The Reflective Mind Podcast Jennifer Reid, MD

“Fiction offers the best means of understanding people different from oneself, short of experience. Actually, fiction can be lots better than experience, because it’s a manageable size, it’s comprehensible, while experience just steamrollers over you and you understand what happened decades later, if ever. Fiction is terrific at giving factual, psychological and moral understanding.
-Ursula K. Le Guin in Words Are My Matter: Writing on Life and Books
This quote by the brilliant writer, Ursula Le Guin, beautifully highlights the power of fiction to nurture empathy and compassion. I have seen thousands of patients over my career as a psychiatrist, each one teaching me something new about the human condition, but my understanding would lack considerable depth if I hadn’t also spent innumerable hours reading fiction.
Time spent exploring the conversations and, wonderfully, the inner monologue of my favorite characters, not to mention those of the villains and monsters, has been as important, in my opinion, as the facts taught by my instructors during psychiatric residency.
This is one reason why I’m so disturbed by the surge of book bans around the country, promoted by those who believe they are “protecting” our children by shielding them from topics they may find confusing or upsetting. Humanizing individuals different from ourselves, whether by race, culture, religion, sexual orientation or other beliefs, allows us to create a healthier future where we recognize all bodies deserve care. Hatred saps our energy through division and discord, while understanding and empathy supercharge our collective power, and allow us to grow in knowledge, particularly our important healers.
The world would have seemed smaller, more confusing, and definitely lonelier if, as a child, I hadn’t had the constant companionship and illumination of books. I am blessed with a loving family and have many wonderful people in my life, but reading is my oldest friend. Books have been there for me as I’ve faced uncertainty, grief, and anxiety. Stories of individuals living with courage and hope have propped me up through some of the darkest times, and continue to inspire me to keep going, even when our collective future seems to be veering off course. I would hate to think the young men and women seeking their own support network would be unable to find comfort in books.
We must not prevent children from reading. There are no protective bubbles thick enough to shield them from the truth, and stumbling onto these topics on social media or from a poorly informed peer can cause true pain and confusion.
I will continue to read banned books. My children are allowed to read banned books. I welcome their questions, and try to answer them honestly and without bias, or as close to this as I can manage. If I am preparing them to survive in the outside world, I hope they can learn to view books as dear friends, and try to face the unknown, whether people, places or ideas, with curiosity and compassion, and know they are never alone.
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We all have stress. It’s a part of an active, engaged life. However, we simply didn’t evolve to face chronic, toxic stress, and our bodies are certainly keeping score. Listen and learn with Dr. Reid in this fascinating conversation with Dr. Lawson Wulsin, a professor of psychiatry and family medicine. He is not only an expert on the relationship between our minds and bodies, but also the author of the illuminating Toxic Stress: How Stress is Making Us Ill and What We Can Do About It.
We discuss some key questions, including:
* What is the difference between acute and chronic stress, and why should we care?
* How do we know if we are at risk for the long-term health effects of toxic stress?
* Why do some communities, referred to as “blue zones” demonstrate remarkable longevity? (Hint: it has to do with activity, diet, and community involvement)
Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd
Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink
Thank you for reading Our Reflective Minds. This post is public so feel free to share it!


Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site. The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies.
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereflectivemind.substack.com

Sometimes, we are lucky enough to encounter teachers who can gently guide us toward a better version of ourselves, quietly helping us move forward through even the most difficult times. Dr. James Griffith, in this conversation on bolstering hope based on his work with the medically ill, provides just this kind of reassuring voice. Quoting Viktor Frankl and Friedrich Nietzsche, he shares his message of relief from demoralization, highlighting four key categories we may rely on for building resilience.
Do you cope with increased goal-directed behavior, or are you a relational coper, reaching out to important people in your life? Maybe you activate a core identity to move forward, or practice emotional regulation through meditation or other techniques?
Listen as Dr. Jennifer Reid speaks to Dr. James Griffith, and learn not just about his work, but also gain a deeper understanding of your past and your most important strengths. Times can be dark, but we can fight back against demoralization and find a path forward.
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**Episode briefly mentions suicide.
Dr. James Griffith is Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Vice-Chair for Education in the GW Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health.  He served as Chair of the Department of Psychiatry from 2011 to 2021. 
As a psychiatric educator, Dr. Griffith helped develop psychiatric training at GW that has become distinguished for its curriculum in cultural psychiatry, global mental health, psychotherapy training, psychosocial care for medically-ill patients, and building resilience to adversity.  Since 1998, Dr. Griffith has provided training for mental health professionals in the care of immigrants, refugees, and survivors of political torture at Northern Virginia Family Services, for which he has received national recognition.
Jennifer Reid, MD on Instagram: @JenReidMD
Thank you for joining me on Our Reflective Minds. These posts and podcast episodes are public, so feel free to share them with anyone who might benefit!

Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink
Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site. The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereflectivemind.substack.com

Finally, new prospects in depression treatment! Listen in as Dr. Jennifer Reid and Dr. Michael Thase discuss antidepressants, ketamine, psychedelics, and much more!

Professor Thase is renowned as a teacher, mentor, administrator, researcher and clinician. One of the world’s most highly cited psychiatrists, he has more than 1300 publications, as well as 18 books, including the award-winning Learning Cognitive Therapy, now in its second edition.
Dr. Michael Thase is a Professor of Psychiatry in the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, and a member of the medical and research staff of the Corporal Michael J Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center:
Some questions Dr. Thase considers:
1)   You have been treating patients with depression for decades. How would you describe how your work has changed since you first started your career?
2)   Looking back, do you think there were any missed opportunities when it comes to depression treatment?
3)   How do you conceptualize difficult-to-treat depression, and is this something you discuss with patients?
4)   You’re coauthor on a paper titled “The Neglected Role of Psychotherapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression.” What is its role?
7)   What are your opinions about ketamine treatment in its various formulations: IV, sublingual, Esketamine?
8)   What about psychedelics? Cannabis?
9)   What are you hopeful about in the field of psychiatry?
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A 1979 graduate of The Ohio State University College Medicine, Professor Thase completed internship, residency, chief residency, and post-doctoral training in clinical research at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), where he rose to the rank of Professor of Psychiatry and was Chief of the Division of Academic Adult Psychiatry until 2007, when he moved to Philadelphia.  
He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology and a member of the American College of Psychiatrists. He is a Past President of the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology, for which he was a member of their Board of Directors for more than two decades. 
A Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, Professor Thase is a member of advisory boards for the Anxiety and Depressive Disorders Association, the National Network of Depression Centers, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In 2018 he was elected to the membership of Penn Medicine’s Academy of Master Clinicians, an honor bestowed to only 2% of the medical school’s faculty. Professor Thase’s research has been continuously funded by various federal agencies for the past 37 years and currently focuses on novel therapies for difficult to treat depressive disorders and dissemination and implementation of cost-effective forms of cognitive behavior therapy.
Jennifer Reid, MD on Instagram: @JenReidMDLooking for more from The Reflective Doc? Subscribe today so you don't miss out!Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink
Thanks for reading Our Reflective Minds! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

**********************Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site. The information and other content provided on this podcast or in a

Imagine the ultimate quiet, as you float soundlessly in the peaceful safety of weightless comfort. 

What exactly is Interoception, and how can we harness our awareness of internal signals to improve our mental health? Join psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Reid, as she speaks with psychiatrist and neuroscientist, Sahib Khalsa, MD, PhD.

Topics we Discuss:
*What exactly is a panic attack?
*What do we mean by Interoception?
*How can a soundless float tank lead to relief from mental health challenges?
*What is hopeful about research in this area?

Dr. Sahib Khalsa is the Director of Clinical Operations at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He received his MD and PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Iowa, then completed his residency training in Psychiatry at UCLA. 

Dr. Khalsa’s research investigates the role of interoception in mental and physical health, with a focus on understanding how changes in internal physiological states influence body perception and the functioning of the human nervous system. His work was recently featured on NPR’s TED Radio Hour series titled “Body Electric.”

Jennifer Reid, MD on Instagram: @JenReidMD

Looking for more from The Reflective Doc? Subscribe today so you don't miss out!
Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink

**********************
Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology Today

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Dial 988 for mental health crisis support

SAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Disclaimer:
The views expressed on this podcast reflect the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site. 

The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.

If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255
The Reflective Doc
Website - Instagram - Facebook - Linked In - Twitter -
Think Like a Shrink Blog on Psychology Today


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereflectivemind.substack.com

Listen up! Women who've been told they have "low" sexual desire do NOT want to miss this enlightening conversation.  Learn about the crucial influence of social and cultural aspects of sexuality and desire as psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Reid, speaks with social psychologist, Dr. Emily Harris, PhD, about a fascinating new theory of low sexual desire in women partnered with men.

Topics we Discuss:
*Why are women often blamed for low sexual desire?
*What does inequity in household tasks have to do with sexual desire?
*Does the objectification of women influence low sexual desire?
*What are options to truly improve sexual desire in women?

Dr. Emily Harris, PhD, is a social psychology researcher at the University of Melbourne. She studies sex from a feminist perspective, exploring how our attitudes about gender can shape experiences of desire and orgasms. In particular, she is interested in how heteronormative and sexist worldviews can constrain sexual and relationship wellbeing.

References from Episode:
Article: The Heteronormativity Theory of Low Sexual Desire in Women Partnered with Men.

(Episode originally released 6-13-22)

Jennifer Reid, MD on Instagram: @TheReflectiveDoc

Looking for more from The Reflective Doc? Subscribe today so you don't miss out!
Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink

**********************
Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology Today

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Dial 988 for mental health crisis support

SAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Disclaimer:
The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.

If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255
The Reflective Doc
Website - Instagram - Facebook - Linked In - Twitter -
Think Like a Shrink Blog on Psychology Today


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereflectivemind.substack.com