Flipswitch

Episode 32: Advocacy

On this episode, we talk about the issue of advocacy. We explore how advocating for the betterment of people with mood disorders, cannot only help you out if you have a mood disorder; but, also, moving towards helping others while helping yourself is one of the clear signs of good mental health. We interview a young woman in college that was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 16 and bounced back to go on to college and advocate for other people with mood disorders by setting up an on-campus support group for people living with bipolar disorder.

Episode 31: Comorbidity

On this episode, we talk about comorbidity, ie. having more than one disorder at a time. We’ll define what it means and talk about the various other diagnosis that tend to overlap with mood disorders. As well, we’ll introduce a new co-host.

Episode 30: Media

In this episode, we discuss different kinds of media and how they tend to present issues associated with mood disorders and mental health in general. We cover radio, news, television, movies and more. The results? Negativity sells.

Episode 29: Ideas For Combatting Depression

On this episode we go over a few tips on what to do to deal with depression. Many of these ideas have been covered in greater detail on previous podcasts, but we give a quick hit version of quite a few ways to start battling depression. We make special note that these ideas, though they are based on the available data about depression, should never be taken instead of seeking a professional mental health clinician’s advice. See if one of these ideas works for you, and share with us your own methods for overcoming depression.

Episode 28: Depression

On this episode, we devote an entire episode specifically to the topic of depression. We hit on a number of themes about depression. We define it’s clinical usage and get a more everyday definition from our college roundtable. Also, we get a bit of trivia on depression in 20 Facts In 120 seconds.

Episode 27: Stress

On this episode we discuss stress. We note that being human means living with stress. We go over the concepts of good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress). We also talk about the importance of making good choices and maintaining a regimented structured lifestyle to guard against possible stressors. Also, we once again play 20 facts in 120 seconds. Will the gang beat the clock?

Episode 26: Self-Injurious Behavior

On this week’s show, we talk about the prevalent problem of self-injurious behavior. Cutting, scratching, burning, pulling out hair, etc, are all ways of harming one’s self to relieve tension and recent research suggests that it’s more common than once believed to be. Also, best-selling author Marya Hornbacher stops by to discuss her new book, Madness: A Life, a memoir about her life growing up with bipolar disorder.

Episode 25: Anger

On this episode we discuss anger, that most horrid of secondary emotions. We discuss how anger can be an expression of depression. We’ll also talk about the rages often associated with younger people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. As well, we’ll listen in on an anger therapy session with a famous superhero. Finally, we’ll go over 10 ideas to help you get control of your anger.

Episode 24: College Resources

On this episode, we talk about a slight few of the resources available at colleges and universities to people with mood disorders. We discuss the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and how it guarantees people with mood disorders’ rights to accommodations and freedom from discrimination. We also discuss the importance of finding what accommodations are available early on in college. Shira talks about ulifeline.com and Denisse tells us about what’s going on in the news.

Episode 23: College Quicksand

On this episode, we talk about the pitfalls of college, specifically, bad ways of dealing with stress. Partying, substance abuse, not getting sleep, spending sprees, etc…these are the things that will sink you into the murk fast in college. We talk to national speaker on mental health issues and teens, Ross Szabo. Ross has a new book out. Shira with the tech corner.

Episode 22 Supplemental: The Return of the News

It’s all news in this Denisse-filled supplemental. 1st week of April, 2008.

Episode 22: Transition to College

On this week’s show, we continue our college series by exploring issues surrounding the transition from high school to college life. We talk about the importance of good time management in guarding against all of the possible pitfalls. We go over a host of other factors that can trip up people during this transition. Shira gives us a tech tip on Active Minds.

Episode 21 Going to College!

Episode 21: We’re Going To College. On this episode, we begin our series on issues facing people with mood disorders while transitioning from high school to college. Time management, partying, getting good sleep, substance abuse…there are a lot of things that can throw someone off the straight and narrow in college. We’ll talk about some of those issues and the importance of being vigilant in avoiding the many pitfalls of University life. Also, we introduce our college roundtable segment: seven average people in college telling us what they know and think about depression, bipolar disorder, and the college experience.

Episode 20: Back To The Beginning!

On this episode, we go all the way back to the beginning of the series to review the first 19 episodes. Who we are, what we’re doing, where we’ve been, and where we’re going: we cover it all. As well, make sure you check out our montage of some of the guests we’ve had on the show so far. Shira stops by for another tech tip.

Episode 19: Behavior Therapy

In this episode, we wrap up our series on types of therapy by talking about behavior therapy. Behavior therapy derives from behaviorism which is largely founded on the principles of operant conditioning and the work of BF Skinner. Behavioral therapists use these same principles to train you to be a better you. Shira visits from the tech corner and more headlines from the mood disorders in the news.

Episode 18: Family Therapy

Episode 18: Family Therapy. On this episode, we discuss what family therapy is and what to expect. We also go over fears people typically have about family therapy and challenge those fears. Denisse tells us about PETA wanting to take ice cream away from Britney Spears and Shira gives us a tech tip on a depression FAQ.

Episode 17 Supplemental: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

We continue our therapy supplemental podcasts by doing mock therapy with our 16-year-old character from a cognitive-behavioral perspective.

Episode 17: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

This week, we explain the basics of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive-Behavioral therapy was pioneered by Aaron Beck, MD and has become one of the most effective types of therapy in modern times. We cover many different forms of cognitive distortions, those negative ways of lying to ourselves that lead us down a path to depression. As well, we introduce a new co-host.

Episode 16: Supplemental Psychodynamic Therapy

This week’s supplemental includes a rough example of psychodymanic therapy. Ryan portrays a young boy from the previous week’s session, this time with the therapist focusing more on hidden meanings and patterns of doing things from a psychodynamic perspective.

Episode 16: Psychodynamic Therapy

Episode 16: Psychodynamic Therapy. We go over the modern form of psychotherapy sprung from the roots of Freud. We talk about what psychodynamic therapy is , including basic Freudian theory. Mood Disorders in the News. Tech Corner