412: Abandonment by Husband & Addicted to Checking Phone

412: Abandonment by Husband & Addicted to Checking Phone

Author: Robert Duff, Ph.D. August 30, 2024 Duration: 25:26

In this episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I address two intense and relatable listener questions.

The first question comes from a listener who feels abandoned by their spouse after a traumatic car accident left them with PTSD and potential brain injury. I provide insights on the possible brain injuries they might have sustained, while also discussing the complexities of their strained relationship and offering practical advice for moving forward.

In the second question, a listener struggles with constant phone checking and tech addiction. I offer actionable tips for managing phone usage, including identifying and challenging assumptions, creating a conscious phone use plan, and finding accountability.

This episode aims to provide support, clarity, and practical guidance for listeners dealing with trauma, relationship challenges, and tech overdependence.

This episode is brought to you by NoCD. Overthinking can be more than just a habit—it might be a symptom of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). NoCD provides virtual therapy sessions with licensed therapists specialized in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, the gold standard treatment for OCD. To learn more, visit http://nocd.com and schedule a free 15-minute call.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 
01:16 Listener's Question: Dealing with Trauma and Relationship Issues
02:33 Understanding Brain Injuries from Car Accidents
08:05 Addressing Relationship Concerns and Seeking Separation
08:11 Sponsor Break: NoCD
15:14 Listener's Question: Overcoming Phone Addiction
17:07 Tips for Reducing Phone Usage
25:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Please send questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com 


Robert Duff, Ph.D., is a neuropsychologist who finds most self-help advice too sanitized to be useful. On The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych, he cuts through the fluff with a direct, science-backed approach. Each episode is built on the premise that real improvement requires honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations. Duff brings his background in neuroscience and clinical psychology to interviews with a wide range of fascinating guests, dissecting topics from mental health struggles and relationship dynamics to the latest brain research. Listeners consistently note his skill at asking pointed questions that get to the heart of an issue, then translating complex psychological concepts into language anyone can apply. This isn't about quick fixes or vague positivity; it's a practical, evidence-based look at how our minds work and how we can work with them better. The tone is conversational and grounded, like getting actionable advice from a knowledgeable friend who isn't afraid to tell it like it is. Whether exploring anxiety, habits, or the science of motivation, this podcast delivers substance without the jargon, making professional insights accessible for everyday life. You'll find the discussions are both deeply informative and surprisingly relatable, a combination that has built a dedicated audience for Duff's unique perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Podcast Episodes
414: Does COVID-19 Make ADHD Worse? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:54
Managing ADHD and Long COVID: Strategies for Cognitive Challenges In this episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, Dr. Robert Duff addresses a listener's question about the impact of COVID-19 on ADHD symptoms. The list…
413: Therapy Search is BROKEN w/ Colleen Marshall from Two Chairs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:17
Revolutionizing Therapy: Colleen Marshall on Two Chairs' Matching Process In this episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, Dr. Robert Duff interviews Colleen Marshall, Chief Clinical Officer at Two Chairs, a company de…
411: Reparenting and Attachment with Dr. Judy Ho [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:55
Breaking Cycles: How Attachment Shapes Our Lives with Dr. Judy Ho In this episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, host Dr. Duff interviews neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho, a tenured professor at Pepperdine University an…
410: Being a Weirdo SAVED Tony Weaver Jr. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:32
In this episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, Dr. Robert Duff chats with Tony Weaver Jr., an award-winning author and educator dedicated to mental health advocacy and better representation in media. Tony shares his…
409: Are You Afraid of Breathing? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:57
In this episode, Dr. Duff shares personal experiences and discusses the concept of being afraid of breathing. He highlights how anxiety and overthinking can lead to the sensation of not breathing properly. Dr. Duff expla…
406: People Are WRONG About OCD w Dr. Patrick McGrath of NOCD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:13
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Patrick McGrath, Chief Clinical Officer at NOCD and a leading expert in OCD treatment. We dive deep into understanding OCD, debunking common misconceptions, and exploring the most eff…