Can you learn courage? This episode is a recording of a live lecture Christian gave to Caroline’s 1st year university students. Christian talks about what courage is, how it works in the brain and gives tips on how to learn courage. At the end … Christian answers 2 student questions on self-awareness and the imagination.

This special episode was recorded in response to growing anxiety in Caroline’s students in the face of an impending weather event: a cyclone due to hit Australia in the next few days. In this episode Drs Heim answer student questions about how trauma events can stir up old anxiety habits and states, feeling overwhelmed and what’s happening in the brain. They finish off with some very practical tips on how to deal with anxiety related to an impending major weather event.

Do you feel like an imposter in your course? You are not alone. In this episode, Drs Heim give some great tips of how to deal with imposter syndrome at university and then answer a question a student asked about spiralling thoughts. Along the way … Christian gives some great analogies to illustrate thoughts by using crashing planes and haunted houses and Caroline talks about how professors also get imposter syndrome. Scroll to the bottom of this link to find Dr Heim's free book on Overcoming Negative Thoughts www.drchristianheim.com/new-page-35

In this episode Drs Heim tackle one student’s question about the difficulties, you encounter when you compare yourself with other people. They take a positive spin on comparing and then answer a question regarding forming friendships in groups that are a bit “clicky.” They finish off having a really important discussion about cultural comparisons. Along the way … Caroline talks about the “tyranny of cool” and Christian discusses some acceptance issues of some celebrities he has treated.

Do you find it hard to calm your chaotic emotions when arguing? In this episode Drs Heim talk about what arguing is and give some techniques to a student struggling with this. They then talk about how to label your emotions. Along the way … Christian gives some great tips on dealing with a roommate that won’t clean their mess and Caroline gives a technique that she uses for actors to get them to build a reservoir of emotions.

In this episode Drs Heim tackle the very big question asked by one student about tools to deal with substance abuse. Christian takes an approach to this that you won’t find in a therapist’s office. They then discuss 3 factors that help students answer the question of what motivates them. Along the way … Caroline talks about the problem of substance abuse while students and Christian shares some stories of when he has sent his patients with addictions on wilderness experiences.

“Perfect!” How sweet is that wor. In this episode Drs Heim discuss the difference between being obsessional and perfectionism and give 8 practical tips on how to make your perfectionism work for you not against you. They then answer a student question about how to react in a college setting when you feel triggered. Along the way … Christian talks about how this society wants you to be “perfect” and Caroline discusses freckles and gaps in teeth.

In this episode Drs Heim talk about using graded exposure to overcome anxiety to free yourself to talk to people and discuss how to find what your unique life purpose is. Along the way … Caroline shares an acting technique on empathic listening and Christian finishes off with a powerful story from someone he treated that you won’t want to miss.

If you are feeling overwhelmed and don’t know when to take a break, this episode unpacks how to know the warning signs. Drs Heim then answer a question on hoe to work on self belief. Along the way…Christian talks about getting overwhelmed by nature and Caroline shares a story about how insecure famous actors actually are.

In this episode Drs Heim give some great tips on how to overcome procrastination, explain what white matter in the brain is and talk about the value of journaling for your mental health. Along the way…Caroline talks about a condition she has that makes her want to sleep when she’s stressed and Christian cuts open a brain. Link to book on Procrastination: (scroll down) https://www.drchristianheim.com/new-page-35 Link to Dr Schramm's Journal your College Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5C2BD4F

Do you have a hard time controlling your anger? In this episode Drs Heim talk about the root cause of anger and gives many practical strategies for students on how to control anger and even channel it into something useful. They finish off talking about how to reach out to a friend that is struggling. Along the way … Christian talks about crocodile’s brains and Caroline includes some tips for professors.

In this episode Drs Heim look at student performance anxiety in all its forms. They talk about what’s going on in the brain when you get stressed and give you plenty of techniques for overcoming performance anxiety. Along the way … Caroline shares some tips from her interviews with actors worldwide and Christian talks about his favourite nerve that helps regulate breathing.

Are you addicted to your phone? Do you spend hours scrolling? Drs Heim answer a student question about phone addiction then talk about the advantages and disadvantages of excessive daydreaming. Along the way … Christian introduces you to your brain’s Thalamus and Caroline talks about technology-free tutorials.

This episode looks at Healthy Relationships. Drs Heim take a deep dive into the difference between toxic friendships and healthy friendships. They then answer a student who asks whether to re-engage with their Dad after a hurtful episode. Along the way … Caroline empathises with the parental issues some students face and Christian gives an acronym for how to BE CALM in a high-stakes conversation.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and is this affecting your functioning? In this episode Drs Heim give some challenging tips on dealing with burnout and respond to a question about negative self image. Along the way … Christian shares a bit of his burnout journey and Caroline gives some theatre insights that help you like yourself more.

Do you push yourself too much or too little in your studies? What’s the balance? In this episode Drs Heim respond to a question about expectations and then talk about how much anxiety is “normal” or whne you should see someone for an anxiety disorder. Along the way … Caroline gives her favourite tip from Shakespeare and Christian talks about the Yerkes-Dodson scale.

In this episode Drs Heim answer student questions about how to make friends when childhood bullying has inhibited you and how to overcome recurring negative thoughts. Along the way … Christian explains what happens in the brain when someone is bullied and Caroline share’s a tool that helps her students leave negative thoughts behind. Scroll to the bottom of this link to find Dr Heim's free book on Overcoming Negative Thoughts https://www.drchristianheim.com/new-page-35

Welcome to the College Mental Health podcast where Associate Professor Caroline Heim and Dr Christian Heim answer university student questions about mental health. In this first episode students question whether a work-life balance is possible for young people, ask for tips about how get through uni with ADHD and wnat to know which foods can boost your mental health.