LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Dr. Layla Salek

Interview with Dr. Layla Salek

Introduction Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Dr. Layla Salek, a retired psychologist with 20 years of experience in private practice. She trained professionals and parents in behavioral psychology techniques to help children with behavioral disorders. Dr. Salek is also the founder of Susie Bean Gives and the author of Chaos in Color, a memoir detailing her experiences growing up with a mother suffering from untreated bipolar disorder.

Living with a Parent with Bipolar Disorder Dr. Salek shares her childhood experience of being raised by a mother with untreated bipolar disorder. During manic episodes, her mother would disappear for extended periods, leaving her alone. When in a depressive state, her mother would remain in bed for days, often requiring psychiatric intervention. She recalls how the mental health system failed to provide adequate treatment, frequently prescribing Valium, which worsened the situation.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder Dr. Lycka and Dr. Salek discuss the extreme emotional swings associated with bipolar disorder and the suffering it causes not only for those diagnosed but also for their families. Dr. Lycka shares his personal experience with his mother’s manic-depressive illness, emphasizing the importance of understanding and support.

The Importance of Forgiveness Dr. Salek explains that one of the key messages of Chaos in Color is forgiveness. She believes that understanding mental illness allows people to let go of resentment and see their loved ones as individuals suffering from an uncontrollable condition. Dr. Lycka agrees, noting that forgiveness is often more about healing oneself than the person being forgiven.

Challenges in Writing Chaos in Color Dr. Salek describes her writing process, initially intending her memoir as a gift to her mother. The stories surfaced out of order, making the writing process emotionally intense. Revisiting painful memories brought unexpected emotional release, leading to significant personal healing. Readers often express feeling immersed in her experiences, which she hopes will inspire them to approach their relationships with empathy and understanding.

Needed Changes in Mental Health Care Dr. Salek emphasizes the necessity of a strong support system for individuals with mental illnesses. She highlights the barriers to accessing mental health care, such as navigating insurance and securing appointments. She praises the pandemic-driven shift toward telehealth services, which made mental health support more accessible for those struggling to leave their homes.

Post-Pandemic Mental Health Trends Dr. Lycka points out an increase in post-pandemic stress, anger, and societal tension. Dr. Salek agrees, noting that while online therapy improved access to care, the pandemic also exacerbated isolation, particularly for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. She stresses the need for community and familial support to combat these challenges.

BIO:

R. Layla Salek, PhD, is retired from a twenty-year private practice. She trained professionals and parents in behavior psychology techniques to help children with behavioral disorders. She sits on multiple boards and is the founder of Susie Bean Gives (www.susiebean.org). 

She just released her first book, Chaos in Color, the captivating story of Layla’s journey from childhood to adulthood with a mother who suffered from untreated bipolar disorder. Each chapter paints a vivid, heartbreaking picture of the abuse, neglect, and trauma that she experienced as she grew up at the mercy of her mother’s bipolar swings, an incompetent mental health system, and the strangers with whom she was often left

She is also a travel photographer and writer and is working on her second book, Dear Caregiver.

Social Media:

Website: https://drsalek.com/