“I promise this is the last time I will use… (fill in drug of choice)”. If you are in a relationship with someone who is struggling with addiction, you have most likely heard those words. You probably have believed those words time and time again, only to be hurt and … Read More
Is This Anxiety? Part 2
Anxiety can be overwhelming and feel as though it has taken over your life. Training your body and brain to relax is not an easy process, but with the help of supportive family, a counselor, and close friends you can learn to challenge illogical thought processes, relax physically, and start … Read More
How to Cope with Divorce During the Holidays
It is tempting to feel like your divorce is the end of your life, happiness and holidays as you know it, but there is a way to cope and endure during this time.
Thanksgiving as a Single Person
Imagine a large dining room table full of food, family, and maybe an animal or two trying to locate the best time to attack the turkey that is sitting way too close to the edge. One would think that this scenario is what most people will experience this Thanksgiving. However, what about the single people?
Letter to Parents of an Injured Student-Athlete
You are not alone. Did you know that according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control high school students account for an estimated 2 million injuries each year? Although this may be true, when it happens to your son or daughter you may feel very alone and alienated. After the panic and relief that your child is “ok” wears off, the disbelief and disappointment starts to set in. Does this sound familiar? Depending on the injury, you may begin to wonder how your child’s ability to play will be impacted in the future. You may have feelings of helplessness because you can’t “fix” the situation. All of these feelings and frustrations are very normal but may cause significant emotional distress without proper care. This difficult experience can be managed by a variety of coping skills.
Letter to an Injured Student Athlete
You are not alone. Did you know that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, high school students account for an estimated 2 million injuries each year? Although this statistic is a fact, I know you may “feel” alone. Other feelings that may be surfacing for you are fear, sadness, anger, guilt and disappointment. These feelings can be frowned upon often by coaches, classmates and even parents. I want you to know that these feelings are absolutely normal and you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t feel them at times.
Postpartum Anxiety: The Hidden Disorder
Most people have heard of postpartum depression, a common illness that affects about 15% of new mothers. This isn’t the only mood disorder women can experience after giving birth, though. According to Postpartum Support International, about 10% of new moms have postpartum anxiety and about 5% struggle with postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Self-Compassion: Incorporating It Into Your Life
Why is it we say things to ourselves that we would never say to even our worst enemy? Harsh self-criticism seems to be the norm. But is it really helpful? Instead try a little self-compassion next time you think you’ve messed up.
Self-Compassion: A New Approach to Well-Being
In our highly-driven culture, the common belief is that success depends on being competitive and pushing yourself to your limits. What if this approach proved to be more harmful than helpful? Recent research shows self-criticism and a competitive attitude create obstacles to achieving goals.
Building a Better Brain: Start with Exercise
On Friday, I introduced you to a new concept: research is finding that we can not only “cope” with mental illness but that we can actually do things to build a better brain! Let’s start exploring what exactly we can do to make that happen. It turns out that exercise is not only good for your body but also great for your brain!