Shows / How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail Saltz
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail Saltz
Everyday life presents everyday challenges. That’s why I’m here to ask you… How Can I Help? My name is Dr. Gail Saltz, I’m a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, a psychoanalyst, best-selling author, and I’m here to help. Join me every Tuesday and Thursday on this podcast where we look at your most pressing questions and give helpful guidance on topics ranging from coping with anxiety and mood, relationships, to family and parenting issues, to…
Episodes
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzFriends: How to Keep the Good Ones, Discard the Bad Ones and Make New Ones
Having an authentic friendship can improve your health and wellbeing—and even extend your lifespan. Toxic friendships can do the opposite. Dr. Saltz tells how…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzTrouble Sleeping? Here’s Help for the 40 Million of You Who Say ‘Yes’
It’s a familiar tale: You're exhausted from a long day at work, but once in bed, you can't nod off. Anxiety is just one reason so many Americans struggle with…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHigh Anxiety: What to Do if You’re Having Panic Attacks
A feeling of terror. Sweating. Dizziness. Chest pains. A panic attack can be scary—although rarely dangerous. Dr. Saltz tells how to distinguish between…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzThings That Go Bump in the Night
It’s the spooky season! Dr. Saltz tells how to help children deal with the fears that arise around Halloween and explains how kids can still have fun, minus…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzTemper, Temper: Kids Who Lose Control
Most children, at some point, will throw a temper tantrum. But if these outbursts happen frequently, or at an inappropriate age, parents will want to…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzWhen “The Perfect Guy” Turns Into Something Else
He can be charming and attentive most of the time, but if your partner becomes tightly controlling and undermines your sense of self-worth, it’s time to look…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzThe Emotional Affair: Is It Still Considered Cheating if There’s No Sex?
When an office friendship turns into long lunches and longer phone calls, there’s something going on. But is it really cheating if there’s no physical…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail Saltz“I’m Not Worthy”: Getting Over Imposter Syndrome
Even the most accomplished people can be haunted by the feeling that their success is just a matter of luck—and that soon everyone will learn their secret…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHow to Stop Tossing and Turning and Get the Sleep You Need
Few things are as vital to our health as restful, satisfying sleep. Dr. Saltz offers sure-fire ways to fall asleep—without resorting to pills. See…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzIt’s More Than Shyness—Much More
If you feel judged all the time, have trouble maintaining relationships, and pass up opportunities because you fear others will notice your flaws, you could…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHow to Tell If You’re Still in Love with Your Partner
Does love really disappear…or does it turn into something else? Dr. Saltz advises a listener who wonders if it’s possible to rekindle the romantic infatuation…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail Saltz“You Can’t Make Me Go to the Dentist!”
Anxiety about dental visits is common among children. But sometimes worry turns to a deep-seated terror that leads to cancelled appointments. Dr. Saltz advises…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHow to Make Tough Moral Decisions
Should you do what’s right for you—even if it means causing discomfort for someone else? That’s the kind of choice most of us face at some time in our lives…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzWhen the Bully is Your Partner
Jealousy, possessiveness, controlling behavior—all are big red flags that indicate a relationship is about to become abusive, or already is. Dr. Saltz advises…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzText Anxiety: When Your Phone Causes Panic Attacks
The 24/7 nature of text messaging means it’s always on and always waiting for your response. And that can cause sweating, palpitations and real anxiety. Dr…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHelping Kids Handle Mean Girls and Other Bullies
Bullying can cause anxiety and even depression in children. Now, before the next school year starts, is the time to get ahead of the problem. Dr. Saltz helps a…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzKleptomania: Women Who Can’t Stop Stealing
The compulsion to take things you don’t really want or need is three times more common in women than men. Dr. Saltz advises a listener who feels awful about…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzSurprising Clues That Could Signal You’re Depressed
Are you putting on weight? Sleeping too much? Feeling anxious? Most people don’t think of these as classic signs of depression—but they could be. Dr. Saltz…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHow a Broken Heart Can Hurt Your Health
Yes, it is possible to die of a broken heart—and the stress of current events has made that more likely than ever. Dr. Saltz talks about the intimate mind-body…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHow to Tell if It’s Baby Blues…or Post-Partum Depression
Most moms feel cranky, moody, weepy and sleepy for a while after giving birth. But a smaller percentage have longer-lasting and more intense negative emotions…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzWhat Are You Afraid Of?
Snakes? Thunderstorms? Flying? A lot of us—11%, in fact—have phobias, and women are twice as likely as men to be phobic. Luckily, phobias are highly treatable…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzBonnie and Clyde Syndrome
Why would a female guard help a male convict break out of prison and then go on the lam with him until the tragic end? Dr. Saltz looks at the not-uncommon…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHow to Ease Kids’ Back-to-School Separation Anxiety
If your child is dreading the start of school, sometimes it’s more than just first-day-of-class nerves. Dr. Saltz has practical advice parents can use to get…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHelp for Out-of-Control Eating
Binge eating—eating too much, too often and feeling miserable afterward—is the most common of eating disorders. A mother who worries about her teen daughter’s…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzWhat to Tell Your Teen About Dating
Although the thought of their child dating may cause anxiety for parents, a little romance can allow young people to practice the attributes of a good…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzPulling Your Hair Out—Literally?
If you have a constant urge to yank out the hair on your head, eyelashes or other parts of your body, you may have a disorder known as trichotillomania. It’s…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHow to Handle a Strange Sleep Condition
Did you ever wake up and find that you were briefly unable to move? It's scary, but actually pretty common. Dr. Saltz tells how to take care of the situation…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail Saltz“I Don’t Want to Go to School” Anxiety
For some children, the thought of going to school each day is a source of anxiety—and that feeling has been made worse by the pandemic. Dr. Saltz talks about…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzWhat to Do When Your Significant Other Is a Commitment-Phobe
You know the type: He (or she) is romantic and thoughtful—but just can’t seem to pull the trigger to make things permanent. If you think you’re involved with a…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzIs Marriage Still Worth It?
With divorce rates around 50 percent these days, is there any point to tying the knot? Dr. Saltz reveals the very real mental and physical benefits of…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzAre You Drinking Too Much?
A listener wants to know if her drinking indicates a problem. Dr. Saltz reveals how to tell if alcohol is getting out of hand, and effective ways to cut back…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHow To Calm Social Anxiety
Does the thought of going to a party or meeting new people make you sweat, tremble or feel queasy? You may have social anxiety disorder. It’s more common than…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzKids Behaving Badly: How to Nip Rudeness in the Bud
Kids copy what they see, and modern media—especially social media—offer lots of negative role models. If your normally polite child has become rude, sarcastic…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzKeeping Kids Safe from Predators
It’s a difficult subject—but one of the most important conversations you’ll ever have with your child. Dr. Saltz tells how to discuss the topic without…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzEvery Marriage Has Its Fights. Here’s How to Make Them Positive and Productive
Arguing with your spouse? Good for you! Dr. Saltz reveals how to use those disputes to strengthen your relationship and why you should model fair fighting for…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHelping Young People Make It Through Those Difficult College Years
College is a time of new experiences and ideas, but it can also give rise to loneliness, anxiety and depression—something that’s been exacerbated by the…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzNail Biting, Skin Picking and Other Hard-To-Stop Children’s Habits
They’re annoying and sometimes unhealthy. Dr. Saltz reveals how parents can get kids to break these all-too-common habits. (Hint: Positive reinforcement works…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzTalking to Kids About Scary News
Global warming, wars, crime—children are exposed to frightening headlines every day. You can’t shelter youngsters from reality, but you can talk to them about…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzOh, Sister! Oh, Brother! How to Cure Sibling Rivalry During the Holidays
You're never too old to feel competitive with a sibling—and those emotions get even more intense during the holidays. But there's no reason to ruin the…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzBad Behavior Is Everywhere, Including on Planes. How to Deal With It
It’s not your imagination: These days people are more irritable, angry and aggressive in public—including on plane flights. Dr. Saltz tells a listener how to…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzAt War With Your Relatives? Why Now’s the Time to Call a Truce
The holidays are coming, and for many it’s a time of dread. But if everything from politics to the pandemic has you feuding with parents and siblings, Dr…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzInsecure About How Your Body Looks? Why That Shouldn’t Inhibit Your Sex Life [Archives]
Ninety-nine percent of us will never attain the unrealistic, idealized shapes we see in the media. But that shouldn’t stand in the way of a great sex life. Dr…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzThe Brain-Body Connection and How It Affects Your Health Every Day [Archives]
Your mental state can alter your physical self and vice versa—but not necessarily in the way you may think. Dr. Saltz reveals how the two work together, and…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzThe Media is Full of Bad News—But It Doesn’t Have to Overwhelm You [Archives]
Politics, climate change, Covid, Afghanistan—the news is depressing and anxiety-causing, but many of us can’t stop watching. Dr. Saltz tells a listener how to…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHow To (Productively) Argue With A Young Child [Archives]
Arguing is one way children assert themselves, but for parents that can lead to frustration and even anger. Dr. Saltz tells how to use arguments to lay the…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHelping a Spouse Who’s Lost a Job [Archives]
Job loss can lead to fears, depression and anxiety—for both partners. Dr. Saltz tells a listener how to give realistic, useful support to a recently laid-off…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHow to Deal with Money Anxieties [Archives]
It’s normal to be worried about your finances, especially in challenging times. Dr. Saltz helps a listener face her fears, and offers advice on how to talk…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzWhen the Diagnosis is Cancer [Archives]
Anxiety, depression, sadness and anger are all common reactions. Dr. Saltz answers a newly diagnosed listener’s question, and tells how to deal with these…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzA Guide for New Stepparents [Archives]
Parenting is hard. Stepparenting is even harder. Dr. Saltz gives great advice to a new stepmom who’s trying to walk the tightrope between love and discipline…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzWhen You Can’t Stop Biting Your Nails Or Picking Your Skin [Archives]
These behaviors are more than bad habits when they result in bleeding and pain. In fact, they’re complex disorders. But they can be stopped. Dr. Saltz tells…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzWhen the Same Thoughts Keep Going Round and Round in Your Head [Archives]
Do you ever feel like there’s an internal conversation playing on an endless loop in your mind? Do you want to turn it off? Dr. Saltz has great advice about…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzCan You Really Be Addicted to Instagram? Chocolate? The Real Housewives? [Archives]
If you have a habit you just can’t break, it may not be a true addiction—but it can definitely interfere with your life. Dr. Saltz tells how to get control of…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzWhat to Do if You Think You Might Be Drinking Too Much [Archives]
Alcohol use has soared because of the pandemic—especially among women. A listener wants to know if her nightly glass of wine is actually a problem; Dr. Saltz…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzMy Friend Has OCD. What Can I Do? [Archives]
Obsessive compulsive order is hard on everyone--both the people experiencing it and those around them. Dr. Saltz tells a listener how to help a friend with…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHow to Cope with a Major Loss—Yours, or a Friend’s [Archives]
Grief is a normal reaction to loss, but if it goes on too long it can be unhealthy. Dr. Saltz tells how to accept the loss and move on with your life. Plus…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzWhat to Do If You’re Just Not Ready to Return to Social Life [Archives]
Stores and restaurants are re-opening, and companies want their employees to return to the office. For many people, that’s a cause for concern—and social…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzHow to Get Control of Your Green-Eyed Monster [Archives]
Jealousy can be destructive for couples, and it’s usually a sign of insecurity. A listener with trust issues asks for advice, and Dr. Saltz provides answers…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzWhy Fighting Can Help Your Relationship (If You Do It the Right Way) [Archives]
Every couple disagrees from time to time. And if you follow the do’s and don’ts, your arguments can actually help your relationship rather than hurt it. Dr…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzIs it Forgetfulness…or Alzheimer’s? [Archives]
A memory lapse could be perfectly normal, or a sign of something more dire. Dr. Saltz reveals how to tell ordinary forgetfulness from dementia, and ways to…
How Can I Help? - with Dr. Gail SaltzThe Real Reason You Procrastinate—and How to Fix It [Archives]
Not all procrastinators are the same. Some people worry about control, others about perfection. When you know why you delay, you can start to repair your…