Revisited – Lights, Camera, Anxiety: Impact of Fame on Mental Health With Dr. Jason Schiffman

In this revisited episode, we are joined by Dr. Jason Schiffman. He is the founder and Director of Camden Center, a nationally recognized center of excellence for treating mental health and addictive disorders. First, Jason explains whether celebrities struggle differently than the rest of us and how the support system of a celebrity differs from the general public. Later, Dr. Schiffman discusses the complexities and benefits of group therapy for someone who is in the public eye. Tune in as we speak about the importance of vulnerability to building the foundation of emotional wellbeing.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:30] Do celebrities struggle differently than the rest of us? 
• [08:50] How does the support system of a celebrity differ from the general public?
• [15:35] The problems related to having celebrities in group therapy. 
• [21:35] The importance of vulnerability to building the foundation of emotional wellbeing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The drive that can lead to a sufficient amount of work ethic to become famous is the same thing that can drive you to develop shame-related emotions.
• Support happens from anyone who really authentically cares about that person. 
• Putting a celebrity in a group therapy session can cause problems in terms of the dynamic between that person and the other group members. 
• To improve your psychological well being, you need to find the strength to be vulnerable. 

LINKS MENTIONED:

Website

www.camdencenter.com

BIO:

Jason Schiffman, MD, MA, MBA, is the founder and Director of Camden Center, a nationally recognized center of excellence for the treatment of mental health and addictive disorders located in Los Angeles and San Francisco.  He earned his Medical Doctorate and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern California (USC) and completed his residency in psychiatry at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior where he served as chief resident of the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Program. Upon completion of residency, Dr. Schiffman founded the UCLA Dual Diagnosis Program where he continues to serve as Medical Director. Dr. Schiffman is a diplomate of the National Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is also board certified in Addiction Medicine. 

Dr. Schiffman has extensive research experience in molecular biology and is the author of numerous scientific publications in this field. He is a nationally recognized expert on addiction and co-occurring mood, anxiety, and trauma related disorders, and has written extensively on the subjects of addiction, anxiety, and trauma in both the academic and popular press.

One of Dr. Schiffman’s primary interests is the development of novel healthcare systems for the treatment of psychiatric and addictive disorders. His goal in establishing Camden Center was to create a facility where patients could receive world-class treatment that resulted in true recovery.