Commanding Confidence: How Military Veterans Navigate Impostor Syndrome with a Dash of Humor
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After nearly 20 years working as a psychologist — supporting military personnel as a civilian psychologist, serving in the federal prison system, and running my private practice — I’ve learned one thing: impostor syndrome isn’t exclusive to the corporate world. Even veterans, who marched through boot camp with unyielding precision, can find themselves doubting wheth...
From Camouflage to Cubicles: The Top 10 Comedy Tactics for Battling Work-related Anxiety
After nearly 20 years as a psychologist — including supporting military personnel as a civilian psychologist — I’ve discovered that work-related anxiety can sometimes feel as relentless as an unexpected ambush. But if there’s one thing my diverse journey has taught me, it’s that a well-timed laugh can be the difference between collapse and composure. Here are my top 10 practical tactics t...
Attention, Medium Warriors! Unleashing the Power of Laughter for Optimal Workplace Mental Health
Hey there, fellow professionals! Over my career journey — ranging from high-stakes operations in challenging settings to navigating the unpredictable battleground of modern workplaces — I’ve learned that laughter is more than just a quick escape from stress. It’s an essential tool for cultivating mental health and enhancing our performance on and off the frontlines (read: boardrooms...
Deploying Happiness: Bringing Military Mental Resilience to the Professional Battlefield
Fellow warriors of the corporate realm!
In my career — shaped by high-stakes missions and unexpected tactical surprises — I’ve discovered that mental resilience isn’t reserved for the frontlines; it’s also an essential strategy for the daily professional battlefield.
Drawing on insights gathered from my journey through unpredictable operational theaters and complex environments, I’ve lea...
The Art of Tactical Napping: Recharging Your Brain for Maximum Productivity
Greetings from the frontlines of corporate chaos! Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate that even on the busiest days, a well-timed nap can be as critical as any strategic maneuver. Drawing from experiences in high-pressure environments where even a brief pause could mean the difference between mission success and failure, I’ve learned that tactical napping isn’t just a luxury — it’s a productivity tool...
Reveille for the Mind: Waking Up to the Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace
Good morning, Medium warriors! As someone who’s navigated high-stakes environments where every moment counted — and later translated those lessons to the professional realm — I’ve learned that mental resilience is as indispensable as any tactical strategy.
Here are a few actionable tips to help you elevate mental well-being in your workplace:
Morning Briefings for the Brain: Just as a soldier gath...
Good morning, corporate warriors! In my journey from high-pressure environments to the boardroom battleground, I’ve discovered that a well-timed dose of dry wit can transform a stressful day into a rallying cry. Who says you can’t mix a bit of sarcasm with sincere leadership?
Here are a few actionable tactics to help you channel your inner drill sergeant (with a smile):
Rousing Roll Call: Start your meetings like a morning briefing — kick things off with a playful, tongue-in-cheek gree...
Reporting for Duty: Embracing Vulnerability and Promoting Mental Well-being in the Office
Hello everyone,
I’m stepping into your feed today with a mission: to share a few battle-tested strategies for embracing vulnerability and boosting mental well-being at work. Over the years, I’ve navigated some formidable terrains — think high-pressure operations, unconventional negotiation battlefields, and those moments that feel like you’re defusing a ticking time bomb of stress. While my “...
PTSD in the Conference Room: Healing Wounds and Crafting Success Stories
Ever found yourself leaving a conference room feeling like you just survived a battlefield briefing? I know I have. Over the years, I’ve navigated some pretty rugged terrains — think environments where the stakes were high, and the boardroom felt more like a tactical operations center than a place for simple PowerPoint slides.
Here are a few actionable tips that I’ve honed (sometimes the hard way) to transform th...
The Humor Brigade: Building Resilient Teams in the Face of Workplace Challenges
I once heard someone say, “You can’t fix a broken team with a broken joke — but maybe you can fix it with a well-timed one.” Over nearly two decades working in high-stakes environments (let’s just say I’ve seen the inside of some very interesting briefing rooms), I’ve learned that a good laugh isn’t merely an icebreaker — it’s a catalyst for resilience.
The Rebel’s Guide to Corporate Rebellion: Maintaining Sanity in a Sea of Business Jargon
After nearly two decades of navigating the maze of human behavior — from hardened environments requiring split-second decisions to more conventional realms of corporate strategy — I’ve learned a thing or two about cutting through the cacophony of buzzwords and empty corporate speak.
Let’s be honest: in a world where “synergy” and “pivot” are more common than actual solutions, maint...
Strategic Self-Care: Balancing Ambition and Mental Health on LinkedIn’s Battlefield
Hello, LinkedIn warriors! (OK….you too, Medium movers!)
Every day on this platform feels like stepping onto a modern-day battlefield — endless notifications, off-the-cuff advice, and the constant hum of ambition. Over the years, I’ve navigated environments where the stakes were high (and not just in the quarterly report meetings), learning firsthand that protecting your mental space is as critical as...
GLP-1 Agonists and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Ozempic’s Emerging Role in ADHD
By Dr. Jerry D. Smith Jr., Clinical & Forensic Psychologist
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I have spent decades immersed in the intricacies of ADHD — from its nuanced neurodevelopmental roots to the real-world challenges of assessment and treatment. Working in both government-funded institutions and private practice has given me a unique vantage point on the spectrum of ADHD, and along the way, I’ve witnessed how multifacet...
Patient Perspectives: Experiences of Using Ozempic for ADHD Management
By Dr. Jerry D. Smith Jr.
I have spent decades as a clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in ADHD assessment and treatment. Through my work in private practice and government settings, I have encountered a kaleidoscope of patient experiences, sometimes unexpected in their source and outcome. One of the more recent off-label approaches patients have explored involves Ozempic — an agent classically approved for...
Comparative Analysis: Ozempic Versus Traditional ADHD Medications
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By Dr. Jerry D. Smith Jr.
I’ve spent decades assessing and treating ADHD — from forensic evaluations in government settings to tailored therapeutic interventions in my private practice. In my experience, the intersection of pharmacology and psychology often leads us into fascinating comparisons and, sometimes, unexpected intersections in treatment. Today, I want to dive into an unconventional, yet intriguing, ...
The Future of ADHD Treatment: Could Ozempic Pave the Way for New Therapies?
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By Dr. Jerry D. Smith Jr.
Over the years — as both a clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in ADHD assessment and treatment — I’ve witnessed firsthand how shifting paradigms can transform patient care. My extensive work in both private practice and government sectors has taught me that innovation in treatment emerges at the crossroads of clinical insight and emerging scientific eviden...
Navigating Off-Label Medication Use: What to Know About Ozempic for ADHD
By Dr. Jerry D. Smith Jr.
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Over the course of my career as a clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in ADHD assessment and treatment, I have seen firsthand how innovative ideas can challenge and expand our treatment paradigms. Working in both private practice and government institutions, I have learned that off-label medication use often ignites heated debate — a debate that calls for scientifical...
Deploying Laughter: How Stand-Up Comedy Can Heal Military Minds
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Let’s face it: military life is no joke. But maybe it should be. After nearly two decades of working with service members, I’ve seen firsthand how the uniform comes with its fair share of stress, trauma, and enough acronyms to make even the most seasoned soldier consider a drink — or five. And while therapy, medication, and good old-fashioned denial (seriously, stop doing that) are staples of mental health ca...
General Anxiety: Conquering Your Fears, One Ridiculous Battle Tactic at a Time
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Let’s talk about war. Not the kind waged with tanks and drones, but the war raging inside your own skull. The one where General Anxiety sits at the helm, barking orders like an overly caffeinated drill sergeant, deploying an army of “what-ifs” to sabotage your peace of mind.
Now, I’m no stranger to battles — having worked with military personnel, I’ve seen the toll that combat takes on the...
The Sergeant’s Guide to Mental Health: Accepting That Sometimes You Just Need a Hug
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Listen up. I know what you’re thinking: “A hug? Really? What kind of new-age, tofu-eating nonsense is this?” But before you start rolling your eyes so hard they end up in the back of your skull, hear me out. I’m not here to tell you to trade your combat boots for yoga mats or start journaling about your feelings while sipping chamomile tea (though, honestly, it wouldn’t kill you to try i...
Grenades of Gratitude: Exploding Negative Thoughts Through Positive Affirmations
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Let me start by saying this: if you’ve ever tried to “stay positive” while your life is on fire, you already know how ridiculous the concept can feel. “Oh, just think happy thoughts!” they say, while you’re dodging metaphorical grenades in your daily battle zone of deadlines, disappointments, and that one colleague who chews so loudly they could double as a human woodchipper.
Camouflage Your Worries: How to Blend In With the Zen Crowd
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They say the military teaches you discipline, resilience, and how to fold a fitted sheet under duress. What they don’t tell you is that after decades of service, transitioning to civilian life can feel like parachuting into a yoga retreat where everyone’s talking about “chakras” and “manifesting abundance” while you’re just trying to figure out where the nearest exit is. Trust me, I’ve been there. As a psyc...
Boot Camp for the Brain: Training Your Mind to Do Push-Ups of Positivity
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Attention, civilians and mental health warriors alike! If you’ve ever caught yourself drowning in negativity faster than a recruit forgetting to tread water, it’s time to enroll in “Boot Camp for the Brain.” That’s right — drop and give me 20… thoughts of positivity, that is. As a psychologist with nearly two decades of experience, including working with some of the toughest, most resilient i...
Field Guide to Mental Health: Spotting the Elusive Unicorn of Inner Peace
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After nearly two decades of being a professional head-whisperer, including time spent untangling the psychological pretzels of military minds, I’ve come to one profound conclusion: inner peace is like a unicorn — everybody wants one, but nobody’s quite sure if they actually exist.
Let me tell you something about chasing that majestic beast called mental wellness. It’s not like those nature document...
Mastering the Art of Mental Push-Ups in the Corporate Trenches
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To my fellow Medium warriors, battle-tested veterans of the corporate grind, and caffeine-fueled survivors of yet another “quick” team sync — this one’s for you.
As a psychologist with nearly two decades of experience (yes, including working with military personnel, federal inmates, and folks navigating the minefield of private life), I’ve seen resilience play out in all its gritty, glorious, and sometimes ...
From Boot Camp to Boardroom: Overcoming Post-Military Madness in the Business World
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After nearly 20 years working alongside military personnel, navigating the corridors of the federal prison system, and managing a bustling private practice, I’ve learned a thing or two about transitioning from rigid structure to corporate chaos. It turns out that boot camp discipline doesn’t just vanish when you swap your uniform for a tailored suit — it transforms into what I affectionate...
I am a psychologist by training — a clinical and forensic one at that — someone who has spent the better part of a career helping others navigate trauma, grief, loss, and the countless complexities of the human condition.
And yet, when my mother lay dying in hospice, I felt wholly unprepared.
There is a strange kind of disorientation that comes when professional knowledge meets personal heartbreak. I u...
By Dr. Jerry D. Smith Jr, Clinical & Forensic Psychologist
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As a clinical and forensic psychologist who has spent over two decades navigating the complexities of ADHD assessment and treatment — in both private practice and government settings — I’ve always been intrigued by the potential of innovative therapies. Most recently, I encountered discussions about Ozempic (semaglutide) p...
Why a Fundamental Principal of Psychology Lost the American People and Won the Election for Donald J. Trump
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Over the past few years, I have watched with mixed feelings as the field of psychology — praised for its progressive insights and dedication to inclusive values — has increasingly attempted to apply its therapeutic principles to the broader realm of governance. A...
Recent online discourse has been dominated by the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on our social media interactions. With platforms increasingly integrating AI tools to curate content, detect harmful behaviors, and personalize user experiences, it’s clear that we’re entering a new era of digital psychology-one that raises as many questions as it answers...
After nearly 20 years as a psychologist, I’ve learned two universal truths about humanity: first, we all have demons, and second, most of us are terrible at dealing with them. When I say “demons,” I don’t mean the kind that require a priest and some holy water. I’m talking about those nagging insecurities, old wounds, irrational fears, and the little voice in your head tha...
As a clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in ADHD assessment and treatment, I’ve seen the complexities of this condition play out in countless ways. ADHD isn’t just about fidgety hands or wandering minds — it’s a condition deeply intertwined with broader systems in the body, including our metabolism. So, when my patients started asking about Ozempic, the popular ...
As a clinical and forensic psychologist who has spent over 15 years assessing and treating ADHD in settings as varied as federal prisons, military bases, and government disability evaluations, I’ve seen ADHD manifest in ways that are as unique as the individuals I work with. From the inmate who couldn’t sit through a single therapy session without interrupting 15 times to the Army sergeant...
Ryogonji Temple in Irokawa Village, Wakayama Prefecture
I never imagined that my career as a U.S.-educated psychologist and crisis negotiator would lead me to invest in a 170-year-old Japanese temple. Yet here I am, stepping into the world of cultural preservation with Ryogonji Temple through PlanetDAO. This investment isn’t merely a financial decision — it’s a heartfelt commitment ...
In a world beset by uncertainty and a longing for rescue from our daily ills, we often look to larger-than-life figures for hope — a modern savior to step in when the weight of our collective problems seems too great to bear. Yet, a closer examination reveals that the very notion of needing a superman — whether he is a comic book hero clad in red and blue or a Christ figure in disguise — can be as problem...
Introduction: A Paradigm Shift in Mental Health Care
I remember the first time I sat across from a U.S. soldier struggling to put words to his pain. He had faced combat, loss, and the relentless demands of military life, yet he couldn’t identify what was wrong. “I feel… broken,” he said finally, his voice barely audible. This moment, which could have been dism...
Healthcare today is at a crossroads. The increasing prevalence of mental health disorders, substance use challenges, and chronic illnesses demands more than traditional medical approaches. For healthcare leaders — administrators, clinical directors, and policymakers — integrated behavioral health (IBH) offers not just a solution but a tr...
Integrated behavioral health (IBH) is revolutionizing the way we think about and provide mental health care. At its core, it combines mental health services with primary and specialty medical care to treat the whole person. Yet, despite its transformative potential, IBH remains underutilized, and its benefits underexplored in many communities. Through my experiences as a clinical ...
As a psychologist working within the U.S. military in a hospital setting, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges of managing public health crises. These challenges grow exponentially when mental health care systems are stretched thin and inadequately prepared for the cascading effects of a global event like a pandemic. Reflecting on my experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and my o...
Integrated behavioral health (IBH) has become a buzzword in healthcare circles, touted as a revolutionary model for addressing complex mental and physical health needs. As a clinical and forensic psychologist working in a hospital setting with U.S. military personnel, I have seen IBH’s promise firsthand — and its challenges. The truth about IBH is far more nuanced than the glowin...
Burnout in healthcare is not a new phenomenon, but it has become alarmingly prevalent in recent years. The global pandemic placed an unprecedented strain on healthcare systems, leaving providers exhausted, disillusioned, and, in many cases, questioning their purpose. As a psychologist working with the U.S. military and embedded within a hospital setting, I’ve witnesse...
When I first moved to Okinawa, adjusting to the unique challenges of working within a U.S. military hospital while navigating a foreign culture was both exhilarating and daunting. I distinctly remember sitting in a meeting about mental health services, hearing colleagues discuss the increasing levels of burnout among medical professionals. What struck me most was the...
When I moved to Okinawa, Japan, and began working with the U.S. military in a hospital setting, I wasn’t immediately struck by how intertwined physical and mental health truly are. It took years of listening to service members’ stories of chronic pain, depression, and substance use, compounded by the cultural stigma surrounding mental health, to realize how deeply the two are connect...
In an era where distractions lurk behind every screen, text notification, and even well-meaning coworker, the pursuit of genuine focus has become, for many of us, a challenge akin to climbing a mountain. But the pursuit of focus isn’t just about reducing distractions; it’s also about cultivating an internal environment that fosters presence, purpose, and, ultimately, productivity. ...
As a clinical and forensic psychologist working with the U.S. military in Okinawa, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative potential of integrated behavioral health (IBH). Every day, I engage with individuals whose mental health struggles intertwine with physical, emotional, and environmental factors. I’ve witnessed the profound impact of...
Japan, often admired for its rich culture, technological innovations, and vibrant history, faces an increasingly visible social challenge: social isolation (shakaiteki koritsu) and loneliness (kodoku). These phenomena are not new, but they have gained significant attention in recent years as Japan’s aging population and cultural dynamics converge...
In a time of rapid technological advancement, relentless social change, and often conflicting cultural values, leadership demands more than authority and strategic prowess. Today’s most effective leaders foster an environment where connection, understanding, and authentic human interaction are valued as much as hard metrics and bottom lines. I have seen this ap...
In a world more connected than ever, relationships are paradoxically becoming more fragile. Why are so many partnerships that start out with optimism, shared dreams, and deep affection unable to stand the test of time? Why, despite increasing awareness of emotional intelligence, empathy, and communication skills, do we see more couples struggling or opting out of relationships altoge...
Japan, a country known for its cultural richness, technological advancements, and deep historical roots, has long battled a pressing social issue: mental health, particularly related to suicide. Despite the nation’s global reputation for economic prosperity and a high quality of life, Japan has historically experienced elevated suicide ra...
In a world increasingly obsessed with quick fixes and Instagrammable quotes, self-help books are the secret sauce many hope will miraculously transform their lives overnight. But what if we donned our psychological spectacles and peered deeper into the ink-stained pages of the top 10 bestsellers in the genre? Let’s embark on a thrilling ride thr...
Japan, with its rich cultural traditions and rapid modernization, remains a country of contrasts. On the one hand, it is known for its advancements in technology and its role in shaping global pop culture. Yet, on the other hand, Japan faces persistent social issues, with gender equality and women’s rights being among the most pressing. In recent years, the...
If you’ve ever found yourself doubting your achievements, attributing them to luck or other external factors, or feeling that one day someone will “unmask” you as a fraud, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon, especially among high achievers and those in demanding fields. I see it regularly in my work as a clinical and forensic psychologist, particularly with those who serve...
