The Savvy Psychologist's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Mental Health

This week on the podcast, by request from an anonymous listener who wonders if her depressed partner might be bringing her down, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen weighs in on whether or not depression is contagious. The answer might surprise you. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1SXPKE7

We all do things we know we’ll regret. They could be little, like funnelling Thin Mints straight from the sleeve when we’re ostensibly on a diet or sending an angry, heat-of-the-moment email we know will require a mea culpa. Or they could be big, like having an affair or relapsing into drugs again. Turns out it’s not just you--it’s science. This week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen reveals three reasons we do dumb things. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1nRPL0L

Does even constructive criticism cut you to the core? Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 12 ways to develop thicker skin and make the most of negative feedback. Visit the website: http://bit.ly/1uNZ2aL

At long last, introverts are having their day. Over the last few years, being quiet and inner-directed has become not only acceptable, but downright trendy. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1ZRBv47

Do you dissociate? Probably. Is that a problem? It depends. Here’s how to tell, and three tips to help you stay rooted in the here and now. Read the transcript. Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows. Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/mental-health/are-you-dissociating https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/subscribe https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych

It happens to us all: a well-meaning stab at a virtuous task devolves into an hour of Facebook, or six trips to the fridge. This week, the Savvy Psychologist offers 8 tips to help increase your self-control. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/1ouBIs3

It’s that time of year again. After a season of indulgence, we resolve to shape up, dry out, spend less, and generally improve ourselves. But too often we rely on brute force and moment-by-moment resistance. This year, resolve to try a different way. Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 7 ways to move beyond willpower and increase your chances of success. Read the full transcript here: bit.ly/1OBpTjW

It’s been about a year since we covered How to Talk To Kids About Terrorism, and sadly, the topic is still as timely as ever. In fact, between Oregon, Paris, and San Bernadino, it’s time to add how to talk about gun violence to our parenting repertoire. Again, I don’t claim to have all the answers--no one does. But here are 8 tips to answer kids’ tough questions. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1ULaiiz

What do college students, deployed soldiers, recent immigrants, expats, professionals in a new city, refugees, and kids at summer camp have in common? Just in time for the holiday season, by request from Michael, newly of Pittsburgh, PA, we offer 9 tips to battle homesickness. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1Ruh5ys

Social media makes us feel connected...and neglected. This week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 5 ways to conquer FOMO--the fear of missing out. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1Yr0b2R

Everyone needs a room of one’s own, some more often than others. In Part 2 of this series on the various states of solitude, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers tips on how to tell the difference between satisfied solitude and fearful avoidance. Plus - how to ease your social fears.

Usually, a celebrity checking into a treatment facility equals scandal. But Hayden Panettiere’s story is anything but. On the contrary, the actress, who sought treatment for postpartum depression last week, is being hailed as a brave, validating voice for the thousands of new moms who suffer from the illness. Therefore, this week we’ll shine the spotlight on postpartum depression with 8 symptoms to watch for and 4 myths, busted. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1k7hxEg

Do you talk with the pharmacist more often than your friends? Does your loved one’s doctor ask if you’re a doctor, too? If so, you can probably count yourself among the nation’s 65 million family caregivers. This week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 6 things you never knew about caregiving. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1HeU4qi

In one of the Savvy Psychologist’s first episodes, we answered the ever-popular question “Why am I so tired?” with 7 common, but not obvious, reasons. This week, we revisit the question and come up with 4 more answers that will surprise you. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1M3SahJ

Most people think cutting only affects angsty teenage girls with lots of eyeliner. But self-harm is a surprisingly widespread phenomenon that affects youth and adults, men and women. This week on the podcast, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 4 facts about cutting and other forms of self-injury. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1PvX1JU