Dr. Hallowell’s Memoir

Today marks the release of my memoir, Because I Come from a Crazy Family: The Making of a Psychiatrist.  It’s unlike any book I’ve written before, this one only tells stories, true stories from my childhood and my early training in psychiatry.  I introduce you to the great array of eccentric, wonderful, colorful and yes, sometimes crazy people who populated my life.

Growing up I didn’t know we were any different from other families.  I thought the zaniness that surrounded me was just the way life was.  Everyone was very loving, often very funny, usually unpredictable, and most of the time a lot of fun.  This memoir is a celebration of craziness, my way of expressing my pride in my family in all our differences, craziness included.

Ending  the Stigma of Mental Illness

It’s time to blast away the stigma that has plagued mental illness for thousands of years.  The fact is, many, if not most people of exceptional talent struggle with one or another of the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses:

• depression,
• anxiety disorders,
• substance use disorders,
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
• post traumatic stress disorder,
• bi-polar disorder,
• reading disorders, or
• various personality disorders.

Yet they don’t seek help because they fear the shame and stigma that comes with the diagnosis.

However, I see these conditions as markers of talent.  When I diagnose someone, I tell them we are embarking on a process of unwrapping their gifts.  The mental illness can completely bury the talent so that it cannot emerge, or it can conceal it so that it can only partially emerge.  My job as a psychiatrist is not just to treat the illness but just as important to develop the talent, to encourage the growth of the healthy part of the person.

One reason I wrote my new book was to show personally, through characters in my own family, how talent and mental illness can appear in the same person and how lack of treatment can bring a person down. Furthermore, I wanted to show how proper treatment can save a person altogether; and how wonderfully freeing it can be to live true to oneself with others who appreciate who you are for who you are without shame or recrimination.

The great gift my family gave me was just that: permission, indeed, insistence to be real.  Our only real rule was don’t be a phony. And so in this new book I share with you all the true and wonderful characters I grew up with, and then the true and wonderful people who taught me psychiatry at the old Mass. Mental Health Center.  The best teachers I ever had were the patients who let me take care of them.  Like the people in my family, they could never be phony.  Sometimes I couldn’t understand them, but I always new they were real and true.

So it gives me enormous pleasure to share with you all the gifts they gave to me through this memoir.

Order here

Watch Dr. Hallowell read the first chapter of his memoir HERE!

What is ADHD CollegeCORE Coaching and how can CollegeCORE Coaching help you?

CollegeCORE Coaching with Rebecca Shafir M.A.CCC – Speech/Language Pathologist and Executive Function coach is available by phone, Skype, or in person.  CollegeCore Coaching helps high school upperclassmen and college students conquer the most common problems associated with ADHD or Executive Dysfunction. Rebecca provides effective, practical and non-medication solutions for getting things done well and on time. She has worked with ADHD students and entrepreneurs for over 20 years.  

Read more at www.MindfulCommunication.com.  Rebecca’s coaching and training approach builds the core skills and routines that enable success in school and greater marketability for the workplace.

CollegeCORE students will learn:

• core skills and routines for managing anxiety and improving focus, follow through and communication;
• to become more independent, and how to be the CEO of YOU, even if you don’t plan to be an entrepreneur;
• basic organizational skills;
• problem-solving skills;
• note-taking skills;
• more efficient study and test-taking skills;
• why good sleep is a major ally for the ADHD student, sleep’s powerful role in learning and ways to improve sleep quality.
• how exercise regimen best promotes clearer thinking and improved productivity;
• learn how to apply Rebecca’s 80/20 approach for managing procrastination; and
• finally, how to self-advocate – a competitive life skill.

How CollegeCore Coaching works:

The process begins with a complimentary 15-20 minute inquiry call with Rebecca. Call to set up that inquiry session (978) 287-0810 or (978) 255-1817. This is a brief discussion to answer questions about the program. This will help Rebecca to determine whether the CollegeCore coaching approach is appropriate for the student.

Following this discussion, a 90 minute meeting is scheduled to:

• get background information,
• identify personal strengths,
• establish personal objectives, deadlines (if imposed) for improvement, and
• to determine best approaches.  Cost: $325.00

An action plan and frequency of coaching sessions is determined based on that meeting. The goal is to:

• identify the best starting point(s),
• select a couple small steps easy to implement consistently to
• yield some early and notable results; and
• have these new routines become habits.

Minor adjustments are made along the way. For some, the compound effect will work best. While for others a multi-target approach is better. The process is customized to the student and his/her needs.

Coaching sessions are $150/hour, $75/30 minutes. First of all, Rebecca will determine with the student the duration and frequency of sessions (1-3x a week.)  If desired, a spouse, partner or co-founder may also be involved. Progress is addressed at each session. As the gains become more consistent and the student more independent, the coaching sessions wind down. Check-in sessions are monthly or bi-monthly, then every six months or as needed.

To set up a CollegeCORE inquiry session or to make an appointment with Rebecca Shafir, contact the:

• Hallowell Center BostonMetroWest in Sudbury MA at (978) 287-0810

or

• her West Newbury office (978) 255-1817 to schedule sessions in person or by phone or Skype.

Sessions are $150/hr and may be reimbursable through your insurance.

In this video, I discuss managing anxiety and toxic worry. Although anxiety and worry are common symptoms in life, excessive worry is not.  Worry is like blood pressure: you need a certain level to live, but too high a level can hurt you. When worry becomes toxic, it ceases to serve as the useful built-in alarm system nature meant it to be and becomes instead a painful problem in itself. As a car alarm system that won’t shut off, our human alarm system can drive its owner crazy – and get him or her into trouble – when it won’t silence itself.

In order to set fear far enough aside for us to be able to act creatively and boldly, we need to find a method, other than denial, for doing so. So what do we do? What is a reliable non-medication method for controlling toxic worry? The 3 steps outlined in this video are something we can all use.

1. NEVER WORRY ALONE! Toxic worry is rampant because people are so disconnected. We’re connected electronically, but we’re disconnected inter-personally. Our prime antidote to toxic worry is another person.

Remember that everyday with my just released “Never Worry Alone” mug.

Watch the video for Tips #2 & #3 and to learn more about anxiety and toxic worry.

Want more tips on managing worry? Click here.  Having problems coping with anxiety? Click here.

Worry Hope and Help for a Common Condition offers the perfect antidote to fear, nervousness, and prevalent feels of anxiety.

Remember: All worry is not bad.

Identify all the things you worry about and separate out the toxic to your health worries from good worry. Good worry amounts to planning and problem solving. Toxic worry is unnecessary, repetitive unproductive, paralyzing and life-defeating.  If you’re suffering from toxic worry, in  addition to consulting with your family doctor, be sure to consult with experts in other fields. Some options below:

The Hallowell Centers treat: Anxiety (worry, panic attacks, headaches), depression, phobias and more.

Learn more about Depression here. 

National Institute of Mental Health

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill 

Freedom from Fear

Are you stuck in a rut at work? How many times  have you found yourself sitting in a meeting, yawning, pinching yourself or grinding your teeth? Or how many days have you gone to the coffee machine multiple times, begging the caffeine to create some energy and get you out of this rut at work? Most people wake up, maybe grab some breakfast or at least a shot of caffeine, go to work, and assume they can stay consistently focused without taking any steps specifically designed to replenish and maintain their energy at work throughout the day.

If you’re having difficulty staying focused and feeling stuck at work, you can follow the 6 tips below, adapted from Dr. Hallowell’s book:

Driven to Distraction at Work

His book was recommended in “8 books to Read When You’re Stuck in a Rut at Work“

The Sensational Six*

Prep works relies on “the sensational six.” Do the things recommended below and your brain will give you much more time in flexible focus if you prepare it every day by following each of these practices so you’ll spend less time in a “rut” and be more productive.

#1 SLEEP

One of the greatest favors you can do for  your brain and your entire body is to get enough sleep. Sleep is tonic. Reset your priorities to make time for sleep.  Set a regular bedtime and get-up time. Do make sure you have comfortable bedding. Reserve your bed for sleep; not work – don’t bring your screens into the bedroom.

#2 NUTRITION 

When you don’t eat right, your brain can’t function well. Eat a breakfast with protein. It’s equally important to eat a balanced lunch. Use a fruit snack and a burst of exercise to combat the blahs. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables to feed your brain the micronutrients it needs. Watch the amount of coffee you drink.

#3 EXERCISE

Beyond a doubt, exercise is one of the best tonics available for your brain. You can start by walking every day with a friend. Likewise, try to schedule time each week to play a game of some sort; i.e., golf, squash or tennis; or join a gym.

#4 MEDITATION

Did you know that mediation can lower stress levels and blood pressure, increase energy and cognitive function, and make you calmer and happier?  You can start by sitting in a comfortable chair, both feet on the floor and both hands comfortably placed on your lap. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. In, out. Watch your thoughts float by like leaves on a river. Try not to evaluate your thoughts, but rather let them pass by without a comment or a care. You can meditate for just a 5 minutes or more. Meditating daily will help you focus better.

#5 MENTAL STIMULATION

When you stretch your brain by trying new tasks or doing everyday tasks in a way you’ve never done them before, you are doing something that will not only enhance your ability to maintain focus, but also help stave off the ravages of aging, include dementia.

#6 CONNECTION

The human connection is the most powerful force in the world for growth, health, fulfillment, and joy. I call connection “the other vitamin C” or “vitamin connect.” You can get tips on ways to connect here.

In this follow-up video, I discuss adult ADHD, diagnosis & next steps. If you’re an adult who thinks you may have ADHD, it’s important to see a professional to get diagnosed.

Adults who have ADHD but do not know it are at much higher risk than the general population for serious problems. Depression and anxiety usually occur when ADHD goes undiagnosed. Even if depression and anxiety are treated, the underlying problem, if left untreated, leads to other problems.

An ADHD Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ADHD should mark the end of the worst times and the start of better times. Especially in adults, by the time the diagnosis finally gets made, a lot of bad years may have piled up and misery may saturate the person’s life. The diagnosis of ADHD tips all that to the good When this diagnosis’s made, right on that very day, right at the moment of diagnosis, the diagnosis shifts the bad that has happened into the light of science and out of the darkness of moral condemnation.

Most adults with ADHD are in such a hurry that even when everything appears to be going well in life, they don’t stop long enough to observe why their performance is inconsistent and they’re off their game.  By taking the time to consult with a professional to get an ADHD diagnosis, you take the first step towards laying claim to a better life. Give it some thought. No matter how well you’re doing, consider the fact that you could be doing even better.

Next Steps

Once the diagnosis is made, the next step is to find and develop your talents and develop. Usually a professional with set up a treatment plan.

Click here to learn how the Hallowell Centers can help you “unwrap your gifts.”

ADHD Tips on Diagnosis.

Want to learn more about diagnosis? Listen to Dr. Hallowell’s Podcast on Unmasking ADHD: An In Studio Diagnosis.   

In this VIDEO, on Adult ADHD & High Achievers, I explore why it’s not uncommon for high achieving adults who have ADHD, who may or may not know it, not to get help. A lot of people think that if you’re doing well in life, like Bubba Watson, or other successful people with ADHD, you don’t need help. As a child and adult psychiatrist and someone with ADHD, I know firsthand that adults with ADHD who are diagnosed and treated live a much better life than those who aren’t.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) does not have to keep you from achieving your dreams. When managed right, ADHD can take you to the very top. When managed incorrectly, it can lead you down a terrible path. That’s what makes ADHD so interesting. It can make you or it can break you. Find out why getting the proper help can make the difference.

LISTEN to Jaime Diaz discuss Dr. Hallowell and Bubba Watson.

Interested in learning more about Adult ADHD, click here.

Do you have questions about ADHD? Dr. Hallowell answers the top 10 ADHD questions HERE.

In Part 2, which will be released on Thursday, I’ll discuss the steps towards making an ADHD Diagnosis and the kinds of help available for adults.

Dr. Hallowell explains in this VIDEO how to reclaim your focus at work with ADHD.

• He discusses the “salience network” and the default mode network (DMN), which he calls the “Demon of ADHD.”
• He clarifies how these distractors take you away from the task at hand leading to distraction, negativity and rumination that so often accompany ADHD.
• He shares his strategies on shutting down these distractors so you can manage your ADHD and focus in the workplace.

3 Tips to Help You Focus:

1. Close your eyes. When you are losing focus or feeling confused, the simple act of sitting back in your chair and closing your eyes can, oddly enough, allow you to see clearly. It can restore focus and provide a new direction.

2. Take a break. When you start to glaze over or feel frantic, stop what you are doing. Stand up, walk around, get a glass of water, stretch. Just sixty seconds can do the trick.

3. Do what works. Don’t worry about convention or what’s supposed to work. Some people focus better with music playing or in a noisy room. Some people focus better when walking or even running. Some people focus best in early morning, others late at night. There is no right way, only the best way for you. Experiment and discover what works for you.

Want more tips on how to focus in the work place? Read Dr. Hallowell’s book, Driven to Distraction at Work . Learn about ADT (Attention Deficit Trait), its traits, how it effects your focus and productivity, and what are the six most common distractions at work and how to overcome them.

Are you having difficulty curbing your cell phone addiction? One of the biggest drains on time and mental energy in modern life is what I call “screen sucking.” Screen sucking in when you are mindlessly sending and receiving emails, texting, surfing the net or checking your cell phone or any number of devices while walking, driving, or brushing your teeth. Sound familiar?