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8. Casting Light on Adult ADHD: A Conversation with Dr. Lenka Staun
33:45More and more adults are diagnosed with ADHD, and many suspect they might have it. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Lenka Staun, an expert in psychosomatic medicine and the head of the Outpatient Clinic of the International Psychoanalytic University Berlin. Together, we take a closer look at Adult ADHD, distinguishing it from other mental health disorders, evaluating its prevalence and how it often remains undiagnosed since childhood. We also dive deep into the role of the environment in either concealing or intensifying ADHD symptoms.But that's not all. As we delve further, we gain insights into ADHD's significant influence on academic and professional performance. Highlighting the three pillars of managing Adult ADHD - daily essentials, emotion regulation through psychotherapy, and medication, we equip you with practical tools to combat the daily challenges. Further, we explore the importance of getting attuned with emotions and their physiological manifestations, constructing a supportive community and the profound impact of these on improving life with ADHD. Join us for this discussion as we navigate the complex world of adult ADHD together.Useful links:International Psychoanalytic University Berlin: https://www.ipu-berlin.de/en/ More on mentalization-based therapy for adults with ADHD: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7451325/ADHD community & trusted source of strategies and information about ADHD: https://www.additudemag.com/Transcripts: https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com Get in touch: smartwell.hgm@hu-berlin.deIn the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.Be smart and stay well!
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7. From Pay Gap to Role Models: Delving into Women's Experiences in Academia with Dr. Petra Metz
39:14Why do women in academia have a harder time climbing the career ladder? Dr. Petra Metz, an expert on gender equality and career development in science, joins us to delve into the pressing issues female researchers face. We unpack the persistent challenges of the gender pay gap and limited opportunities for career advancement. Dr. Metz, the driving force behind the Women in Natural Sciences (WINS) program at Humboldt University, shares how initiatives like WINS are creating nurturing environments and empowering women to thrive in their academic pursuits.In a world where only a handful of PhD graduates continue to work in science, we examine the crucial role of mentorship. A compelling narrative from one of Dr. Metz’s own PhD students shows us how powerful role models can be in uncovering alternative career paths and realizing our own dreams. The conversation takes a serious turn as we navigate the complexities of sexual harassment and inequality in academic workspaces. Finally, we arm you with practical tools and cognitive exercises that can help foster self-awareness, cultivate positive belief patterns and combat the mental toll of inequality. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how academia can become a more equitable space for all.Useful links:Women in Natural Sciences (WINS): https://fakultaeten.hu-berlin.de/en/mnf/wisskar/wins-adlershof/winsenglishTranscripts: https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com Get in touch: smartwell.hgm@hu-berlin.deIn the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.Be smart and stay well!6. Exploring the Uncertain Landscape of Academic Careers with Dr. Birte Seffert
25:59Ever wondered what lies ahead after your graduation? We're pulling back the curtain on the often daunting world of academia with our distinguished guest, Dr. Birte Seffert, head of advisory and funding programs at the German Scholars Organization and systemic coach. This episode is a deep exploration of the common insecurities haunting graduate and postgraduate students, including the frightening scarcity of permanent positions, the knowledge gap about alternative career options outside academia, and the puzzling process of articulating academic experiences into a compelling job application. We're diving into the nitty-gritty of career prospects for graduate and postgraduate students. Dr. Seffert brings her expert advice to the table, emphasising the power of networking, the importance of self-reflection, and the courage to create opportunities for yourself. She also sheds light on the impressive resources offered by the German Scholars Organization to propel researchers in their career journey. Her key message: the secret to a successful academic career is to start early and plan ahead. This episode is a must-listen for those looking for an authentic understanding of the academic career landscape and a treasure trove of tips to prepare for life outside of academia.Useful links:German Scholars Organization: www.gsonet.orgTranscripts: https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com Get in touch: smartwell.hgm@hu-berlin.deIn the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.Be smart and stay well!5. A Deep Dive into Anxiety Disorders in the Academic World with Prof. Ulrike Lüken
28:41Anxiety keeps you up at night? Well, get ready to dive deep into this complex topic with us and our esteemed guest, Prof. Ulrike Lüken. She provides an overview of anxiety disorders, its symptoms, triggers, and treatments. We discuss the different types of anxiety disorders, with a special focus on the role of avoidance, which can hinder the learning and mastering of new skills, a crucial insight for students and early career researchers.We also venture into the area of fear and arousal, the fascinating Yerkes-Dodson law, and the implications of procrastination as an avoidance behaviour. We reflect on the impact of anxiety on academics' work and well-being, the importance of professional help, and the stigma attached to mental health in academia. This episode is full of insights for anyone seeking a better understanding of anxiety in an academic setting. Useful links:More about the Yerkes-Dodson law: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yerkes%E2%80%93Dodson_lawOutpatient clinic for anxiety disorders at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin: https://www.psychology.hu-berlin.de/de/praxis/ambulanz/spezial_angstTranscripts: https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com Get in touch: smartwell.hgm@hu-berlin.deIn the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.Be smart and stay well!4. The Roadmap to Germany's Mental Health Services with Aylin Duran
18:43Ever wondered how to navigate the complex landscape of the German mental health system? Journey with us as we explore its intricacies, guided by Aylin Duran, a customer consultant from the Techniker Krankenkasse. Together, we unravel the dual health insurance system and its wealth of mental health services, from psychotherapy to counseling and psychiatric care. We also tackle some of the system's challenges, like long waiting times and mental health professional shortages, offering valuable strategies on how to overcome these hurdles. With Aylin's expertise, we help you understand how to choose which therapy is right for you. But it doesn't stop there, we make sure you're aware of the mental health support options available and how to reach out when you need help. Tune in, empower yourself with knowledge, prioritize your mental health, and find the support you need to thrive.Useful links:Techniker Krankenkasse: https://www.tk.de/enTherapist search service (in German): https://www.kvberlin.de/Psychotherapy initial appointment service: https://www.116117.de/de/englisch.phpTranscripts: https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com Get in touch: smartwell.hgm@hu-berlin.deIn the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.Be smart and stay well!3. Navigating the Maze of Mental Health: Depression, Psychotherapy, and Medication with Prof. Isabel Dziobek
31:20This episode guides you through this often misunderstood mood disorder with a clinical neuroscientist and psychotherapist, Prof. Isabel Dziobek. She sheds light on the dark corridors of depression, from its main symptoms of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness, to the encompassing role of social interaction in mental health. She also uncovers effective treatments, focusing particularly on cognitive behavioural therapy, a method that targets negative thoughts and lifestyle factors. This part of our conversation is a must-hear for anyone seeking to understand and manage depression better.From digital self-help tools to counselling services, we delve into various ways to encourage people to reach out for help, and break free from the vicious cycle of depression. As we wrap up, we share some self-care and relaxation tips, reminding you of the essential balance between work and personal life. Don't miss this episode: It's not just a conversation; it's a lifeline for those struggling with mental health, and a beacon of understanding for everyone else.Useful links:Psychotherapist search tool: https://www.therapie.de/psyche/info/Scholar Minds initiative: https://www.scholar-minds.net/Transcripts: https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com Get in touch: smartwell.hgm@hu-berlin.deIn the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.Be smart and stay well!2. Decoding Stress: From Villain to Ally with Dr. Luis Castillo
39:10Are you feeling the weight of stress and looking for effective ways to manage it? You've landed in the right place. On this episode of Smart and Well, we dive into the science of stress, unravelling its adaptive nature, and how it's not always the villain it's painted to be. That's right, stress can actually help us navigate challenging situations – but, when it overstays its welcome and becomes chronic, it can affect our physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. We're joined by Luis Castillo, a certified mindfulness-based stress reduction trainer with a PhD in neuroendocrinology of the stress response, and the founder of Innerminder training platform, who shares his insights on taming stress. We step into the realm of mindful awareness, spotlighting an exercise focused on the breath and body sensations. This exercise is a gentle reminder of how important it is to observe our internal experiences without the urgency to fix or change them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand and manage their stress better.Useful links:Innerminder platform (stress reduction courses and resources): https://innerminder.org/Transcripts: https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com Get in touch: smartwell.hgm@hu-berlin.deIn the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.Be smart and stay well!