It is, or is it, what we think it is? Throughout the summer and now, early autumn, there has been much press given to the issue of domestic violence. During this period, the National Football League, in particular, has been targeted as notable players were cited in incidents. The Ray Rice video, especially, was appalling…
During my first course in Psychology my professor said, “If you are living with a loved one with a mental illness—they may be making you feel like you are going crazy.” Even the word “crazy” can be associated with disgrace for someone who struggling to accept a mental health diagnosis. I want to encourage you…
“Times have changed” is a phrase that has been used throughout the ages to indicate that nothing ever really stays the same. To initiate seeing a counselor can sometimes seem quite daunting. Who does one call? “Do I really need a counselor? Maybe things will just get better with time. I wouldn’t really have a…
I will never forget the day that my mother took my grandma to an interview for assisted living. My grandma pointed to my mother and said, “I am not sure who this person is; I think she is my sister-in-law or someone.” My mother burst into tears but pressed through to advocate for grandma’s needs….
How striking to learn that nearly 80% of people with depression do not get treated! According to the Center for Disease Control and prevention, (www.cdc.gov/) about 9% of the population may be experiencing depression. The National Institute for Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov/), reports, further, that women are 70% likely to experience depression. These are eye-popping stats,…
Mindfulness is a new buzz word almost everywhere! Just what is mindfulness and how can it benefit us in our everyday life? The definition of mindfulness is being present in the moment, in the now, and experiencing all the senses in this moment in time. It is not thinking about the past, nor delving…
We have entered into the season fondly referred to as “March Madness;” exciting for all of the basketball fans, out there; however, there is another kind of madness that seems to enter into this season, as well. It begins with Mardi Gras. March also brings on “Spring Break,” partying and St. Patrick’s Day (continue reading…
Let’s face it, life can present overwhelming challenges produced anxiety, despair and confusion. Each of us has our fair share of problems to solve but how do we know when seek professional help for mental anguish or with a particular situation. How do we know when our family would benefit from outside assistance within the…
Besides the word ‘sex,’ stress is one of the most mentioned ‘S’ words that impacts our life in significant ways. We in the behavioral health field, as well as those in the medicine, have pretty much vilified stress over the years, with its impact on heart disease, and other systems of the body. New scientific…
Stress is a CHOICE? We often think of stress as something that just comes upon us. For those of you who read The Wonders of Stress Part 1, you know that where there is a part 1, a part 2 is sure to follow. Part 1 described how stress can be a dread, or an…