Mental Health Rewritten

"Mental Health Rewritten" is a groundbreaking podcast that delves into the most pressing and often stigmatized topics in mental and behavioral health. Hosted by the acclaimed Dominic Lawson—recipient of 33 podcasting awards, including multiple honors in the mental health space—this show offers a fresh perspective on issues ranging from sex addiction and substance abuse to eating disorders and racial trauma. Each season is thoughtfully structured into themed mini-series, allowing for an in-depth exploration of complex subjects. Guided by the DSM-5 and ICD-11, episodes feature candid conversations with experts and individuals with lived experiences, providing listeners with both clinical insights and personal narratives. Join us biweekly as we challenge societal norms, break down barriers, and rewrite the narrative surrounding mental health. Whether you're a mental health professional, someone with personal experience, or simply interested in understanding the intricacies of the human mind, "Mental Health Rewritten" offers valuable insights and fosters a community of empathy and support. Subscribe now to embark on a journey of discovery and transformation.

Mental Margins: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) 06/04/2025

Mental Margins: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) In this introspective and educational Mental Margin segment, we explore how trauma isn't always loud. Sometimes it whispers through our adult decisions, shaped quietly and powerfully by Adverse Childhood Experiences—ACEs. With the expertise of Dr. Justin Dodson, we trace how witnessing violence, enduring emotional wounds, and growing up without safety all carve paths into who we become. 🧠 Key Themes The Foundation Matters: Dr. Dodson reminds us that healing starts with understanding our beginnings. Our behaviors today—whether defensive, compulsive, or withdrawn—are reactions to things that happened long before. “If I am the way I am today, something happened before today…” Trauma Isn’t Just What’s Done To You—It’s What You Witness: A key point made by Dr. Dodson: witnessing domestic violence can be as developmentally damaging as direct sexual abuse. It’s about observing power and control, internalizing helplessness, and learning distorted attachments. ACEs Explained: Host Dominic Lawson breaks down ACEs: traumatic experiences before age 18, including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Each ACE adds to the risk of mental health issues, substance abuse, and behavioral struggles later in life. Marcus’s Story – A Mirror for Many: In a fictional but familiar example, Marcus—a 30-year-old struggling with depression and anxiety—reveals five ACEs: abandonment, parental addiction, witnessed abuse, neglect, and emotional maltreatment. His struggles become clearer in context, not confusion. 📚 Educational Moment This episode underscores a key point: ACEs shape much of what clinicians see in real life. That makes understanding them even more essential. 🧾 Take the ACEs Quiz Curious about your own ACE score? 👉 Visit (developed by the Center for Youth Wellness) for a confidential self-assessment and access to resources. 💡 Final Takeaway “Understanding our past helps us rewrite our future.” When we start at the beginning, we don’t just find pain—we find patterns. And once we see them, we can choose how our story unfolds. 📌 For more narrative tools and healing resources, visit: /episode/index/show/35ad4bf7-5053-460d-83af-01056c7c5fea/id/36843515

Rewriting the Conversation Around Pornography 05/30/2025

Rewriting the Conversation Around Pornography **POST CREDIT CONTENT ALERT** Welcome to Episode 2 of Mental Health Rewritten — “Pornography: Rewiring Reality” In this powerful follow-up to our season premiere, we confront one of the most polarizing issues in modern mental health: pornography. Through the dual narratives of Gio and Maddie, we navigate secrecy, shame, and compulsion — we dive into the psychological impact of porn consumption on young minds, relationships, and emotional development. We illustrate how digital intimacy can morph into emotional avoidance. Featuring reflections inspired by Susan Sontag’s The Pornographic Imagination, data trends around economic stress and porn usage, and voices from clinical research, we explore: How pornography functions as both escape and expression Why compulsive consumption often begins in adolescence The blurred boundaries between fantasy, shame, and mental distress Economic stressors and their link to increased digital escapism The humanity behind the industry — including the performers and producers Societal silence around youth exposure and emotional education From the Reagan-era Meese Commission to modern neuroscience, we examine the narratives, research, and myths shaping how we see pornography today — not to shame or glorify, but to understand it. We share an unflinching yet compassionate exploration that reframes addiction, adolescence, and the hidden effects of unspoken behaviors. This is not just about screens — it's about the stories behind them. Listen now and subscribe for upcoming episodes on suicide, race, and intergenerational trauma. Reminder: Mental health struggles are real — and often silent. If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to a mental health professional. Mental Health Rewritten, created by the OWLS Education Company, in collaboration with The Ummah Collective Group, is hosted, written, and produced by Dominic Lawson. Executive Producers: Kenda Lawson and Dr. Whitney Howzell Cover Art: Alexandria Eddings of Art Life Connections Some music was provided by of The Mighty Sound Champz Crew This week's disclaimer provided by Al Pete, Founder of Supporting Sources: Sontag, Susan (1967). “The Pornographic Imagination.” – Analysis of pornography as reflective of cultural fears and desires. Dworkin, Andrea (1981). Pornography: Men Possessing Women. – Argues pornography is a form of violence/oppression against women. Meese Commission Report on Pornography (1986) – Conclusions of harm; later criticism by academics for lack of rigorous evidence. Politico Magazine – Tim Alberta (2018), on Meese Commission’s flawed use of research and findings being unsupported. CDC-Kaiser ACE Study – Findings on how ≥4 childhood adversities correlates with higher risk of substance use, mental illness, and sexual risk behaviors in adulthood. CDC – Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (2023) on ACEs: associations with early sexual initiation, teen pregnancy, etc.. VA National Center for PTSD – DSM-5 PTSD Criterion A definition of trauma (death, serious injury, sexual violence exposure). ICD-11 – WHO’s diagnostic criteria: trauma defined as extremely threatening or horrific events. Pornhub Traffic Data (2020) – Documented 11–24% global increase in usage during COVID-19 lockdowns. Financial Stress & Porn Study (2020) – Found porn site visits decreased when economic stress rose, suggesting not all downturns boost porn use. Reuters – “Pornhub owner MindGeek sold to Canada’s ECP” (Mar 16, 2023) – Announcement of Ethical Capital Partners (Solomon Friedman) acquiring MindGeek. New York Times – “The Children of Pornhub” (N. Kristof, Dec 2020) – Investigative piece exposing underage/non-consensual content monetized on Pornhub. Rolling Stone – “Racism in Porn Industry Under Scrutiny” (June 2020) – Report that Black performers are paid and hired less, citing Ana Foxxx, Lotus Lain, etc.. International Business Times – “Black Performers Reveal They’re Paid and Hired Less in Porn” (June 12, 2020). Blavity News – “Adult Film Has Been No Exception (to Racism)” (June 24, 2020) – Overview of racist tropes and pay disparities in porn, with input from Black actresses. Dazed Digital – “Porn actresses are dying – why?” (Feb 2018) – Discusses rash of young female performer deaths, highlighting lack of support, stigma, and financial insecurity in the industry. Referenced Articles & Resources The Tragic Story of Olivia Nova The Guardian reported on the untimely death of adult film star Olivia Nova, shedding light on the mental health struggles, financial instability, and lack of healthcare access within the industry. . The Children of Pornhub – New York Times This 2020 exposé uncovered the presence of underage and non-consensual content on Pornhub, revealing systemic exploitation and regulatory failures in the adult industry. . Racial Pay Disparities in Porn – Rolling Stone Feature Black performers like Ana Foxxx and Lotus Lain have shared their experiences fighting for equal pay and dignity in an industry riddled with racial inequities. . Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) To learn more about trauma recovery techniques like EMDR, visit the . Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Quiz Curious about how your early life may have shaped your mental health? Take a confidential ACE quiz through the Center for Youth Wellness at . Your Brain on Porn Explore the neuroscience behind compulsive porn consumption and its impact on mental well-being at . /episode/index/show/35ad4bf7-5053-460d-83af-01056c7c5fea/id/36781735

Mental Margins: Betrayal Trauma & Infidelity 05/21/2025

Mental Margins: Betrayal Trauma & Infidelity About Mental Margins Mental Margins is a short-form segment from full Mental Health Rewritten episodes—designed to be a more accessible entry point into the show’s deeply emotional, cinematic approach to mental health. These snippets, usually under 15 minutes, distill powerful moments from the full-length episodes to create quick, impactful, and meaningful listening experiences. So if you're new to the podcast, Mental Margins gives you something valuable to reflect on without the emotional overwhelm of a full length episode. This Week's Focus: Why Betrayal Trauma Cuts So Deep In this episode, we step into the emotional wreckage caused by betrayal trauma—a psychological rupture that often accompanies the discovery of sex addiction or compulsive sexual behavior in intimate relationships. Dr. Alexandra Katehakis, a pioneer in the treatment of sex health and betrayal trauma, explains how the revelation of a partner’s secret double life—sometimes spanning decades—can feel like an emotional earthquake. The trauma isn't just about infidelity; it's about the annihilation of a shared reality. “It’s like a massive internal earthquake where what they thought was solid ground is no longer solid.” – Dr. Alexandra Katehakis This betrayal often causes symptoms similar to PTSD, but with the additional complexity of continued contact with the person responsible for the trauma—something that makes healing both urgent and elusive. Defining Betrayal: Not All Infidelity Looks the Same Dr. Justin Dodson breaks down how betrayal isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. In some relationships, pornography or flirtation may cross emotional boundaries just as much as physical affairs. Each partner carries their own blueprint of what constitutes “cheating,” often rooted in personal trauma, fear, or unmet emotional needs. “People want to be wanted. And anything that threatens that sense of security can feel like betrayal.” – Dr. Justin Dodson This episode challenges us to re-examine our relationship expectations, boundary-setting, and the subtle emotional ruptures that can spiral into long-term disconnection. /episode/index/show/35ad4bf7-5053-460d-83af-01056c7c5fea/id/36651685

Rewriting the Conversation Around Sex Addiction 05/14/2025

Rewriting the Conversation Around Sex Addiction 🎙️ Welcome to Episode 1 of Mental Health Rewritten! In our season-opening episode, we confront one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized topics in mental health: sex addiction. Through the story of Daniel — a man whose professional success masks a deep internal struggle — we explore how compulsive sexual behavior impacts relationships, careers, and personal identity. Along the way, we challenge misconceptions about sex addiction, examine its clinical roots, and highlight the hidden pain it causes across gender lines and around the world. 🧠 Featuring clinical insights from Havi Kang, Dr. Justin Dodson, and Dr. Alexandra Katehakis, alongside research from Mayo Clinic and YouGov, we uncover: What defines sex addiction and compulsive sexual behavior Why shame and secrecy make healing harder How societal stigma silences both men and women The global scope of this often-taboo disorder Rooted in research from the DSM-5 and ICD-11, and grounded in real-world stories, Mental Health Rewritten opens conversations where silence once reigned. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Daniel’s journey toward healing begins — and how, together, we can start to rewrite the narrative about addiction, identity, and hope. 🔗 Listen now and subscribe for upcoming episodes exploring suicide, racial trauma, and more. 🧠 Reminder: Mental health challenges are as real — and as serious — as physical ones. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a mental health professional. Mental Health Rewritten, created by the OWLS Education Company, is hosted, written and produced by Dominic Lawson Executive Producer Kenda Lawson and Dr. Whitney Howzell Cover art was created by Alexandria Eddings of Art Life Connections. Referenced & Supporting Sources Does Society Have a Sex Addiction Problem? Mayo Clinic Health System Is Sex Addiction a Real Disorder? Majority of Americans Believe It Is Newsweek / YouGov Poll (2018) Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in ICD-11 World Health Organization / ICD-11 Browser Why Sex Addiction Was Not Included in DSM-5 APA DSM-5 Task Force Discussion via Cleveland Clinic AASECT Position on Sex Addiction American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (2016) Brain Activity in Sex Addiction Mirrors That of Drug Addiction Cambridge University Study (PLOS ONE, 2014) Is Sexual Addiction the Real Deal? UCLA Brain Study – EEG Research on Hypersexuality (2013) Sex Addiction and Childhood Trauma in Men University of Georgia, College of Education (2024) Infidelity Statistics (U.S. Marriages) Cooper Trachtenberg Law Group – Updated 2024 Compulsive Sexual Behavior and Culture – A Clinical View APA PsycNet – Middle Eastern & Global Treatment Challenges Assessment and Treatment of CSBD: A Sexual Medicine Perspective Springer / Current Sexual Health Reports Sex Addiction in the UK: Rebecca Barker’s Story BBC News – Personal Narrative Understanding Denial in Sexual Offending and Addictive Behavior Washington State Sex Offender Policy Board CDC Historical Divorce Statistics – U.S. Marriage Trends Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Referenced Articles & Research Majority of Americans Believe Sex Addiction is Real – Newsweek Does Society Have a Sex Addiction Problem? – Mayo Clinic Health System UK Woman Shares Experience with Sex Addiction – BBC News National Center for Health Statistics on Suicide Trends – CDC Study Links Childhood Trauma to Sex Addiction in Men – University of Georgia College of Education Infidelity and Relationship Statistics (2024) – M. Cooper Law Sex Offender Policy & Research: Compulsive Sexual Behavior – Washington State SOPB Conference /episode/index/show/35ad4bf7-5053-460d-83af-01056c7c5fea/id/36332110

What is the DSM-5 and ICD-11? 05/07/2025

Welcome To Mental Health Rewritten 04/29/2025

Mental Health Rewritten

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