It’s that time of year when many of us commit to making changes in our lives. Unfortunately, New Year’s resolutions tend to fail at notoriously high rates (over 80% in most studies). So, what can you do to “beat the odds” and, more importantly, set yourself up for a great year to come? Here are […] Read more…
It’s no secret that communication can make or break any relationship, especially a romantic relationship. You can think of communication within a marriage like a life-giving river. When communication fails, a dam develops, which stops the flow of the water. When water stops flowing it becomes stagnant and life cannot thrive. The same applies to […] Read more…
In many ways, our self-talk becomes our life. Self-talk can be positive or negative, and how one chooses to speak to themselves has a major impact on the quality of their life. Negative self-talk can lead to a downward spiral of self-defeating thinking, which leads to an unhappy life. So, in this article I’m going […] Read more…
We all go through numerous transitions in our lives. These periods of change, and the subsequent adjustment to this change, can sometimes be difficult and stressful. Here are 8 tips to help you survive (and perhaps even thrive) during these transitional times in life. Understand Life’s Major Transitions Some changes are part of a natural […] Read more…
Are you expecting a new baby? If so, you’re probably wondering how your sleep is going to be affected by your new family member. After all, babies cry and they need a lot of attention…at all hours. So, how can you avoid being a “zombie” during these first few post-partum months? And, how can you […] Read more…
Ending a meaningful relationship is hard, whether you decided to end it or it was the other person’s decision. You’re likely dealing with a lot of conflicting emotions. That’s normal. Just try your best to allow these “roller coaster” emotions to flow. And, of course, realize that getting over a breakup takes time and patience. […] Read more…
In addition to any professional treatment you may receive (such as psychotherapy and/or medication) designing and implementing a personal “self-care” plan is essential to your long term mental health. Self-care refers to activities or practices you engage in on a regular and consistent basis that reduce stress and enhance both short-term and long-term well-being and […] Read more…
Sex, Conception, and Relationships When you’re not trying to have a baby, sex can be exciting, spontaneous, romantic, fun … and, well, SEX! When you’re trying to conceive, however, sometimes, it can be quite a different story. If this is the first month you’ve decided to “try”, you may experience new feelings around sex. If […] Read more…
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an agonizing mental illness that can be difficult to understand. It is poorly portrayed in the media, not easily understood from reading the many textbook descriptions available, and commonly misdiagnosed by many psychiatrists, unfortunately, who may be inexperienced in treating OCD. But, the good news is that treating OCD is possible! […] Read more…
It is essential to understand the signs and symptoms of increased suicide risk. I am writing this article because September is National Suicide Awareness & Prevention Month. In future blog posts, I will be writing a series on how to properly open a conversation with someone who is potentially suicidal. I will also discuss how […] Read more…