I don't pretend to understand what it's like to be intersexual. Most of the autobiographical stories, written by intersexuals, that I've read online talk about years of living with pain, shame, confusion, embarrassment and depression. (Read Dr. Croft's blog post: What is Intersexuality?)

This post is written by Kailana, who is intersexual. Here, she discusses the impact of the intersex diagnosis and her experieces as an intersexual. She is an upcoming guest on the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show this Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 at 7:30p CT, 8:30 ET.

Imagine the psychological torture of being told by others that you look fine, yet inside, you know that your (perceived) physical deformities make you unattractive. That is the crux of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).

Having a baby is a thought to be a miracle. The baby is born and although mom may be extremely tired, in the days that follow, there's also joy and happiness that surrounds the event. For some women, though, it's a very trying time. Mood swings, insomnia and fatigue set in and get in the way of the mother caring for her newborn baby. On the extreme end, some mothers with postpartum depression end up committing suicide or even killing their own child or children.

Imagine you're so nervous about eating around others, you break out in sweats just at the thought of it. And by the time you arrive for the meal, you're sick to your stomach. Our guest, Aimee White, understands the problem. She has social anxiety disorder (social phobia) and on the show, Aimee provided us with insight into how social anxiety disorder has impacted her life; leaving her somewhat isolated and unable to eat around others.

Have you ever been uncomfortable in social situations? Have you ever felt nervous about a first date, before a big presentation or public performance, or maybe your first day at a new job? These situations often make the heart beat rapidly and cause sweat to build.

Abusers are predators. Many have an uncanny ability to portray themselves as caring individuals, pillars of the community. "At home, they are intimidating and suffocating monsters," says Sam Vaknin, author of Malignant Self-Love, Narcissism Revisited and our guest this coming Tuesday.

Last Tuesday, we covered an unusual aspect of suicide; surviving it. After listening to our guest Patricia Gallagher relive her husband, John’s, failed suicide attempts, we understand that although he survived, there were many pieces left to put together. The Gallagher’s dealt with shame and initially decided not to divulge too much information to friends and family.

As you know, suicide is never a pleasant subject. Often times, bouts of depression are so strong that those suffering feel the only way out is to end their life. What family members are left to deal with is unbearable, as feelings of loss and guilt take over. But what happens when the suicide attempt fails? It seems that situations such as these are not any easier to deal with.