If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, then that first cool hint of air untinged by the humidity of summer doesn’t make you feel excited for the beginning of Fall. Where others become inspired by the changing colors of Fall foliage, the flavors and spices of seasonal recipes, and the anticipation of the holiday season just around the corner, you begin to fear …
Babies…cute, cuddly, sweet, adorable. Right? Well, yes… and no. Now I know some people love taking care of babies and I have incredible respect for anyone who can do this and do it well. Major confession time: I am not a baby person. There. I said it and I mean it. Colic is Hell Don’t get me wrong, …
“I’m Tired of Taking These Pills!” You want to stop taking your medication. It’s too expensive. You’re feeling the stigma at the pharmacy, thinking people are looking at you differently, wondering why you’re taking them. You’re sick of the side effects. You’re tired of having to put up with so much to get a little relief. You say you …
So You Want to Stop Taking Your Anti-Depressant Medication? Read More »
Have you survived something very difficult in your life? A tough childhood? A major trauma? An abusive marriage? It takes a lot to go through the steps of naming your pain and feeling your pain and moving from being a victim of something very traumatic or painful to being a survivor. Just Surviving Is No Fun The past is …
Don’t Try! I mean it. Don’t try to change. Not one thing. Not your bad habits, your bad behavior, or your bad attitude. Surprising advice from a therapist? Not at all! Here’s why. Trying Doesn’t Work If there is something in your life that isn’t working, trying to change it isn’t going to work, either. The only thing that is going …
Pets for Mental Health Pets add immeasurably to the quality of life…. so much so that I have often advised clients to get one in order to improve their mental health. Pets can give you a reason to get up in the morning if you suffer from depression or grief. Pets can help lower blood pressure and relieve …
Have you ever decided you were going to make a change in how you eat or how active you are and you make a plan and set your goals and… you don’t follow through with it? If the answer is yes… it means you’re human. But wouldn’t you like to be able to stick with something for once? …
Why Can’t My Psychiatrist Be More Like My Therapist? “My psychiatrist doesn’t listen to me!” “I just walked out with 2 more prescriptions!” “15-minute med checks… give me a break!” These are some of the complaints I hear on a weekly basis from clients who see psychiatrists for psychotropic medications to help them manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, …
Many people feel shame and want to know what they can do about that awful black feeling inside, with good reason. Feeling shame is toxic. It affects how a person thinks and feels about themselves, their self-worth, what and who they deserve in their life, and harboring feelings of shame can lead to self-destructive choices and behaviors if …
Everyone is looking for a good “life hack,” something that makes life easier and better. Here is one that definitely does both: it’s what I call “Decide on the Daily.” It’s short for “decide how to get the things done that you deal with on a daily basis.” Here is what it means in practice. The “Dailies” Think …
