Impending Doom
The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness
With the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, racial injustice, winter upon us, and a highly contentious election, are you experiencing a sense of 'impending doom'?
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The Mental Health Impact of Discrimination
The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness
Dr. Kaz and George discuss a painful truth facing our society. Racism and discrimination persist. As witnessed through the death of George Floyd and many others, racism has deadly consequences. In what other ways are individuals and communities impacted by discrimination, marginalization and racism? Dr. Kaz and George explore mental health outcomes. How can we work together to be part of the solution?
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The Pandemic, Alcohol, and You
The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness
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.
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Us Against the Virus: COVID-19 Special Edition
The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness
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.
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Electroconvulsive Therapy
The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness
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!
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How does light affect our mood and functioning? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness
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)!
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A Closer Look at Impostor Syndrome
The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness
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!
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Bipolar Disorder Explained
The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness
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?
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Nightmares
The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness
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.
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Dr. Kaz's Beef with Benzos
The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness
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!
info_outlineIt's the second anniversary of Prince's tragic death. As details unfold regarding his struggle with pain and use of opioid medications, we better understand the cost associated with problematic use of this class of medications and the pattern of taking pills or other substances to address chronic pain or other symptoms. 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? Dr. Kaz and George begin to explore the potential function of these substances and associated risks.