Hello, friends!   In today’s episode, we tackle a profound listener question that may resonate with many of you.   A listener struggling with agoraphobia seeks guidance on overcoming their anxiety and finding motivation to pursue exposure exercises. They’ve been working with a therapist and taking anxiety medication but feel stuck. We explore the complexities of agoraphobia, the importance of prolonged exposure, and strategies for building motivation and support.   As always, you can send me questions to <a href= "mailto:duffthepsych@gmail.com">duffthepsych@gmail.com</a> and find the full show notes for this episode at <a href= "http://duffthepsych.com/episode395">http://duffthepsych.com/episode395</a> ---   Nourish Your Skin with OneSkin: Combat dry, aging skin with OneSkin’s peptide-powered products, including their moisturizing body lotion and the innovative OS-01 SHIELD SPF. Address skin issues at their root with a 15% discount using code DUFF at <a href="http://oneskin.co">oneskin.co</a>.

<description>&lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt;&lt;span class= "x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xt4736n x1havqas x1f0sm9e x12qp5cl xzsf02u x1yc453h xudqn12 x3x7a5m"&gt; Hello, friends!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt;&lt;span class= "x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xt4736n x1havqas x1f0sm9e x12qp5cl xzsf02u x1yc453h xudqn12 x3x7a5m"&gt; In today’s episode, we tackle a profound listener question that may resonate with many of you.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt;&lt;span class= "x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xt4736n x1havqas x1f0sm9e x12qp5cl xzsf02u x1yc453h xudqn12 x3x7a5m"&gt; A listener struggling with agoraphobia seeks guidance on overcoming their anxiety and finding motivation to pursue exposure exercises. They’ve been working with a therapist and taking anxiety medication but feel stuck. We explore the complexities of agoraphobia, the importance of prolonged exposure, and strategies for building motivation and support.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1e56ztr"&gt;&lt;span class= "x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xt4736n x1havqas x1f0sm9e x12qp5cl xzsf02u x1yc453h xudqn12 x3x7a5m"&gt; As always, you can send me questions to &lt;a href= "mailto:duffthepsych@gmail.com"&gt;duffthepsych@gmail.com&lt;/a&gt; and find the full show notes for this episode at &lt;a href= "http://duffthepsych.com/episode395"&gt;http://duffthepsych.com/episode395&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1e56ztr"&gt;&lt;span class= "x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xt4736n x1havqas x1f0sm9e x12qp5cl xzsf02u x1yc453h xudqn12 x3x7a5m"&gt; ---&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1e56ztr"&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1e56ztr"&gt;&lt;span class= "x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xt4736n x1havqas x1f0sm9e x12qp5cl xzsf02u x1yc453h xudqn12 x3x7a5m"&gt; Nourish Your Skin with OneSkin: Combat dry, aging skin with OneSkin’s peptide-powered products, including their moisturizing body lotion and the innovative OS-01 SHIELD SPF. Address skin issues at their root with a 15% discount using code DUFF at &lt;a href="http://oneskin.co"&gt;oneskin.co&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1e56ztr"&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1e56ztr"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;</description>

Hello, friends!    In today’s episode, we tackle a profound listener question that may resonate with many of you.    A listener struggling with agoraphobia seeks guidance on overcoming their anxiety and finding motivation to pursue...

395: Overcoming Agoraphobia, Common Exposure Mistakes, Amygdala Reactivity, and More

Hello, friends!   In today’s episode, we tackle two thought-provoking listener questions that may resonate with many of you:   Cymbalta Conundrum: A listener shares their experience with Cymbalta, a medication prescribed for panic disorder. They noticed feeling amazing on days they forgot to take the medication, leading them to wonder if they truly needed it. We explore the concept of conditioned compensatory response, the effects of medication on the body, and the importance of gradual tapering.   ADHD Focus Struggles: Another listener struggles with focus and motivation despite trying various medications and strategies. We discuss the complexities of ADHD, the importance of environmental adjustments, and techniques like mindfulness, Pomodoro intervals, and accountability to improve focus and productivity.   As always, you can send me questions to <a href= "mailto:duffthepsych@gmail.com">duffthepsych@gmail.com</a> and find the full show notes for this episode at <a href= "http://duffthepsych.com/episode394">http://duffthepsych.com/episode394</a>   ---   Take care of your social battery with BetterHelp! Their online therapy platform offers flexible scheduling and matching with licensed therapists. Get 10% off your first month with the code "duff" at <a href= "http://betterhelp.com/duff">http://betterhelp.com/duff</a>

<description>&lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt;&lt;span class= "x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xt4736n x1havqas x1f0sm9e x12qp5cl xzsf02u x1yc453h xudqn12 x3x7a5m"&gt; Hello, friends!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt;&lt;span class= "x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xt4736n x1havqas x1f0sm9e x12qp5cl xzsf02u x1yc453h xudqn12 x3x7a5m"&gt; In today’s episode, we tackle two thought-provoking listener questions that may resonate with many of you:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt;&lt;span class= "x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xt4736n x1havqas x1f0sm9e x12qp5cl xzsf02u x1yc453h xudqn12 x3x7a5m"&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Cymbalta Conundrum:&lt;/strong&gt; A listener shares their experience with Cymbalta, a medication prescribed for panic disorder. They noticed feeling amazing on days they forgot to take the medication, leading them to wonder if they truly needed it. We explore the concept of conditioned compensatory response, the effects of medication on the body, and the importance of gradual tapering.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt;&lt;span class= "x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xt4736n x1havqas x1f0sm9e x12qp5cl xzsf02u x1yc453h xudqn12 x3x7a5m"&gt; &lt;strong&gt;ADHD Focus Struggles:&lt;/strong&gt; Another listener struggles with focus and motivation despite trying various medications and strategies. We discuss the complexities of ADHD, the importance of environmental adjustments, and techniques like mindfulness, Pomodoro intervals, and accountability to improve focus and productivity.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1yztbdb"&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1e56ztr"&gt;&lt;span class= "x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xt4736n x1havqas x1f0sm9e x12qp5cl xzsf02u x1yc453h xudqn12 x3x7a5m"&gt; As always, you can send me questions to &lt;a href= "mailto:duffthepsych@gmail.com"&gt;duffthepsych@gmail.com&lt;/a&gt; and find the full show notes for this episode at &lt;a href= "http://duffthepsych.com/episode394"&gt;http://duffthepsych.com/episode394&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1e56ztr"&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1e56ztr"&gt;&lt;span class= "x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xt4736n x1havqas x1f0sm9e x12qp5cl xzsf02u x1yc453h xudqn12 x3x7a5m"&gt; ---&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1e56ztr"&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1e56ztr"&gt;&lt;span class= "x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xt4736n x1havqas x1f0sm9e x12qp5cl xzsf02u x1yc453h xudqn12 x3x7a5m"&gt; Take care of your social battery with BetterHelp! Their online therapy platform offers flexible scheduling and matching with licensed therapists. Get 10% off your first month with the code "duff" at &lt;a href= "http://betterhelp.com/duff"&gt;http://betterhelp.com/duff&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class="x1e56ztr"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;</description>

Hello, friends!    In today’s episode, we tackle two thought-provoking listener questions that may resonate with many of you:    Cymbalta Conundrum: A listener shares their experience with Cymbalta, a medication prescribed for panic...

Episode 394: Finding Focus with ADHD & The Surprising Upside of Missing Medication

Hello friends! In today’s episode, we explore the deep and complex emotions involved in expressing love within romantic relationships and the challenging path to recovery following a severe traumatic brain injury. We kick off with a question about the appropriate timing for saying “I love you” in a romantic context, especially considering cultural differences and personal challenges such as being on the autism spectrum. Our listener’s journey brings forward the importance of understanding personal feelings and the unique dynamics of each relationship. We then shift to an inspiring yet poignant story of miraculous recovery and the persistence of hope. Another listener shares the journey of their mother’s recovery from a severe traumatic brain injury resulting from a car accident. While her recovery has been astonishing, they grapple with the lingering issue of facial numbness. This story highlights the incredible resilience of the human body and spirit, the complexities of the brain's healing process, and the necessity of advocating for comprehensive care that addresses all facets of recovery. As we navigate these profound topics, remember, whether it's about expressing love or facing the aftermath of a traumatic event, the journey is deeply personal and filled with opportunities for growth and understanding. As always, you can send your questions to <a href= "mailto:duffthepsych@gmail.com">duffthepsych@gmail.com</a> and find the full show notes for this episode at <a href= "http://duffthepsych.com/episode393">http://duffthepsych.com/episode393</a> --- Are you trying to find the perfect balance between social activity and recharging your batteries? Therapy can help! Try it out with BetterHelp at <a href= "http://betterhelp.com/duff">http://betterhelp.com/duff</a> for 10% off your first month.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Hello friends!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;In today’s episode, we explore the deep and complex emotions involved in expressing love within romantic relationships and the challenging path to recovery following a severe traumatic brain injury. We kick off with a question about the appropriate timing for saying “I love you” in a romantic context, especially considering cultural differences and personal challenges such as being on the autism spectrum. Our listener’s journey brings forward the importance of understanding personal feelings and the unique dynamics of each relationship.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;We then shift to an inspiring yet poignant story of miraculous recovery and the persistence of hope. Another listener shares the journey of their mother’s recovery from a severe traumatic brain injury resulting from a car accident. While her recovery has been astonishing, they grapple with the lingering issue of facial numbness. This story highlights the incredible resilience of the human body and spirit, the complexities of the brain's healing process, and the necessity of advocating for comprehensive care that addresses all facets of recovery.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;As we navigate these profound topics, remember, whether it's about expressing love or facing the aftermath of a traumatic event, the journey is deeply personal and filled with opportunities for growth and understanding.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;As always, you can send your questions to &lt;a href= "mailto:duffthepsych@gmail.com"&gt;duffthepsych@gmail.com&lt;/a&gt; and find the full show notes for this episode at &lt;a href= "http://duffthepsych.com/episode393"&gt;http://duffthepsych.com/episode393&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;---&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Are you trying to find the perfect balance between social activity and recharging your batteries? Therapy can help! Try it out with BetterHelp at &lt;a href= "http://betterhelp.com/duff"&gt;http://betterhelp.com/duff&lt;/a&gt; for 10% off your first month.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Hello friends! In today’s episode, we explore the deep and complex emotions involved in expressing love within romantic relationships and the challenging path to recovery following a severe traumatic brain injury. We kick off with a question about...

Episode 393: When to Say I Love You & Numbness in Face After TBI

Hello friends! In today’s thoughtful episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you: Contemplating Harm OCD and Supporting a Friend: A listener shares their concerns about how to best support a friend struggling with harm OCD. They've noticed their attempts to help by offering reassurance or checking things for their friend might actually be counterproductive. We dive into the nature of OCD, the impact of well-meaning actions, and how to genuinely support someone without reinforcing their compulsive behavior. Finding Balance Amidst Life's Transitions: Another listener talks about the challenges of transitioning to a full-time job and living with their partner after college. They've found themselves clinging to rigid routines that have begun to control their life, seeking advice on how to break free from these patterns without losing their sense of stability. We explore the importance of flexibility, communication, and self-awareness in navigating these significant life changes. As always, you can send me questions to <a href= "https://five.libsyn.com/">duffthepsych@gmail.com</a> and find the full show notes for this episode at <a href= "http://duffthepsych.com/episode392">http://duffthepsych.com/episode392</a> ---- Are you trying to find the perfect balance between social activity and recharging your batteries? Therapy can help! Try it out with BetterHelp at <a href= "http://betterhelp.com/duff">http://betterhelp.com/duff</a> for 10% off your first month.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Hello friends!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;In today’s thoughtful episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Contemplating Harm OCD and Supporting a Friend&lt;/strong&gt;: A listener shares their concerns about how to best support a friend struggling with harm OCD. They've noticed their attempts to help by offering reassurance or checking things for their friend might actually be counterproductive. We dive into the nature of OCD, the impact of well-meaning actions, and how to genuinely support someone without reinforcing their compulsive behavior.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Finding Balance Amidst Life's Transitions&lt;/strong&gt;: Another listener talks about the challenges of transitioning to a full-time job and living with their partner after college. They've found themselves clinging to rigid routines that have begun to control their life, seeking advice on how to break free from these patterns without losing their sense of stability. We explore the importance of flexibility, communication, and self-awareness in navigating these significant life changes.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;As always, you can send me questions to &lt;a href= "https://five.libsyn.com/"&gt;duffthepsych@gmail.com&lt;/a&gt; and find the full show notes for this episode at &lt;a href= "http://duffthepsych.com/episode392"&gt;http://duffthepsych.com/episode392&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;----&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Are you trying to find the perfect balance between social activity and recharging your batteries? Therapy can help! Try it out with BetterHelp at &lt;a href= "http://betterhelp.com/duff"&gt;http://betterhelp.com/duff&lt;/a&gt; for 10% off your first month.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Hello friends! In today’s thoughtful episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you: Contemplating Harm OCD and Supporting a Friend: A listener shares their concerns about how to best support a friend...

Episode 392: Helping a Friend with OCD & Being Controlling After Moving In

Hello friends! In today’s episode, we tackle two interesting questions that delve into the heart of mental and emotional challenges many of us face. First, we explore the complex world of panic disorder through the eyes of a 24-year-old graduate student grappling with severe panic attacks. Their story illuminates the physical and psychological intensity of panic disorder, revealing how it transcends mere stress or anxiety to significantly disrupt daily life. We dissect the cycle of fear and avoidance intrinsic to panic disorder and discuss the critical importance of specialized care and therapy in navigating this condition. Next, we turn our attention to the challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with dementia resulting from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). One listener shares the struggle of balancing caregiving with personal self-care, seeking resources and support to manage this demanding role. We offer guidance on finding online and in-person resources, emphasize the importance of self-care for caregivers, and encourage seeking professional help to ensure both the caregiver's and the loved one's needs are met. As always, you can send your questions to <a href= "mailto:duffthepsych@gmail.com">duffthepsych@gmail.com</a> and find the full show notes for this episode at <a href= "http://duffthepsych.com/episode391">http://duffthepsych.com/episode391</a>. --- Exploring what truly matters to you can be transformative, and therapy can help. <a href= "http://betterhelp.com/duff">BetterHelp</a> provides convenient, online therapy to fit your life. Start with a questionnaire, match with a licensed therapist, and switch anytime. Focus on what makes you happy with BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at <a href= "http://betterhelp.com/duff">betterhelp.com/duff</a>.

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hello friends!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;In today’s episode, we tackle two interesting questions that delve into the heart of mental and emotional challenges many of us face.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;First, we explore the complex world of panic disorder through the eyes of a 24-year-old graduate student grappling with severe panic attacks. Their story illuminates the physical and psychological intensity of panic disorder, revealing how it transcends mere stress or anxiety to significantly disrupt daily life. We dissect the cycle of fear and avoidance intrinsic to panic disorder and discuss the critical importance of specialized care and therapy in navigating this condition.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Next, we turn our attention to the challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with dementia resulting from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). One listener shares the struggle of balancing caregiving with personal self-care, seeking resources and support to manage this demanding role. We offer guidance on finding online and in-person resources, emphasize the importance of self-care for caregivers, and encourage seeking professional help to ensure both the caregiver's and the loved one's needs are met.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;As always, you can send your questions to &lt;a href= "mailto:duffthepsych@gmail.com"&gt;duffthepsych@gmail.com&lt;/a&gt; and find the full show notes for this episode at &lt;a href= "http://duffthepsych.com/episode391"&gt;http://duffthepsych.com/episode391&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;---&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Exploring what truly matters to you can be transformative, and therapy can help. &lt;a href= "http://betterhelp.com/duff"&gt;BetterHelp&lt;/a&gt; provides convenient, online therapy to fit your life. Start with a questionnaire, match with a licensed therapist, and switch anytime. Focus on what makes you happy with BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at &lt;a href= "http://betterhelp.com/duff"&gt;betterhelp.com/duff&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Hello friends! In today’s episode, we tackle two interesting questions that delve into the heart of mental and emotional challenges many of us face. First, we explore the complex world of panic disorder through the eyes of a 24-year-old graduate...

Episode 391: Panic Disorder & Caregiving for a TBI

This is a podcast dedicated to answering your questions about mental health, anxiety, depression, relationships, sex, and life WITHOUT psychobabble BS. I am Dr. Robert Duff, a psychologist from Southern California, but I'm also a regular dude who legitimately wants to help out. I wrote the best selling books Hardcore Self Help: F**k Depression and Hardcore Self Help: F**K Anxiety. Those are available at http://hardcoreselfhelp.com

The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych

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