Channel Title: the PSYCH collective Channel Description: The Psych Collective is a Youtube Channel, Website, Facebook and Instagram collaborative of Dr Al Griskaitis (Psychiatrist) and Jess O'Garr (Clinical Psychologist) based in Australia. All of our content is our personal opinion and is generic in nature, for informational purposes only. Our content should not be taken to be individualised clinical advice -rather it is our opinion only. Our content does not always conform to the orthodoxy as we tend to take an approach which favours skills and addressing root causes. If one has any psychological or psychiatric problems, one should seek out an appropriately qualified professional. Interacting with our content or making comments etc does not constitute the practice of medicine, telemedicine, psychiatry or psychology. Viewing our material or interacting through comments comments does not represent the formation of a doctor-patient or therapeutic relationship. <video> Fix PTSD:🛡️Repair the chink in your armour - your susceptibility Description: Essentially, PTSD is an alarm state that is telling you that you need to address an ongoing susceptibility. otherwise the underlying cause remains alive. More technically, PTSD is when an adverse event exploits an ongoing susceptibility that has caused a vulnerability to become manifest. we all have vulnerabilities, but we may not be conscious of them until an adverse event manifests our vulnerability. The chink in your armour has manifested itself. Healing from PTSD means addressing the susceptibility which is perpetuating the alarms state of PTSD. Until you address that susceptibility you will continue to be in a state of alarm (PTSD) because the vulnerability has manifested itself and you may be susceptible to a repeat exploitation of that vulnerability. you need to address that root cause. Accumulative PTSD may entail many adverse events, but typically only a few themes/susceptibilities are at play and are repeated. The ongoing susceptibility means we are reminded of the susceptibility by intrusive memories, nightmares and environmental cues. Mostly the ensuing alarm state has people in a heightened state of "Yellow Alert". But the affected can easily go to a torturous panic state of "Red Alert". All the reminders, increased arousal and panic is depleting and people end up in a predicament of "Low RAM" whereby mental and physical exhaustion results in mental fatigue, poor concentration and increased sensitivity. All of which worsens the clinical picture of increased arousal. PTSD is a viscous cycle. To break the cycle it's helpful to figure out and address the susceptibility to prevent further traumatisation. To do so requires a high resolution approach. Low resolution approaches such as: never go outside, keep people scared. People sacrifice their world. High resolution approaches such as understanding the susceptibility an mitigating that courageously gives people Freedom from PTSD and gives them back the world they were sacrificing. Practise courage in the face of surmountable fear www.thepsychcollective.com #ptsd #skillsbeforepills #rootcause Ptsd treatment Ptsd vulnerability Ptsd susceptibility post traumatic stress disorder Cummulative trauma moral injury. </video> <video> Seroquel for sleep explained: unwanted actions, risk and alternatives Description: Seroquel (quetiapine) is commonly used at low dose (Seroquel 25 mg or seroquel 50 mg) to help sleep, but new evidence suggests that it's a problem with increased cardiovascular mortality over time. Seroquel side effects can be long term. We compare mechanism of quetiapine/Seroquel with olanzapine/zyprexa, clonidine/catapress, promethazine, Doxylamine, tricyclics and mirtazepine/avanza. Seroquel side effects: The way quetiapine helps sleep is by blocking the histamine (H1) receptor in the brain. Histamine in the brain promotes wakefulness, so an antihistamine interferes with the wakefulness drive. But Seroquel also also affects the Dopamine receptor (D2 receptor), potentially dampening positive emotion (undesirable). Seroquel affects the serotonin 5HT2a receptor, potentially resulting in less flexible thinking (opposite to the effect of psychedelics) and the 5HT1a receptor which probably reduces sensitivity (potentially desirable unless numbing emotional ensues). People often report carb hunger and weight gain which may be a contributor to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk (may be a result of M3 receptor effect in insulin). The metabolite of quetiapine (norquetiapine) is a potent Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (NET), which may contribute to increased arousal (usually undesirable in sleep). So it may act to simultaneously reduce wakefulness and increase arousal. Also quetiapine seems to cause significantly higher cardiovascular mortality (death) with long term use (summary here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=801099334518256&set=a.756502285644628). So if you are taking it at low dose for sleep, it might be worth talking to your doctor about alternatives such as simple antihistamines. Lipophilic (fat soluble) antihistamines (eg promethazine or doxylamine) block CNS H1 receptors which reduces wakefulness without all the other receptor effects. But they may have other harmful long term effects. But better then meds long term is a Skills Before Pills approach: https://www.thepsychcollective.com/sleep In particular we advocate the following to clear the thoughts out of your head before bed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zg_bvUJk5k Here's a detailed blog: https://www.thepsychcollective.com/is-seroquel-for-sleep-slowly-killing-you Here’s a handout with the table: https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/Sleep-and-Quetiapine-Seroquel-Handout-p601655357 There is concern about long term use of anticholinergic medications such as antihistamines that was not explored in this video. This video is not medical advice and is based on mechanism, research data and anecdotes. Seek advise from a treating medical professional, do not act on the basis of this information. No doctor-patient relationship formed. ------ Not medical advice. The utility of any drugs for sleep in the long term need to be weighed up against the costs of long term use. Not all costs of long term use are well understood and different people have different risks/susceptibilities. Talk to your doctor about any treatments and any concerns about treatments. ---------------------- Check out our recent Thinkific Course: Surviving Distress https://the-psych-collective.thinkific.com/courses/surviving-distress Also our check out our book: The Depression Solution https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/The-Depression-Solution-eBook-p697138761 #seroquel #sleep #skillsbeforepills www.thepsychcollective.com </video> <video> PTSD symptoms explained: how PTSD works Description: PTSD Explained: the Role of the Alarm System on Ongoing Susceptibility Essentially, PTSD is an alarm state that is telling you that you need to address an ongoing susceptibility. More technically, PTSD is when an adverse event exploits an ongoing susceptibility that has caused a vulnerability to become manifest. we all have vulnerabilities, but we may not be conscious of them until an adverse event manifests our vulnerability. The chink in your armour has manifested itself. Until you address that susceptibility you will continue to be in a state of alarm (PTSD) because the vulnerability has manifested itself and you may be susceptible to a repeat exploitation of that vulnerability. Accumulative PTSD may entail many adverse events, but typically only a few themes/susceptibilities are at play and are repeated. The ongoing susceptibility means we are reminded of the susceptibility by intrusive memories, nightmares and environmental cues. Mostly the ensuing alarm state has people in a heightened state of "Yellow Alert". But the affected can easily go to a torturous panic state of "Red Alert". All the reminders, increased arousal and panic is depleting and people end up in a predicament of "Low RAM" whereby mental and physical exhaustion results in mental fatigue, poor concentration and increased sensitivity. All of which worsens the clinical picture of increased arousal. PTSD is a viscous cycle. To break the cycle it's helpful to figure out and address the susceptibility to prevent further traumatisation. To do so requires a high resolution approach. Low resolution approaches such as: never go outside, keep people scared. People sacrifice their world. High resolution approaches such as understanding the susceptibility an mitigating that courageously gives people Freedom from PTSD and gives them back the world they were sacrificing. Practise courage in the face of surmountable fear www.thepsychcollective.com #ptsd #skillsbeforepills #rootcause Ptsd treatment Ptsd vulnerability Ptsd susceptibility post traumatic stress disorder Cummulative trauma moral injury. </video> <video> The Depression solution: address root causes Description: Address the Root causes of depression The Depression Solution: Address Root Causes Feeling stuck, low, or overwhelmed? It’s time to challenge the mainstream narrative about depression. Join Jess and Al from ThePsychCollective.com as they dive into their groundbreaking new book, The Depression Solution: Address Root Causes. In this video, we tackle the outdated "chemical imbalance" theory and explore why medication alone might not be the answer. Using relatable examples and a high-resolution approach, we redefine depression as a state of prolonged sadness, perpetuated by sensitivity and emotional fatigue, and rooted in specific, addressable causes. Discover: Why the traditional "take these meds and see me in 3 months" model misses the mark. How depression is like dropsy—rooted in various causes but treated as a single issue. Practical insights and actionable strategies to identify and address your unique root causes of low mood. Our book offers concise, impactful guidance (108 pages!) to help you understand and tackle depression at its core. Explore real solutions that go beyond scripts and focus on reclaiming joy, energy, and purpose. 🔗 Get your copy now and start your journey toward real, lasting change: https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/The-Depression-Solution-eBook-p697138761 🎥 Check out more videos and insights: www.thepsychcollective.com Subscribe for more practical, no-nonsense mental health advice. 💡 #DepressionSolution #MentalHealth #rootcauses Available here: https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/The-Depression-Solution-eBook-p697138761 </video> <video> Distress (Emotional Crisis) Skills: Lesson 4 of Surviving Distress Course Description: This video explains the three crisis skills for emotional distress. They are core skills for anyone who is prone to Distress. Emotional Crisis (Distress) skills are essential skills for people with PTSD, Panic Disorder and Borderline Personality. These skills can provide rapid relief from states of emotional overwhelm. This is part of our recent Thinkific Course: Surviving Distress https://the-psych-collective.thinkific.com/courses/surviving-distress Also our check out our book: The Depression Solution https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/The-Depression-Solution-eBook-p697138761 #stressmanagement #panic #panicattack #terrorattack #BiologyOfDistress #MentalHealthTips #CO2Regulation #FightOrFlight #VagalNerve #DistressManagement #CrisisSkills #Mindfulness #BreathingTechniques Shortcuts to the skills: -Pause breathing: 0:53 -Burst Exercise: 9:35 -TIPP: 11:33 </video> <video> How Depression works: the Depression pathway- root causes are at the core of Depression Description: Many matters are root causes can lead to increased sensitivity or negative emotion or both. That combination is what primes us for action, but if our actions don't resolve the matter then is common for things to accumulatie. As negative emotion starts to greatly exceed any positive emotion, then the mood becomes increasingly depressed. With the depressed mood comes emotional exhaustion and sometimes the sense of being trapped. The solution is not to simply try hand mask the depression with meds, but to tackle the root causes that led to the whole mess, Link to the book: https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/The-Depression-Solution-eBook-p697138761 </video> <video> Blanket HUG 🫂 Instant Relief for Your Inner Vulnerable Child: The Power of the Blanket Hug Description: Blanket hug: You can use Blanket Hug to quickly soothe your Vulnerable Child. It's a useful tool in Schema Mode Therapy. it's an wonderful self-soothe technique. This blanket hug technique comes from schema mode therapy for when you need to soothe the Vulnerable Child. Some of you may not have grown up hearing the words that your Vulnerable Child needed to hear, so you may struggle to come up with the script. So here we show you the technique and give you the script. Like our blanket? You can purchase them from our website in SMALL and ADULT sizes. https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/SHOP-c120045595 Need more about schema therapy? You can download our Schema Mode Therapy eBook from this link: https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/Schema-Mode-Therapy-The-Complete-Set-of-Worksheets-eBook-p460877511 www.thepsychcollective.com #soothe #schema #complextrauma </video> <video> 14 Positive Schemas You Should Start Using Today Description: If you are interested in Schema Therapy or Schema Mode Therapy, then you also need to know about the positive schemas. Use these as for a strengths-based approach as you tackle the maladaptive schemas by using these adaptive schemas to your advantage. Check out this video and download the schema book to learn more. https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/Schema-Mode-Therapy-The-Complete-Set-of-Worksheets-eBook-p460877511 Jess o'garr presents a introduction to Positive schemas. Schema mode therapy explained in YouTube videos from thepsychcollective.com the positive schema questionnaire is available from the author (see our blog at www.thepsychcollective.com for his email address) #positiveschemas #schemamodetherapy #jesso'garr </video> <video> Medications and mood. How the "antidepressants" work. THE 5 DIALS Description: Dr Al Griskaitis (psychiatrist) Jess O’Garr (clinical psychologist) In this video from ThePsychCollective.com we explore the intricate ways various medications impact mental health by influencing sensitivity, arousal, and motivation. This discussion is an extract from The Depression Solution, 📖 our latest book, where we explore (among other things) the nuances of antidepressants and their effects on mood without oversimplifying the topic. We explain that antidepressants don't simply make you "less depressed" but tweak neurotransmitter systems to shift emotional and mental states. The talk highlights five "dials" that medications adjust: 1. Serotonin (Sensitivity): SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like fluvoxamine reduce sensitivity to emotional triggers, making the world feel less overwhelming. They interfere with serotonin recycling, keeping it available longer. Dr. Al discusses his preference for fluvoxamine due to its additional anxiety-dampening properties through sigma receptor effects. The key message is they modulate mood as a secondary effect of dampening sensitivity. 2. Noradrenaline (Mental Arousal): Medications like SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) increase mental alertness but can also heighten anxiety, particularly at higher doses. Dr. Al mentions reboxetine as a less common but effective option to enhance motivation without over-arousal, favoring its use selectively based on daily needs, avoiding it when anxious. 3. Adrenaline (Bodily Arousal): Stimulants and caffeine raise adrenaline levels, Dr. Al emphasizes that such heightened arousal can feel distressing. He discusses how beta-blockers like propranolol can help PTSD patients by calming physical panic symptoms, and clonidine can assist in managing hyperarousal and nightmares. 4. Dopamine (Motivation and Reward): Dopaminergic medications impact motivation but can lead to diminished natural enjoyment due to tolerance. Dr. Al touches on the concept of "dopamine fasting" to restore sensitivity to natural rewards, noting the challenges faced by individuals recovering from substance use disorders. 5. Sedatives (General Damping): Sedatives like benzodiazepines reduce all forms of arousal but carry risks of tolerance and withdrawal. Dr. Al prefers antihistamines over antipsychotics for sleep, due to fewer side effects. He highlights limited use (not every night) to prevent dependence, suggesting sustainable dosing strategies. Throughout the talk, Dr. Al and Jess emphasize that medication can be a helpful tool but should not replace addressing root causes of depression. Medications provide symptom relief, but long-term solutions require deeper work on underlying issues. They concludes by encouraging viewers to explore these root causes through resources available on their website, highlighting that The Depression Solution book delves into practical approaches beyond medications to actually tackle things at a root cause level. Visit ThePsychCollective.com under the "Resources" tab to learn more about The Depression Solution and explore further content on mental health and recovery strategies or download the book 📕 here: https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/The-Depression-Solution-eBook-p697138761 https://www.thepsychcollective.com/the-five-dials-a-practical-guide-to-medication-and-mental-health </video> <video> Depression and dropsy: low resolution "diagnoses" Description: Get the book: https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/The-Depression-Solution-eBook-p697138761 </video> <video> Schema Therapy Cards: help you transform your patients Description: Schema Therapy can sometimes be complicated with 20 maladaptive schemas, 14 adaptive schemas and 5 core emotional needs. In this video, Jess explains how to use The Psych Collective Schema Cards to conceptualise and enact change when engaging in Schema Therapy. Helping a patient to understand the relationship between the unmet need resulting in a maladaptive schema that is then corrected by getting the need met to develop the adaptive schema will be more accessible and more tangible with these Schema Cards as you can lay them out and move them around. Purchase your set from https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/Schema-Therapy-c114456257 We ship all over the world. Check out our recent Thinkific Course: Surviving Distress https://the-psych-collective.thinkific.com/courses/surviving-distress Also our check out our book: The Depression Solution https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/The-Depression-Solution-eBook-p697138761 #therapy #psychology #therapist #thepsychcollective #schematherapy #flashcards </video> <video> Narcissistic Dark Triad Managers: What They're Really Up To🤯 Description: Workplace bullying is often from a psychopathic manager. A common straw that breaks the camel's back in PTSD are the actions (or negligent inactions) of a manager with Dark Triad (DT) personality traits. This is especially common in organisations such as the police, military, large organisations and in politics/government. The Dark Triad traits are lack of emotional empathy (psychopathy), feeling entitled to take short cuts and the drive of to seek status/power (Narcissism) and the tendency to deceive & gaslight ("Machiavellianism"). Persons with these traits tend to seek status at the expense of others. Dark Triad managers will steal your credit and crush you if you make them look bad or if you show them up because of their perceived loss of status. Sadism is when people derive positive emotion from causing others negative emotion. Persons with Dark Triad traits tend to aggregate in management. There can steal credit and scapegoat underlings to improve their own status. That's not to say that all managers are DTs, but it's wise to keep one's eyes wide open. Have you ever been burnt by the bad boss? Or the bad ex-partner? They might have been a Dark Triad. Check out this new video as Dr Al Griskaitis (psychiatrist) explains. https://youtu.be/xkrwMOshRTg #darktriad #narcissist #complextrauma #complextraumarecovery #ptsdrecovery #ptsd #thepsychcollective #skillsbeforepills #darktriad #DarkTriad #narcissist #narcissisticabusesurvivor #narcissisticabuse #psychopath #psychopaths www.thepsychcollective.com Toxic Manager: Recognise and Avoid Status Seeking Dark Triad Managers https://youtu.be/xkrwMOshRTg </video> <video> DVA Psychiatrist report Description: Relevant links/instructions are at: https://www.thepsychcollective.com/DVA ____________________________________________ To help Dr Al prepare a DVA report the following is needed: You will need your SERVICE RECORD to help you prepare a document: 1. SUMMARY OF POSTINGS AND ADVERSITIES and you will also need to prepare another document: 2. SERVICE-RELATED TRAUMA "Trauma Headlines". That information from these documents is pasted into: Online FORM 1: Background information After that complete: Online FORM 2: Symptoms and Severity Also you will need corroborative information by sending a link to Online FORM 3 to people who can help corroborate things for you. If you need a DVA mental health psychiatrist report and wish to make an enquiry, drop Dr Al an email: info@thepsychcollective.com </video> <video> Dark Triad: Toxic “leaders” Description: A common straw that breaks the camel's back in PTSD are the actions (or negligent inactions) of a manager with Dark Triad (DT) personality traits. This is especially common in organisations such as the police, military, large organisations and in politics/government. The Dark Triad traits are lack of emotional empathy (psychopathy), feeling entitled to take short cuts and the drive of to seek status/power (Narcissism) and the tendency to deceive & gaslight ("Machiavellianism"). a narcissistic boss is a nightmare, add psychopathy and you're really in peril. Persons with these traits tend to seek status at the expense of others. Dark Triad managers will steal your credit and scapegoat you if you make them look bad or if you show them up because of their perceived loss of status. Sadism is when people derive positive emotion from causing others negative emotion. Persons with Dark Triad traits tend to aggregate in management. There can steal credit and scapegoat underlings to improve their own status. That's not to say that all managers are DTs, but it's wise to keep one's eyes wide open. Have you ever been burnt by the bad boss? Or the bad ex-partner? They might have been a Dark Triad. Check out this new video as Dr Al Griskaitis (psychiatrist) explains. https://youtu.be/xkrwMOshRTg #ptsdsurvivor #complextrauma #complextraumarecovery #bpdwarrior #ptsdrecovery #ptsd #thepsychcollective #skillsbeforepills #darktriad #DarkTriad #narcissist #narcissisticabusesurvivor #narcissisticabuse #psychopath #psychopaths www.thepsychcollective.com Dark tetrad Dark triad boss Dark triad manager Dark triad narcissist Narcissistic boss Toxic manager </video> <video> Biology of Distress - Surviving Distress course lesson 3 Description: Welcome to Lesson Three of our in-depth series on distress management: The Biology of Distress. In this comprehensive lesson from our course SURVIVING DISTRESS, we explore three crucial aspects of how the body responds to stress and the biology behind these reactions. Whether you’re a mental health professional, someone dealing with anxiety or panic attacks, or simply interested in understanding how your body works under stress, this video is packed with valuable insights. Course: https://the-psych-collective.thinkific.com/courses/surviving-distress Key Topics Covered: 1. The Surprising Role of Carbon Dioxide (CO2): • Learn why CO2 is not just a waste gas but essential for brain function and emotional stability. • Discover how rapid breathing or hyperventilation depletes CO2 levels, leading to impaired cognition, exaggerated emotions, and symptoms like lightheadedness and panic. • Understand how CO2 regulation impacts blood pH and why maintaining balanced levels is vital for clear thinking and emotional control. 2. Understanding the Nervous System and Stress Responses: • Dive into the mechanics of the fight-or-flight response and how the sympathetic nervous system gears your body up to face perceived threats. • Explore the role of the parasympathetic nervous system, particularly the vagal nerve, in calming the body and restoring balance after a stress response. • Learn practical ways to activate the vagal nerve for immediate relaxation, such as the mammalian dive reflex, humming, and specific physical exercises. 3. Medications: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives: • Get an overview of how medications like antidepressants, beta-blockers, and sedatives can impact the distress process. • Understand why medications may offer short-term relief but come with side effects and limitations over time. • Discover why the philosophy of “skills before pills” is crucial for building long-term resilience, with practical comparisons between the effectiveness of medication and skill-based interventions. Why This Lesson Matters: We emphasize why learning and practicing distress management skills are more empowering and effective than solely relying on medication. Discover methods like burst physical activity and paced breathing that can quickly restore CO2 levels and stabilize your emotions, helping you regain control in as little as 30 seconds. By mastering these techniques, you build confidence in managing your distress, reduce reliance on medication, and enhance your overall emotional well-being. What You’ll Gain: • A deeper understanding of the biology behind distress and panic attacks. • Knowledge of how CO2 levels and your nervous system interplay to impact your emotions and cognitive function. • Practical tips and immediate-action strategies to normalize CO2 and manage crises effectively. Join us for Lesson Four, where we teach you step-by-step skills to manage and de-escalate a crisis at https://the-psych-collective.thinkific.com/courses/surviving-distress. Download the free Surviving Distress eBook: https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/Surviving-Distress-Mini-Guide-p373949153 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out on future lessons! Share this video with anyone who could benefit from a better understanding of distress biology and effective management techniques. Also our check out our book: The Depression Solution https://www.thepsychcollective.com/resources/The-Depression-Solution-eBook-p697138761 #stressmanagement #panic #panicattack #terrorattack #BiologyOfDistress #MentalHealthTips #CO2Regulation #FightOrFlight #VagalNerve #DistressManagement #CrisisSkills #Mindfulness #BreathingTechniques </video>

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Description

The Psych Collective is a Youtube Channel, Website, Facebook and Instagram collaborative of Dr Al Griskaitis (Psychiatrist) and Jess O'Garr (Clinical Psychologist) based in Australia.

All of our content is our personal opinion and is generic in nature, for informational purposes only. Our content should not be taken to be individualised clinical advice -rather it is our opinion only. Our content does not always conform to the orthodoxy as we tend to take an approach which favours skills and addressing root causes. If one has any psychological or psychiatric problems, one should seek out an appropriately qualified professional.

Interacting with our content or making comments etc does not constitute the practice of medicine, telemedicine, psychiatry or psychology. Viewing our material or interacting through comments comments does not represent the formation of a doctor-patient or therapeutic relationship.

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