The Mind Itself John Whitbeck

On this episode of the Mind Itself Podcast, John Whitbeck is joined by Dr. Sumit Anand, a Northern Virginian psychiatrist who has worked with John on multiple cases in the forensic realm. Together, John and Dr. Anand discuss the criteria of bipolar disorder, the differences between psychiatrists and psychologists, treatment plans, and how mental health plays into domestic court cases.
Bipolar disorder is a complicated disease that can severely affect your life, including in court, so comprehending the condition is critical. Listen to the episode to better understand Bipolar disorder and hear Dr. Anand share his insights on this disease and how it can be treated.
Listen to Dr. Anand discuss the pervasive effects of Bipolar disorder:Guest Introduction (1:28)
Today, John is joined by Dr. Sumit Anand, a psychiatrist with a plethora of knowledge on Bipolar disorder. He shares his education history, forensic case background, work, and life in Virginia.
What Is A Psychiatrist (4:03)
Dr. Anand explains the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists. Although psychiatrists are considered medical doctors who can prescribe medication, both professions often work together in the mental health field.
When performing a diagnostic evaluation during a court case, psychiatrists pay more attention to the defendant's medical history due to their training.
Defining Bipolar Disorder (8:13)
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by a depressive end and a hyper manic end. Dr. Anand explains the differences between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 and how various symptoms can affect a person’s life.
Dr. Anand also shares the difficulty in diagnosing a person with Bipolar disorder and how manic episodes are the most classic criteria they look for before giving someone this diagnosis. 
Treatment Plan (17:16)
Mood stabilizers, such as Lithium, can help neutralize mild Bipolar symptoms within a few days to a few weeks. However, if you are delusional or on the psychotic end of a manic episode, you may need to be hospitalized and more heavily treated to work through your symptoms.
In terms of domestic court cases, individuals committed to treatment may more easily maintain custody of their children. Ultimately, this is a lifelong disorder, and living with it depends on the patient’s proactiveness toward their mental health.
Final Thoughts (23:14)
Often, there is a trend toward either under-diagnosing or over-diagnosing Bipolar disorder, especially as the disease becomes more visible to the public. To combat this, Dr. Anand stresses the importance of treating this condition respectfully and being very careful about the criteria used to diagnose a patient.
If you’d like to contact Dr. Sumit Anand, please call (703) 723-2999.
Links mentioned:Dr. Anand’s Professional Page: https://www.ashburnpsych.com/clinicians/sumit-anand-m-d/
Ashburn Psychological Services Contact Email: apsofficemanager@gmail.com

On this episode of the Mind Itself Podcast, John Whitbeck is joined by Debbie Rose, an attorney who practices in the area of education law. Together John and Debbie discuss special education, the Title Nine Cases, school discipline, and other education-related disputes.
Having the proper knowledge and appropriate legal representation can make a huge difference for parents and guardians to advocate for their children’s educational needs. Listen to the episode to arm yourself with knowledge and hear Debbie share her insights on special education law.
Listen to John and Debbie discuss education law:
Guest Introduction (1:03)
Today John is joined by Debbie, an attorney who practices in the area of education law. Debbie also served on the Loudoun County Virginia School Board for eight years as an elected official. She shares her history and experience with the topic of special education and the laws surrounding it.
Special Education (6:50)
No parent wants to feel helpless when they cannot fight for their child or don’t know how. For guardians of children with intellectual or physical disabilities, it can be challenging to stand up for their children’s special education needs, especially when trying to address situations with their child’s school board in the case of adverse events. John and Debbie discuss these situations and how legal practices can help clients with special education cases.
Title Nine (13:37)
Title Nine is something that we're hearing about a lot regarding schools in Virginia and all over the country. Debbie defines and talks about the history behind the Title Nine law, its relevance, and what it is designed to protect.
Assault and Harassment in Schools (14:56)
Title Nine cases are of the most serious nature, and many cases involve sexual assault or harassment. Debbie describes some of the processes involved in assault and harassment cases and the responsibilities of our school board and legal system to handle these cases appropriately.
Disciplinary Actions and Dispute (17:40)
Sometimes, parents find that schools' disciplinary actions against their children are inappropriate or unjust. John and Debbie discuss disputes with the school boards and examples of scenarios where an attorney would be helpful to a parent dealing with these types of disputes. Additionally, they cover bullying in schools and how legal practices can offer support in these situations.
Boundary Adjustments and Resolution Options (23:38)
Boundary adjustments are another example of a situation where parents may have to fight against school boards for change. Parents can ask to transfer their children to other schools - but only under certain stipulations. Debbie explains that attorneys have experience with litigation in the school realm and can provide many options for parents to help them meet their needs.
If you’d like to contact Debbie Rose, please call (703) 777-1795.
Links Mentioned:
Debbie’s Professional WebPage: https://wblaws.com/professionals/debbie-rose/  

Dr. Michael Oberschneider joins John Whitbeck to talk about navigating personality disorders in divorce proceedings. Together, John and Michael delve into narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and borderline personality disorder: what they are, how they present in real life, and what you can do to manage them.  
Oftentimes, divorce proceedings can become even more complicated and dragged out if one partner has NPD or BPD. John and Michael discuss how the person with the disorder and their spouse can reduce stress, find treatment, and protect their children in the process. Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Michael Oberschneider’s medical knowledge, practical advice and empathy for those who are suffering with NPD and BPD, and the people around them.    
Listen to John and Michael discuss personality disorders:  
“My Partner has a Personality Disorder” (7:15) 
Michael discusses the two most personality disorders he encounters: narcissistic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder. He defines what they are, and how these disorders—or claims of these disorders—crop up in divorce proceedings, domestic disputes and more.   
Diagnosis and Criteria (12:52) 
John and Michael discuss how the method of diagnosing has changed over the years, from a more rigid procedure to viewing disorders on a spectrum. John shares the 9 criteria that make up NPD, explaining that 5 must be met in order to be diagnosed. Unfortunately, partners and other family members of those with NPD can be negatively impacted.  
Inflated Sense of Self (18:30) 
In domestic situations, a grandiose sense of self can translate to a controlling partner. When divorce proceedings occur and that control is taken away from a narcissist, they will lash out. Michael discusses how the criteria for a personality disorder can show up in real life, and how that disorder can be triggered.    
Sense of Entitlement (24:40) 
John and Michael delve into how someone with NPD may push the divorce process into courts, as they believe they are entitled to more than they are receiving. Michael shares his advice for navigating a divorce and co-parenting with someone who has NPD.  
Lack of Treatment (30:40) 
In every marriage, people change. When it comes to NPD and BPD, that change may be harder to expect or even accept. Michael and John discuss the importance of finding treatment early on to avoid the negative consequences, as well as ways to avoid children being stuck in the middle.  
Empathy, Therapy and Time (35:00) 
Michael and John also touch on how a lack of empathy, either from the spouse with NPD or not, can truly complicate divorce and cause more problems down the line.  
During the time of divorce, self-care is extremely important for both partners. If self-care also looks like seeing a psychologist or a psychiatrist, Michael encourages the parent to do so. While there is not a formal treatment for NPD, those who suffer from it can improve with time and help. Additionally, setting up a structure can be helpful with co-parenting.  
Borderline Personality Disorder (43:00) 
John and Michael go over the criteria of borderline personality disorder. Michael breaks down how oftentimes, those with BPD first seem attractive and entertaining to others; their personality disorder can be confused with having a big personality. Unfortunately, however, those with BPD live an unstable life and often struggle to sustain relationships.  
Treatment for BPD (47:30) 
Michael explains how dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) has been proven time

Today, John Whitbeck chats with Bruce Cruser, the executive director of Mental Health America of Virginia.  
Bruce’s Background  
Bruce has always been passionate about social change, policy and mental health. While earning a degree in social work, Bruce focused on the criminal justice system, policy and advocacy. In particular, he focused on how incarceration impacts family and children, which led to his work in the community correction program in Henrico county. During his twenty years in the community correction program, he saw the impact of trauma and addiction, and its relationship to crime. About five years ago, Bruce switched jobs to Mental Health America of Virginia, where he is now.  
Mental Health America of Virginia  
Mental Health America of Virginia began in 1937 by a psychologist who was concerned about the practice of sterilization of individuals in mental hospitals. Over the years, it has evolved to tackle other relevant mental health issues, advocating that mental health is a part of overall health.  
Access to Mental Health Providers  
John and Bruce discuss the current state of mental health laws, and how many of them are reactive instead of proactive. Bruce points to one of the biggest problems with mental health practices in Virginia and that is access. Although some counties may have many available phycologists or psychiatrists, others have very little. If there is a mental health provider, many are not affordable to those who need it most. Even still, there may not be the right type of mental health services for each individual’s needs. 
Housing is Healthcare  
One of the important but sometimes overseen aspects of mental health is housing. A problem that Bruce has seen over and over again is that there are many people who are healthy enough to be discharged from hospitals but don’t have anywhere to go. While they could thrive in independent housing, they do need support systems to prevent them falling back into crisis. Additionally, there is a lack of affordable housing in general, never mind for those who struggle with mental illness.  
$15 Minimum Wage 
Bruce touches on why the $15 minimum wage relates to mental health. There are those individuals who have struggled with mental illness that once recovered, can become a certified pure recovery specialist. Bruce relays that they are an invaluable profession in the mental health workforce. However, if they can’t earn a livable wage, that profession can’t grow or have an impact on the mental health crisis.  
Mental Health Services in Schools  
In speaking about the mental health of adolescence, Bruce believes there should be mental health providers in schools. While many schools may have guidance counselors, those professionals end up fulfilling other roles such as bus duty or even substituting. Bruce, however, believes the conversation around this topic is increasing and will continue to do so. 
Mental Health and Rights  
Something that unfortunately happens to those in a mental health crisis is the stripping of certain rights. Typically, by the time an individual arrives at a state mandated hospital, they are no longer in crisis. However, on the way to that hospital, they may be handcuffed and surrounded by police for hours while a spot is found for them. This can force more trauma on the individual when usually, they just need time to sober up or calm themselves. Bruce encourages local...

Today, John Witbeck chats with Brandee Izquierdo, the Executive Director of the SAFE Project.  
What is the SAFE Project?  
The SAFE Project is a non-profit that was founded three years ago by Admiral James and Mary Winnefeld after their 19-year-old son passed away from an accidental opioid overdose. Brandee distinguishes the SAFE Project from other non-profits, as Admiral James and Mary truly understand that anyone can fall victim to addiction regardless of race and class. They formed four initiatives in the organization: SAFE campuses, SAFE communities, SAFE workplaces and SAFE veterans.  
A Complex Issue  
Addiction, especially opioid addiction, is a complex issue with many different factors involved. That’s why SAFE project tackles all facets such as public awareness, full spectrum prevention, law enforcement and criminal justice, treatment and recovery and more. Brandee emphasizes the importance of taking into account all areas of addiction.  
The Story before the Story of Addiction  
As a mother and someone in long-term recovery herself, Brandee discusses what it’s like to work in this world of drug addiction. She explains what led her to addition—a story of sexual trauma, violence, abuse, and incarceration. She wants to emphasize the importance of the story before the story of addiction and how people become addicted when trying to numb other feelings.  
Recovery  
After ending up incarcerated, Brandee looked around the jail cell and realized this was not the life she wanted. She went into treatment as a way to be released from her sentence, but soon learned that addiction is a disease, not a moral failing. This epiphany led her to understand her situation better and get the support she finally needed.  
Brandee also touches on how alcoholism is a difficult disease to battle because of its accessibility and normality in society between happy hours, liquor stores, parties, etc. What helped her in recovery is changing her perspective to: “I can drink but choose not to.” She also speaks to identifying the things she loves in life and chasing them down the way she did the high. For her, it was education.  
Criminal Justice System  
Brandee discusses how the criminal justice system can aid people in addiction by having understanding and compassionate officers. Brandee wants to encourage a collaboration with law enforcement to better improve the system. She truly believes there is a middle ground and is educating herself and others on how law enforcement and recovery programs can work together. She talks about drug courts and collaboration as the focus of her dissertation, believing that that is the path to save a lot of lives. She also chats on the power of the drug court’s deflection and diversion program and how that can help provide people with much needed structure.  
Looking Forward  
As Brandee finishes up her doctorate, she wants to focus on policy formation and reform, using her education as well as her experiences to inform others and humanize the topic. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive policy. She points to Covid as an example of how quickly policy can actually change when needed and with the addiction crisis, it’s very needed. 
With anyone struggling with trauma, addiction or any other hardships, Brandee encourages you to look for connection. She believes that the opposite of addiction is connection, community and...

On this episode of the Mind Itself, Ken Falke, founder of the Boulder Crest Foundation, joins to talk about the importance of his program that is geared towards veterans, first responders, and those in professions that deal with PTSD. Boulder Crest is a nonprofit organization that specializes aiding in helping men and women who experience trauma live their life to the fullest.  
Boulder Crest Background  
Ken spent 21 years in the navy, and while there had his fair share of experiences with PTSD. Not only did he deal with it himself after an injury, but he saw families and other soldiers going through it all around him. After starting a small profit foundation for severely wounded bomb troops, Ken saw that there wasn’t a lot of treatment going on for mental health in the early stages of recovery from physical injuries.  
Ken and his wife decided to dedicate some of their lands to create a retreat in which they would build a home away from home from families going through these tough times of dealing with great physical and mental difficulties.  
Focus on Post-Traumatic Growth  
As Ken researched for Boulder Crest, he realized that mental health treatment wasn’t working. People would go for a few weeks but eventually, drop out. After observing this, he went around the United States to talk to some of the best psychologists in the country. This is when he observed that people are often bound by the mental health treatment system by insurance – and that they are looking for easy solutions and instant care.  
Eventually, he met with a top psychologist that told him that only 4% of prisoners of war survivors deal with PTSD compared to 30% of the general military. Why was this? It was because the people that were in those prisons were mentally trained and prepared to go through the worse. They knew that if they overcame what they were going through in those moments, that they’d get out and make their lives successful afterward.  
Ken wanted to base his program after this idea of success after trauma, or post-traumatic growth. It takes the phrase “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” to a whole new level; it’s thriving and living life after seeing the worst of the world.    
The Downsides of Mental Health Labels 
More times than not, labels are more of a burden on the individual that is experiencing it. It inhibits them and places them into a category in which there is a system that aims to cure them – but mental struggles don’t have cures. They are lifelong battles. There is no changing the past, one can only live in the present and change their future. Ken wanted to give people space where they could learn this, rather than be churning in and out of the system that wasn’t working.   
Boulder Crest doesn’t just want to reduce symptoms like most mental health treatments aim to do. Ken wanted people to be able to experience a quality-of-life improvement. To him, the opposite of suicide isn’t making you feel less bad, but it’s rather living a great life. Helping humans self-regulate their emotions and life is the goal of treatments.  
Boulder Crest has four areas of wellness, which are based on mind, body, financial wellness, and spirituality (which breaks down on character, actions, and relationships.) It also focuses on supporting families who are watching loved one’s struggles. Mental illness is often contagious, it’s easily spread and can affect beyond just one individual.  
Resources 
Boulder Crest Website 
Social medias:  
Instagram 
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