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Facing the harsh reality of feeling invisible in the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when battling chronic conditions. Donna returns to share her courageous journey through the maze of medical gaslighting, where her invisible illnesses were often dismissed. We unravel the staggering fact that obtaining a proper diagnosis for issues like autoimmune diseases can take nearly a decade. Learn how to empower yourself with essential strategies for advocating in medical settings, from tracking symptoms in a notepad to bringing a trusted ally to appointments. We also challenge the irony of doctors relying on Google and stress the power of self-advocacy in demanding more than just textbook answers.

The challenge of communication within the healthcare system isn’t just a personal struggle; it's a systemic issue affecting countless individuals. We reflect on the pressures medical professionals face to prioritize the number of patients over the quality of care, leading to ethical dilemmas and a sense of irrelevance among older patients. From navigating a cancer diagnosis during a pandemic to the hurdles posed by staff shortages, our conversation underscores the urgency of being a proactive health advocate. Tune in for heartfelt stories and practical tips, like refusing unnecessary procedures, to help you navigate these choppy waters with confidence.

Feelings of irrelevance extend far beyond the doctor's office. We explore how societal pressures can strain personal relationships, with unbalanced friendships and forgotten birthdays serving as poignant reminders. By sharing personal anecdotes, we emphasize the importance of genuine connections, empathy, and meaningful interaction in an age dominated by superficial social media exchanges. Through stories of disappointment and the power of kindness, we invite you to reflect on how small gestures can bridge the gap of irrelevance, fostering deeper connections in both our personal and communal lives.

Loneliness in the United States: A 2018 National Panel Survey of Demographic, Structural, Cognitive, and Behavioral Characteristics - Liana DesHarnais Bruce, Joshua S. Wu, Stuart L. Lustig, Daniel W. Russell, Douglas A. Nemecek, 2019

America has a loneliness epidemic. Here are 6 steps to address it : NPR

Marie Kondo Your Life: How To End Toxic Friendships, Bad Habits

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: S4CEQWLNQXVZUMU4

Artwork and logo design by Misty Rae.


Special thanks to Joanna Roux for editing help.
Special thanks to the listeners and all the wonderful people who helped listen to and provide feedback on the episode's prerelease.

Research is being completed by Cora Lee Kennedy

Please feel free to email Matt topics or suggestions, questions or feedback.
Matt@unitedstatesofPTSD.com

Send us a text

Political fear and cognitive dissonance take center stage as we examine the unsettling political climate most likely resulting from a national/cumulative PTSD. Discover how fear tactics shape voter behavior and the troubling disconnects between domestic and international issues. We challenge each challenge each person to confront the cognitive dissonance in supporting policies that may contradict personal values, especially in the face of global conflicts and ethical dilemmas. The conversation highlights the frustration and helplessness that lead many to turn away from the polls, while also questioning the two-party system's effectiveness in serving the American people.

In a country increasingly divided, our focus shifts to the power of individual actions and community engagement in fostering positive change. Through personal stories and insightful reflections, we emphasize the importance of bridging ideological divides with dialogue and compassion. From attending local events to small gestures of kindness, we explore how these actions contribute to a more connected, empathetic society. Thank you to our guests, Mike and Cora, for sharing their experiences and insights, and to our listeners for joining us on this journey towards understanding and unity.

Special Guest Michael Thibeault

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: S4CEQWLNQXVZUMU4

Artwork and logo design by Misty Rae.


Special thanks to Joanna Roux for editing help.
Special thanks to the listeners and all the wonderful people who helped listen to and provide feedback on the episode's prerelease.

Research is being completed by Cora Lee Kennedy

Please feel free to email Matt topics or suggestions, questions or feedback.
Matt@unitedstatesofPTSD.com

Send us a text

What if the Halloween traditions we've come to love are rooted in ancient fears and legends? Join us as we kick off season three of "The United States of PTSD" with a thrilling exploration of Halloween's origins, tracing its journey from Celtic rituals to the influence of Irish Catholics in America. With Julia taking a break, Cora steps in, bringing her delightful stories of crafting unique Halloween costumes for her kids—imagine a Rhode Island hot wiener and a cozy shark roaming the streets! As we reminisce about the creativity of past Halloweens and the impact of COVID-19 on social gatherings, our enthusiasm for the holiday remains undiminished. Together, we plan to celebrate Halloween across different cultures, eager to embrace the spooky season in all its forms.

Ever heard of the notorious razor blade in the apple myth? We unravel its urban legend status while examining the real fears that reshaped Halloween safety in the 1970s and 1980s, spurred by the Tylenol murders and other tragedies. Our discussion highlights how societal fears often target strangers, even though most harm comes from familiar faces. Cora and I delve into infamous cases of treat tampering by family members, challenging our perception of safety in the festive season. We share childhood tales of Bloody Mary and other eerie legends, exploring the thrill they bring to the Halloween experience.

Prepare for a spine-tingling journey through fear, phobias, and the paranormal. From horror movies inspired by societal unrest to the allure of ghost tours in Mystic, Rhode Island, our conversation uncovers the excitement of encountering the supernatural. Discover stories of Mercy Brown and the vampire panic in New England, where fear led to desperate measures amidst a tuberculosis outbreak. As we reflect on these chilling narratives, we consider their impact on cultural traditions and personal fears. Join us for a captivating episode filled with history, ghostly encounters, and an undying love for the spooky season.

https://uknow.uky.edu/research/uk-folklorist-explains-spellbinding-history-halloween
University of Kentucky

UK folklorist explains the spellbinding history of Halloween
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-019-01105-0

The Razor Blade in the the Apple: the Social Construction of Urban Legends
Joel Best and Gerald T. Horiuchi
Social Problems, Jun. 1985, Vol. 32, No. 5, pp 488-499
Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for the Study of Social Problems
https://www.jstor.org/stable/800777

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/phobias

https://www.rihs.org/have-mercy/
Oct 31, 2016
Rhode Island Historical Society
Jennifer L. Galpern, Research Associate/Special Collections

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: S4CEQWLNQXVZUMU4

Artwork and logo design by Misty Rae.


Special thanks to Joanna Roux for editing help.
Special thanks to the listeners and all the wonderful people who helped listen to and provide feedback on the episode's prerelease.

Research is being completed by Cora Lee Kennedy

Please feel free to email Matt topics or suggestions, questions or feedback.
Matt@unitedstatesofPTSD.com