reply and video on Perimenopause and Menopause .
Kind regards
Jo
Hi Jo
Thanks for your questions, but I’m not able to give consultative advice/suggestions/analyses through comments and messages. If you want my opinion about your situation, you can make an appointment with me for a consultation. This is the scheduling link https://markspsychiatry.fullslate.com
A consultation sets aside time to hear your full story, ask questions for more details and give you feedback that I have a chance to think through. Best wishes.
I came across your channel a week or two ago . I was struggling a little bit with the mental disorder I have . I haven’t watched all your videos on it ,but the print outs have been a bit helpful. Thank you ,Dr.
Hi Dr. Marks-Do you have any videos or advice regarding auditory hallucinations without a schizophrenia diagnosis? What are the treatment options? Following your video about schizophrenia, I am wondering if I have an undiagnosed sleep disorder. Thanks!
I don’t have any videos on this, but it’s a good idea. I’ll see what I can put together. Sleep related hallucinations are called hypnopompic and hypnagogic. You can read in more detail on wikipedia and see if you can relate this.
Hi Dr. Marks, I was looking for the drug handout for Bipolar Disorder to print. Thank you, Karen
It’s on this page https://markspsychiatry.com/bipolar-meds/
Dr. Marks:
Thank you for the empathetic approach you’ve applied to your expertise and knowledge. As a parent who is dealing with a child who experienced FEP, I felt so lost until I came across your channel.
It’s so disheartening at this age in my life to learn that 1-3 people will suffer from mental illness. I truly believe that behavioral health education should be integrated into obstetrics and pediatrics so that parents can be well educated on symptoms and solutions. My when my son was in the prodromal phase he was so paranoid and I was clueless…
Please advise if you have any thoughts on he FDA cleared device from Fisher Wallace and if you offer telemedicine appointments.
Thank you for your contributions to this underserved health community!
Hi. I don’t have an opinion about the Fisher Wallace device as I’ve never used it or had a patient who used it. I only do telemedicine appointments with adults who live in GA. If that applies to you, you can book through my website using the book appointment tab.
I have bipolar 1 and and been trying to find ways to help someone to get an understanding my disorder and how to help
I have a bipolar playlist that has several videos on understanding bipolar disorder. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLazcP3-djRZ0IoYFWgkl0_tFtBVqA3bu-
I’m glad I stumbled across your site. I love learning as much as I can about mental health. It helps me to understand myself better and reminds me I’m not alone. Thank you!
I’m glad you stumbled across it too Neresa! Keep learning.
Am Raji from India
Dr Tracy your video on atypical depression was a life saver
Presently am on medication
Thank you so much for the videos
God bless you
I’m so glad to hear that Raji! Best wishes to you.
What is da costa syndrome is it treatable ? And can u become natural as u were after withdrawing anxiety meds ? If yes how long does it takes to become so ?
I don’t know what it is. Sometimes WebMD.com is a good source for information on disorders and treatments.
Hi Dr. Tracey,
I need some help. I had been diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia back in 2011 and regularly take my medication to treat the symptoms over the past decade. However, recently I came across several research articles pointing towards sexual dysfunction as a side effect (hyperprolactemia) due to intake of antipsychotics treating the positive symptoms, and that corroborates my erectile dysfunction problem. I do not enjoy sex, am completely numb when I’m with someone and this is creating a lot of stress in my mind which is bringing some of the other positive symptoms back. I even read that taking Sildenafil may solve the problem, but I’m only 28 years old! Due to this I haven’t been able to maintain a relationship with anyone. Now I’m fed up of brooding and want to look for solutions. I even read about how the Ketogenic diet can cure Schizophrenia and solve the condition itself but the research is still under study . Also, doesn’t the Keto-diet have it’s own set of side-effects? What would be your advice for me?
To get some useful advice, you would need to consult with someone who can ask you more questions to narrow down possibilities, understand what’s happening more, etc. This is where seeing a therapist even if only for a few appointments can help send you in the right direction.
Hi Dr. Marks. Just a note to say thanks for your help. It helps me to share more clearly to my psychiatrist. And it gives me a second opinion of sorts. God bless.
Mam can u please reply me by knowing my symptoms and give me proper diagnosis and proper treatment option
Would it work if I consult to genious doctor like u? actually paroxetine works but when i try to withdraw it panick relapse even i do it on tapering method by physician, what if some of your programs helps since what i know is i was safe till 20 years how come now i m afraid of it becoming thantophobic ?and abt trust in god in healing process why I got trust issues?
Can consulting to you will help turning my subconscious to extreme positivity and let it auto suggest positive thoughts, enthusiam , free mind and happiness and fear free?
Again commenting cz i forget notifications reminders and yeh plz help it’s an emergency kinda?
I m 21 years old diagnosed with anxiety disorder and get frequent panick attacks also i am an medicine student so whenever i study any disorder my thoughts automatically starts thinking that it’s on me i Am on paroxetine since one year but not really helping but now a days it’s really getting hard to calm my thoughts it feels like my mind is full of negativity and even trust issues on medicine and treatment and even on god i was not this before I always feel like next moment i m gonna die plz help doctor ?
Hi Rushi. I’m sorry you’re having such a tough time right now. I suggest you consult with the doctor who is prescribing your medication for more help, or look for a therapist in your area. Self-help can help, but there is no substitute for treatment with a professional. I can’t provide treatment through my website or messages. You need someone who can talk back and forth with you and get more information from you. Of course for a real emergency, like a threat to your life, you should go to your local ER for a more immediate intervention to keep you safe.
Hello, After I watched your video stating oxytocin may help Borderlines feel more empathy, I made an appointment with my GP. She can not write a prescription because the FDA hasn’t approved it for this use. I shopped for it over the web with no luck. I am eating all the foods recommended to increase oxytocin naturally, but I would like to try the nasal spray. Can you recommend a place where I could buy this hormone?
Thanks,Colleen
Hi Colleen. You’re GP is right, oxytocin has not been approved for this purpose yet. This was an early study that I wanted people to know about and how this may be something that becomes approved in the future. I doubt that it would be over the counter and when/if it becomes available, you would need to have it prescribed by your doctor.
Hello Dr. Tracey, i am looking for some videos about PMS and how to deal with it,because it is really not nice anymore,then a video about PMDD from you showed up,so i looked at it and i subscribe right away,because i know by heart that you are the one i’ve been looking for.
Also your videos about depression, which are all timely for me are all very much loved! I remember how people used the word DEPRESSION in like just an expression if they feel unhappy or did not get what they want,tjey use it like it is just a common word,only if they know or experienced the complexity of it, how terrible it feels being in such situation. I did not expect to be in such situation myself,because all along i keep believing i am strong, and seems like in just a split of second here i am!
Thank you very much for sharing all your knowledge about mental health, which is as important as physical health.
Hi Rhonda I’m so glad you found me and that the videos have been helpful for you. I know what you mean about the casual use of “depressed”. It’s unfortunate that it makes the illness depression seem trivial. But that’s what I aim to change by helping people understand these disorders. Thanks for coming over to say hello.
*s ? (*Marks)
Sorry it spell checked me.
People can have different reactions to the experience of being violated. Physical hypersensitivities is one way. You should consult with a trauma therapist to help you work through this.
Dr. Mark,
Hello. I had a bad experience where I was groped and touched by an older step relative multiple times including at one point when I was half asleep.
Since then I can’t be touch while sleeping without immediately jumping awake, and I tend to convulse and twitch in certain areas where I was touched, like my neck. I also tend to to scratch that spot, during a particularly bad melt down I clawed it raw.
I’m just curious why my body is reacting this way and if I can stop it or make it less severe.
We need help.
I have my 15 years old she start taking ability please help us. How I can give more help.
If she’s in treatment with a doctor, you should ask for more help from your doctor. If your appointments are too short with the doctor, then try seeing a therapist who will generally give your longer sessions. You can search for a therapist in your area on Psychologytoday.com
Hi Dr Marks, saw your video on Hypochondriacs. You have no idea how much this helped me, I thought my husband’s behavior was unique. You described him perfectly. I’m so overwhelmed by his erratic behavior that I can hardly sleep. I just want him to be “normal”. We’re seeing a psychologist next week.
Thanks Laura for letting me know. I hope the appointment goes well. I’m glad he’s getting some help.
Hi Dr Marks! I’d love to hear more about PTSD/C-PTSD and ACEs. And I apologise in advance if I just can’t seem to find them.
Thank you for your videos!
Hi Edward. Thanks for asking. I do have a video on PTSD and cPTSD here https://youtu.be/7Is7U6QW8mc
What is ACE?
Dr. Marks, I want to know why certain anti-anxiety or anti-depression weight gain.
Hi Thomas. There are a few reasons. I did a video explaining these reasons here: https://youtu.be/S-NukJp_Nbs
Hi. I was looking for information on a disorder and I ended up coming across your channel. I subscribed immediately after hearing the video! While checking out your other videos, I wanted to tell you: Thank you!! Thank you for taking the time to educate everyone about different mental health topics, symptoms, and ways to deal with them through your channel. It is a welcomed refreshment to hear someone explain human behavior complexities so they are able to better understand themselves or others without feeling guilty or judged. My upbringing did not include much training in this area – so I often had to “keep going” with life. But now that I have my own child, I am faced with having to learn better skills to set her on a better path. Please keep doing what your doing!! I enjoy the content and I will keep watching and sharing with others!!!
Thanks so much Andrea! Nothing give me more satisfaction than to know my intentions of helping people understand mental health issues is being met. Thanks for letting me know and keep watching, I have more to come.
How might I contact you for a one on one discussion with some issues I am dealing with personally…? I could use real help at this point….
Annalesia, I’m sorry I’m not taking consultations at this time. I may resume them in 2022 and if I do, you’ll be able to book an appointment on my Book Appointments tab.