Hello, everyone! Pretty heavy episode this time. Nothing graphic, as usual, but I decided to tackle some tricky questions. Before hopping into the questions, I share a quick tip about managing the news cycle during this really intense time. Here are the questions covered:

• My kid's school had two people die by suicide this year. How can I talk to them about it and should we switch schools?
• I was abused as a child and have trouble remembering it without dissociating. What can I do?

As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes at http://duffthepsych.com/episode291

This episode of Hardcore Self Help is sponsored by EveryPlate and BetterHelp

EveryPlate delivers pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe cards right to your door, so you can spend less time prepping and cooking, and spend more time enjoying good food. Right now, you can try EveryPlate for just $1.79 per meal by going to everyplate.com and entering code duff179 at checkout.

If you are in a mental health slump, consider reaching out to a licensed professional to help. BetterHelp has a large counselor network and you can begin chatting with someone very quickly. Check out betterhelp.com/duff to get 10% off your first month.

Hello, friends! I hope you are all doing well. In this episode, I start off with a quick update about my experience so far on Lexapro (escitalopram), an SSRI medication for anxiety. After that, I jump straight into the following super interesting questions:

• I have OCD with intrusive thoughts about harming my loved ones. What can I do about this?
• I ruminate about therapy constantly, having imaginary conversations in my head. Is that bad?

As always, you can send me your questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes at http://duffthepsych.com/episode290

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This episode of Hardcore Self Help is sponsored by Acorn TV and Audible.

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• How do you feel about therapists self-disclosing in therapy?
• Should I be concerned about my passive suicidal thoughts or are they just intrusive thoughts?

As always, you can send me your questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes at http://duffthepsych.com/episode289

This episode of Hardcore Self Help is sponsored by BetterHelp and MasterClass

If you are in a mental health slump, consider reaching out to a licensed professional to help. BetterHelp has a large counselor network and you can begin chatting with someone very quickly. Check out betterhelp.com/duff to get 10% off your first month.

MasterClass gives you the chance to learn from the world’s best minds – anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace. Check it out now and get unlimited access to every MasterClass. and as a special offer for listeners, you get 15% off an annual membership! Go to masterclass.com/duff for 15% off MasterClass.

• I am a minor in therapy. What can my therapist share with my parents about self-harm?
• How can I tell the difference between a physical issue like hypothyroidism and a mental health issue like depression?

As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes at http://duffthepsych.com/episode288

No sponsor this week, so please check out my recent book, 500 Journal Prompts!