In this episode of the Think Good Podcast, Dr. Tayeba Shaikh and Ankur Varma, LCPC discuss the HBO show 'Heated Rivalry,' which explores the complex love story between two gay hockey players. They delve into themes of identity, representation, and the impact of family dynamics on the characters' lives. The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability and emotional connection in relationships, particularly among men, and reflects on the cultural and psychological implications of the show. The hosts emphasize the need for more representation in media and the significance of healthy love in a world filled with challenges.

#Heated Rivalry #LGBTQ #sports #mentalhealth #masculinity #identity #vulnerability

In their first episode of 2026 of the ThinkGoodPodcast, hosts Ankur Varma, LCPC and Dr. Tayeba Shaikh delve into the beloved series 'Stranger Things,' reflecting on its themes and the psychological undertones that resonate with viewers. They explore how the show has impacted their lives over the past decade, emphasizing nostalgia and the portrayal of childhood friendships. The conversation highlights the growth of the characters, particularly the young actors, and the show's ability to address complex issues such as trauma, grief, and mental health through its narrative and character arcs. Ankur and Dr. Shaikh also discuss the significance of community and support in overcoming personal struggles, drawing parallels between the characters' experiences and real-life challenges.

Keywords

#StrangerThings

#mental health

#nostalgia

#trauma

#friendship

#psychologicalthemes

#characterdevelopment

Join Dr. Tayeba Shaikh and Ankur Varma, LCPC, as they dive into the pervasive TikTok diagnosis epidemic and the trend of individuals, particularly Gen Zers (aged 18-28), coming into therapy with self-diagnosed mental health conditions like OCD, autism, or borderline personality disorder, often based on content from TikTok and other social media.

Learn about the complex nature of this phenomenon:

The Problem with "Informal" Diagnoses: The hosts discuss how clients are receiving "informal" diagnoses from TikTok, where algorithms inundate users with videos that affirm and validate a specific diagnosis. The problem is that much of the mental health advice on TikTok is not from clinicians, and one study found that roughly 83% of it is misleading.

Pros and Cons of Social Media: While social media helps to normalize mental health conversations and connect people, reducing feelings of isolation, it also presents challenges like the oversimplification of complex conditions like panic disorder or bipolar disorder, which can potentially delay actual care from a professional.

Clinical Approach to Diagnosis: The therapists explain that a proper mental health diagnosis requires time and clinical judgment. They look for patterns over time, consistency across settings, and functional impact—something that can be missed on social media. They also emphasize the need to weed through symptoms that may actually be related to trauma, anxiety, or stress rather than an underlying disorder.

Reframing the Conversation: Learn how clinicians can embrace a client's social media interest as a sign of motivation, gently guiding them from a self-diagnosis to a more accurate understanding of their experience. The key takeaway is to use social media as a first step for reflection, but then bring that information to a professional for guidance and treatment.

Tune in to understand how clinicians and individuals can navigate this new landscape of digital mental health information.