The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness

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.

Impending Doom 11/02/2020

Impending Doom With the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, racial injustice, winter upon us, and a highly contentious election, are you experiencing a sense of 'impending doom'? /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/16643318

The Mental Health Impact of Discrimination 08/05/2020

The Mental Health Impact of Discrimination 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? /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/15496064

The Pandemic, Alcohol, and You 05/08/2020

The Pandemic, Alcohol, and You 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. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/14332997

Us Against the Virus: COVID-19 Special Edition 03/14/2020

Us Against the Virus: COVID-19 Special Edition 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. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/13544975

Electroconvulsive Therapy 03/01/2020

Electroconvulsive Therapy 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! /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/13354766

How does light affect our mood and functioning? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 02/03/2020

How does light affect our mood and functioning? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 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)! /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/12995030

A Closer Look at Impostor Syndrome 08/13/2019

A Closer Look at Impostor Syndrome 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! /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/10877327

Bipolar Disorder Explained 07/28/2019

Bipolar Disorder Explained 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? /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/10686512

Nightmares 04/14/2019

Nightmares 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. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/9391127

Dr. Kaz's Beef with Benzos 03/21/2019

Dr. Kaz's Beef with Benzos 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! /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/9086189

Dr. Kaz and George at the Minnesota State Fair 03/16/2019

Dr. Kaz and George at the Minnesota State Fair 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. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/8941526

Antidepressant Medications 07/30/2018

Antidepressant Medications 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. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6864224

How Early Events Shape Us 06/27/2018

How Early Events Shape Us 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? /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6748448

Mental Illness and School 06/08/2018

Mental Illness and School 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? /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6681976

Understanding Self-injury 05/12/2018

Understanding Self-injury 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. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6581358

Self-medication 04/25/2018

Self-medication 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? /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6519389

Mental Illness and Pregnancy 04/10/2018

Mental Illness and Pregnancy 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. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6460914

Living with Psychosis 03/25/2018

Living with Psychosis The person who recently killed and injured people in Texas through bomb attacks (known as the "Austin Bomber") reportedly referred to himself as a "psychopath" in writings found in the investigation following his death. In this episode of The Mind Deconstructed Podcast, Dr. Kaz provides important definitions of words which are commonly misunderstood, such as "psychopath" and "psychosis"- terms with completely different definitions. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6405833

Kids with Big Feelings 03/10/2018

Kids with Big Feelings In this episode of The Mind Deconstructed Podcast, Dr. Kaz and George discuss children and adolescents with "big feelings" (emotional sensitivity which results in intense, frequent, and often confusing emotional states). Why do some people have big feelings? How can we help children and adults with big feelings learn to understand and manage their experiences? Dr. Kaz discusses a technique to practice in these situation which can make all the difference. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6349943

Dying of Shame 02/28/2018

Dying of Shame Dr. Kaz and George, Minnesota sister and brother duo, tackle the topic of shame; "It's a biggie!". What is the function of this intensely painful emotion? Is shame potentially fatal? How is shame related to psychiatric disorders? Dr. Kaz shares a technique to reduce the intensity of shame. In this increasingly digital world, the stakes have never been higher! /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6310045

Intolerable Anxiety 02/11/2018

Intolerable Anxiety We all experience anxiety. Sometimes anxiety helps us meet our goals. Anxiety can also rise to the point of extreme intolerability or can be so constant that wellbeing is substantially negatively impacted. Where is this line? What are some common medical causes of anxiety? Could caffeine, nicotine, or energy drinks really be part of the problem? When is a medication needed? Dr. Kaz teaches George some simple and proven techniques to rapidly reduce intolerable anxiety or panic when it happens. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6247564

George's Cognitive Screening 01/29/2018

George's Cognitive Screening Is it ethical for psychiatrists to comment on the mental health of public figures? What if the health and safety of the nation is at stake?Dr. Kaz and George define terms as relates to the President's physical exam. What is a cognitive screen? How is this different than a psychiatric evaluation? Dr. Kaz administers the Montreal Cognitive Assessment to George. This screening tool may be used without permission for educational purposes. Hear George take this exam and learn the results of his screening. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6196027

Habits, Passions, Obsessions and Compulsions 01/09/2018

Habits, Passions, Obsessions and Compulsions Why is it so hard to stop playing that video game and go to bed? What is that feeling of irresistible tension that prompts a person to check a text alert? When is a passion or interest considered an addictive behavior? Dr. Kaz and George talk about the line between interest and obsession and options for treatment for when behaviors feel beyond one's control. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6129414

Erratum 01/03/2018

Erratum In Episode 8, I mistakenly state that the two FDA approved medications for PTSD are sertraline and citalopram. The correct selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for PTSD treatment sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil). Please take note of this information and I apologize for this error. Kaz /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6110714

Collaboration with artist Adam Swanson 12/31/2017

Collaboration with artist Adam Swanson Hello Podcast friends, I wanted to share with you a little information about our collaboration with my favorite artist, Adam Swanson. He is a Duluth, MN, artist and he has authorized use of images of his paintings in our podcast project. Here is more information about Adam's magnificent work. www.adamswanson.com /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6103477

Trauma Part 2: Treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 12/31/2017

Trauma Part 2: Treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Dr. Kaz and George continue their discussion of traumatic experiences and their impact on mental health and well being. This episode addresses PTSD treatment, including medication, side effects, and therapeutic approaches. More controversial approaches, such as marijuana and MDMA ("ecstasy") are also explored in this episode. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/6103444

After trauma: Your questions answered on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 11/25/2017

After trauma: Your questions answered on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) On this episode of The Mind Deconstructed podcast, Dr. Kaz and George walk through the basic elements of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including common questions those with lived experience of trauma and their loved ones may be asking. Why do some people develop PTSD and others do not? Does the intensity and frequency of traumatic events matter? This episode will provide you with the basic understanding of PTSD and future episodes will provide even more details, including treatment approaches. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/5976866

The Aftermath of Mass Violence 10/31/2017

The Aftermath of Mass Violence Following recent events in Las Vegas and Somalia, Dr. Kaz and George discuss common mental health reactions to instances of mass violence as described by the Uniformed Services University Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. Dr. Kaz shares common experiences such as grief for the sense of loss of safety and vulnerability. George draws parallels to his time serving as a Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan and wonders what soldiers may teach us about traumatic stress. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/5892816

The Revolution of Borderline Personality Disorder 10/14/2017

The Revolution of Borderline Personality Disorder With George's help, Dr. Kaz discusses the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder and its difficult and unnecessarily stigmatized history in the field of mental health. The episode features Chuck's essay (full essay found at theminddeconstructed.libsyn.com), which brings this issue to a personal level. /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/5839798

"My Shameful Diagnosis" By: Chuck 10/10/2017

"My Shameful Diagnosis" By: Chuck Dear The Mind Deconstructed Podcast Audience, Episode #5 will be released on 10/14 and is on the topic of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). We discuss how the understanding of this disorder has changed over time. We'll share . Chuck suffered his whole life and learned about the diagnosis of BPD at age 60. His essay eloquently describes the impact of going his whole life without being told something many of his treatment providers likely knew. We were only able to discuss portions of his essay, so he was kind enough to allow his entire essay to be published on this website. I still feel my heart sink every time I read this essay. I'm relieved he finally understands his diagnosis and has acquired the tools necessary to survive and manage symptoms which had previously dominated his life. Thanks for listening and for bearing witness to Chuck's story. Kaz /episode/index/show/theminddeconstructed/id/5816461

The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness

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