AMA with Joe Nelson, CLOSED TO QUESTIONS Answers Below

@amiableTurtle9543

amiableTurtle9543

Question:

Is it normal not to have very little memory of your childhood until the age of 10 or 11?
Answer:

It's actually really common to have limited recall of your childhood before the age of 10 or 11. We call this "childhood amnesia." It happens for a few reasons. Young brains are still forming, especially the parts that handle long-term memory. Also, the way we store memories changes over time, and really early memories are often less detailed. Plus, kids live so much in the present that past experiences can fade more easily. Here is a link for more infromation: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/defining-memories/202309/why-cant-we-remember-our-early-childhood

@Pxvxrd28

Pxvxrd28

Question:

How do you open up to family/friends about your mental health, if they have a lot going on themselves?
Answer:

I know it can be tough to open up when your family and friends have a lot on their plates. Try choosing a calmer moment to talk to someone you trust. Let them know you understand they're dealing with their own stuff, but you're also struggling and really need someone to listen. Emphasize that you don't need them to solve your problems, just to be there for you. And remember, you can always offer the same support back to them. If this doesn't feel comfortable, a school counselor or another trusted adult can be a great place to start.

@Pxvxrd28

Pxvxrd28

Question:

What if there is a hobby you really want to start with, but you are so anxious about every aspect about it (e.g. new people, not being good enough etc.) so you never actually start with it? How do you cope with that and maybe get yourself to try it out?

Answer:

Starting a new hobby can indeed be anxiety-inducing, particularly when it involves new skills or social interactions. It's perfectly normal to feel apprehensive about not being "good enough" or fitting in. However, the key to overcoming this anxiety lies in taking small, manageable steps. Begin by engaging with the hobby in a low-pressure environment, such as practicing at home or consuming online content related to the hobby. This can help build your confidence and comfort level gradually.

@kkbigfan

kkbigfan

Question:

what are some coping strategies for panic attacks and dpdr (Depersonalization-derealization disorder)?

Answer:

I hear you, and I want you to know that what you're experiencing is tough, but you're not alone. When things get overwhelming, try focusing on the world around you with a simple grounding technique: name things you can see, touch, hear, smell, and taste. It's a way to bring yourself back to the present moment. Breathing deeply can also be a big help—inhale slowly, hold it, then let it out gently. Having a quiet, cozy spot where you can unwind, along with staying active through things like walking or yoga, can really make a difference too. Remember, keeping a regular sleep pattern and eating habits is important as well. It's totally okay to talk about what you're feeling with someone you trust. And sometimes, getting a bit of extra support from a professional can give you more tools to cope. You're doing great by reaching out and asking about this—it shows a lot of strength. Take things one day at a time, and remember, it's perfectly okay to find what works best for you at your own pace.

@Countrygirl095

Countrygirl095

Question:

Hi Dr. Joe it's honor to be speaking to you. I recently discovered 7 cups and one dive deep into the world of psychology. I have my creative writing trades and everything and I'm an Amazon best selling author my question to you is in regards to spreading awareness for mental health to be raw about what the characters going through and describe each mental illness and also in regards to wanting to be a psychologist now and wanting to get my associates and psychology do you have any advice for me as someone who is disabled and wants to go into field because I want to give people a different alternative than medicine and I want to give them coping skills and also I want the representation for psychology that people with disabilities don't have any advice would be great

Answer:

Hi there! It's truly inspiring to connect with someone so dedicated to mental health and psychology, especially with your impressive background as an Amazon best-selling author. Your interest in using creative writing to vividly portray the trials and intricacies of mental health conditions can significantly contribute to awareness and understanding. Writing with authenticity about mental health requires careful research and possibly consulting with professionals, ensuring your characters' experiences resonate deeply and accurately with readers. As you consider transitioning into psychology, pursuing an associate degree is a commendable first step. Being disabled adds a valuable perspective to the field, and most educational institutions are equipped with support services to make your journey more accessible. Your goal to offer alternatives to medication by equipping people with practical coping skills is admirable. Delving into areas like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness during your studies will prepare you well for this endeavor. Additionally, your initiative to enhance representation for individuals with disabilities within psychology is not only noble but also vital. It paves the way for more inclusive perspectives and practices in the field. Sharing your own experiences and challenges can serve as a beacon for others, highlighting the significant contributions and insights that individuals with disabilities bring to psychology. Your passion and perspective are truly unique, promising to enrich your future work and advocacy in mental health. Your determination to make a meaningful impact is both commendable and inspiring, and I wish you the best in this noble pursuit.

@communicativePond1728

communicativePond1728

Question:

I saw mentioned in an answer that a well-rounded approach to health if one is going the no-medication route is important. Hobbies and interests and pursuing our passion and purpose seems an integral part. Yet you also stated the importance of compassion during the learning process and that our memories before the age of about 11 fade quite quickly due to the brain's ability to be more present during this time. How does one navigate healing when it's so hard to trust others due to betrayal and abandonment in the mid or later teen years, and chronic poverty, illness and homelessness since then? If the resentments and pain is so great as to make leaning on counsellors and family impossible, and medication isn't an option, what do you suggest?

Answer:

Navigating healing from deep-seated pain like betrayal and abandonment, especially without relying on medication or traditional support systems, involves a self-guided and compassionate approach. It's crucial to validate your feelings of distrust and resentment as natural responses to your experiences. Consider self-therapies such as journaling, meditation, and mindfulness to build inner strength and manage emotions independently. Joining non-therapeutic communities, whether online or local, that share similar interests can also provide a sense of belonging without deep personal disclosures. Additionally, exploring personal philosophies or spirituality can offer a sense of purpose and resilience, helping you find comfort and direction amid challenging circumstances. This approach is a starting point and doesn't replace professional therapy but can be effective within your constraints.

@slowdecline48

slowdecline48

Question:

To what extent should one go to maintain/protect one's boundaries? Removing oneself from a situation with an infringing party isn't always possible; sometimes the party will not listen to what you have to say, at least the first time. Should one strictly maintain one's boundaries regardless of the consequences? Lately I've begun to think boundaries are all-important, but I'd like to know your opinion on this issue.

Answer:

@cheerysandi

cheerysandi

Question:

Do you agree that men and women are different mentally? Is psychotherapy different for men and women?

Answer:

Certainly, it's recognized that men and women can differ in how they think and feel, shaped by a mix of biological, cultural, and social factors. For instance, societal norms often influence how men and women express emotions and deal with stress. These differences do play a role in how individuals engage with the world and with therapy.

In psychotherapy, while the foundational principles apply to everyone, therapists might adjust their methods to better resonate with the specific needs of men or women. This could mean addressing how societal expectations affect an individual or exploring communication styles more typical of one gender.

However, it's essential to remember that gender is just one aspect of a person’s identity. Effective therapy is deeply personalized and considers many facets of an individual's life and personality. Therapists aim to tailor their approach to fit each person uniquely, ensuring they provide the most supportive and effective care, regardless of gender. This personalized care underscores the importance of seeing each client as more than just a set of gender-based characteristics.

@NotAllHere713

NotAllHere713

Question:

How does talking to a therapist about my depression and marital relations help me?

Answer:

Talking about your depression and relationship challenges in therapy offers a path towards healing and change. It creates a safe space to explore your feelings and understand how your depression connects with difficulties in your marriage. Together, we'll identify the patterns that might be holding you back.  You'll learn tools to manage your depression effectively while developing healthier communication strategies for your relationship. Therapy also offers an outside perspective, helping you see things in a new light and find solutions for both your personal well-being and your connection with your partner.

@Cheerysandi

Cheerysandi

Question:

When i was on a psychotherapy (in person, in my country (Slovenia), psychotherapist asked me how was my first day in nursery school (which i started to attend at age 4). As i didn't remember and i still don't remember my first day at nursery school, i couldn't answer her. She asked me multiple times how was my first day in nursery school but i couldn't remember. Is the remembrance of my first day in nursery school crucial for the psychotherapy? We had developmental - analytic psychotherapy approach. Do you know this therapy approach? But as many chunks of my early childhoods are forgotten, or i know about them only from my parents' words, could it render this therapy approach useless for me?

Answer:

It's very normal to not remember specific events from early childhood, like your first day at nursery school. While early experiences can influence us, the success of therapy doesn't depend solely on retrieving those precise memories. In developmental-analytic psychotherapy, we focus on identifying patterns in how your past experiences might relate to your current challenges and emotions.  Even if you don't have perfect recall, we can use your present feelings about those early years, along with insights from your parents, to gain a deeper understanding. If you'd like, we can discuss other therapy approaches that may be a good fit for where you are now.