You may have noticed a new trend lately. Everyone is loud and proud about their mental health struggles (and thank goodness)! For practitioners, this movement i...
In this episode, Preston and Margaret take a deep dive into the science of running, exercise culture, and its impact on mental health. They explore the history of running, how it went from an obscure activity to a cultural phenomenon, and the physiological and psychological mechanisms that make it such a powerful mental health tool. They also unpack the identity crisis that can come with being an athlete, how running became the millennial version of church, and why dance might actually be a better form of exercise for mental health than running (gasp!).
Takeaways:
Running Changes the Brain: It increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), neuroplasticity, and ketone metabolism, all of which may protect against depression and cognitive decline.
The History of Running is Wild: Running wasn’t always a mainstream activity—it went from being a niche Olympic event to one of the most popular fitness trends of the modern era.
Exercise Culture Shapes Identity: Many athletes struggle to transition after competitive sports, often searching for structure, purpose, and a new relationship with movement.
Dance Might Actually Be Better for Mental Health: Research suggests dancing has stronger effects on mood and cognition than running, likely due to its social, rhythmic, and sensory components.
The Best Exercise is the One You’ll Do: While running has profound mental health benefits, the most effective workout is one that is enjoyable and sustainable for the long term.
Watch on YouTube: @itspresro
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
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Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content
Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com
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1:27:38
Parasocial Relationships, Social Media, & How Art Can Help Mental Health
In this episode Margaret takes the lead as she welcomes art therapist, psychotherapist, and author Amelia Knott to discuss the ethics of being online, parasocial relationships, and the impact of social media on mental health. We explore the blurred lines between personal and professional identities in digital spaces, the therapeutic power of art, and how social media fosters both connection and disconnection.
Takeaways:
Parasocial Relationships Feel Real—But Aren’t Always Balanced: The one-sided intimacy we form with online figures can create expectations that don’t match reality.
Art Can Be a Pathway to Self-Discovery: Engaging in creative expression helps process emotions in a way that words alone sometimes can’t.
The Internet Blurs Professional Boundaries: Therapists, doctors, and other professionals must carefully navigate how much of themselves to share online while maintaining ethical standards.
Social Media Shapes How We See Ourselves: Being constantly observed—even by an imagined audience—can change how we experience our lives and make choices.
Digital Well-Being Requires Intentionality: There’s no perfect fix for screen overuse, but being mindful of why and how we engage with digital spaces can help create a healthier relationship with technology.
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Want more Amelia Knott:
Instagram and TikTok: @art_therapy_irl
Facebook: @art.therapy.irl
Website: https://www.arttherapyinreallife.com/
Watch on YouTube: @itspresro
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
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Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content
Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:31:01
ADHD, Misinformation, and the Chaos of Online Mental Health
In this episode we are joined by Priyanka Patel, a pharmacist, content creator, and soon-to-be author, to discuss mental health misinformation, ADHD, and the challenges of navigating online discourse about mental health. Priyanka shares her personal journey with ADHD, the barriers she faced in getting a diagnosis, and how social media both helps and harms conversations about neurodivergence.
Takeaways:
Not All Mental Health Content is Created Equal: Social media is full of both helpful education and misleading oversimplifications, making media literacy crucial when consuming mental health content.
ADHD in Women is Still Underdiagnosed: Many women with ADHD don’t receive a diagnosis until adulthood, often being dismissed as “lazy” or “disorganized” instead of receiving the support they need.
Pharmacogenetics and Gender Differences Matter: Research suggests that women may metabolize ADHD medications differently, yet most treatment guidelines are based on studies conducted on men.
ADHD is Not Just a "Quirk": While humor can help destigmatize neurodivergence, romanticizing ADHD as a personality trait can overshadow the serious struggles people with the condition face.
Online Conversations Need More Nuance: Creators should balance authenticity with responsibility, ensuring that personal experiences are clearly distinguished from clinical advice to prevent misinformation.
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Want more Priyanka Patel:
Instagram & Tik Tok: @littlemiss_adhd
Watch on YouTube: @itspresro
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
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Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content
Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:24:27
Genetic Counseling (How to Approach the Unknown)
In this episode we sit down with genetic counselor Julia Castro to demystify the world of genetic testing and counseling. They explore how genetic information can help (or sometimes confuse) patients, why more testing isn't always better, and the ethical dilemmas of knowing too much about your future health.
Takeaways:
Genetic Counseling is More Than Just Testing: It’s about helping patients navigate uncertainty, understand their risks, and make informed decisions about their health and their families.
More Testing Isn’t Always Better: Sometimes broad genetic screening raises more questions than answers, creating unnecessary anxiety without clear clinical benefits.
Genetics in Psychiatry is Evolving: While tests like pharmacogenetics panels claim to predict medication responses, their real-world usefulness is still debated in psychiatry.
Knowing Your Genetic Risks Can Be Empowering—But Also Overwhelming: Predictive genetic testing for diseases like Alzheimer’s or Huntington’s can help some people plan for the future, but for others, it may cause unnecessary distress.
The Future of Genetics in Medicine is Expanding Fast: As research grows, neurology, psychiatry, and genetic counseling will continue to overlap, helping doctors and patients make more personalized healthcare decisions.
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Want more Dr. Julia Castro:
Instagram: @julia_mariec
Watch on YouTube: @itspresro
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
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Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content
Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:08:00
Cannabis and Coping: A Mixed Relationship
In this episode Preston and Margaret explore the endocannabinoid system, cannabis, and its impact on mental health. They break down the science behind CB1 and CB2 receptors, explain why marijuana affects people so differently, and discuss the complex relationship between THC, CBD, and dopamine. Along the way, they tackle myths about cannabis use, addiction, and medical marijuana, shedding light on what we actually know—and what remains a mystery due to historical barriers to research.
Takeaways:
The Endocannabinoid System is Vast and Mysterious: CB1 and CB2 receptors exist throughout the body, influencing pain, pleasure, nausea, and more—but the full scope of their role remains unclear.
Marijuana’s Effects Depend on the User: Some people experience relaxation and appetite stimulation, while others develop anxiety, paranoia, or even worsening nausea with chronic use.
The THC-to-CBD Ratio Matters: Over time, cannabis strains have been bred to increase THC potency, which may contribute to heightened psychiatric risks, including psychosis.
Cannabis Can Have Severe Side Effects: Long-term use can lead to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)—a condition causing severe nausea and vomiting—and may increase the risk of cannabis-induced psychosis in predisposed individuals.
Medical Cannabis Outpaced the Research: While cannabis is now widely used for medical purposes, much of its effectiveness is anecdotal, and research on its long-term mental health impacts is still catching up.
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Watch on YouTube: @itspresro
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
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Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content
Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You may have noticed a new trend lately. Everyone is loud and proud about their mental health struggles (and thank goodness)! For practitioners, this movement is as exciting as it is frustrating. As each mental health taboo falls by the wayside as it enters the cultural zeitgeist, a new aspect of our specialty thus emerges. One we just don’t have enough hours in the day to keep track of, let alone engage with. From better understanding our patients’ (and our own) relationships with their conditions in a changing world, it’s more important than ever that we learn: HOW TO BE PATIENT!
Each week, join Dr. Preston Roche (Psychiatry Resident & Digital Influencer) and Dr. Margaret Duncan (Psychiatrist & Content Creator) on their quest to better understand the patients we dedicate our lives to and the evolving paths they’re bound to travel beyond the clinic. By engaging with stories and perspectives that challenge our shared understanding of a condition, we hope you’ll similarly gain new perspectives as we look at our patients, and their mental health struggles, with further nuance and empathy. (And with Dr. & Lady Glaucomflecken producing, we've been mandated to include plenty of weird medical jokes too).
Speaking of which, a key part of this is hearing YOUR stories! What’s changed your understanding of patient care? Do you have an experience that shines new light on something we’ve discussed on-air? Get in touch at: howtobepatientpod.com
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